In Bedford County, simple possession of a controlled substance under Va. Code § 18.2-250 is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Bedford County. A Simple Possession lawyer Bedford County can help you explore first-offender programs.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-250 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia law makes it unlawful to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription medications not prescribed to you. The statute covers actual possession (on your person) and constructive possession (in your control, such as in your car or home). A drug possession defense lawyer Bedford County can explain how the Commonwealth must prove you knew the substance was present and illegal.
For the full statutory language, see Va. Code § 18.2-250 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures and forms, visit the Bedford County General District Court website.
Bedford County General District Court handles all misdemeanor possession trials. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. First-offender programs under Va. Code § 19.2-303.2 allow dismissal upon successful completion of conditions. Defendants have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
- Arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate who sets bond.
- Arraignment in General District Court where you enter a plea.
- Discovery phase where the prosecution shares evidence.
- Pre-trial motions, including suppression of evidence if police conducted an illegal search.
- Trial or plea negotiation; first-offender program may be available.
- Sentencing if convicted, or expungement if charges are dismissed.
In Bedford County, simple possession of a controlled substance is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Possession (Schedule I or II) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension (Va. Code § 46.2-391.2) | Criminal record; potential loss of federal benefits |
| Simple Possession (Marijuana — first offense) | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | 6-month license suspension | Deferred disposition possible under § 19.2-303.2 |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution statute). The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Secondary attorney: Kristen Fisher, former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, joined the firm in 2010. She handles criminal defense matters in Virginia and Maryland.
In Bedford County, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 other favorable (100% favorable outcome rate). Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Bedford County courts (123 East Main Street), accessible via Route 460, Route 122, Route 221, and Route 24.
Simple Possession lawyer near Bedford County — serving Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
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Yes, simple possession of a controlled substance is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Bedford County, carrying up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-250.
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged.
It depends. A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors. Secured bond (10% to bondsman) is typical for felonies.
Yes, even misdemeanors carry up to 12 months jail and create a permanent criminal record. A Simple Possession lawyer Bedford County can help you explore first-offender programs.
Bedford County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Bedford County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.