{"id":376927,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-cocaine-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-11-01T15:44:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T20:44:19","slug":"virginia-cocaine-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-cocaine-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Cocaine Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Virginia Cocaine Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Virginia\u2019s Drug Control Act laws mirror the federal Controlled Substance Act. Virginia state law puts drugs under schedules according to their medical use, risk of abuse, and safety. Cocaine<\/a> is a Schedule II drug since it has some legitimate medical uses, although it has a high risk of abuse and addiction.<\/p>\r\n

There is no minimum personal use amount allowed under the drug code of Virginia. Any amount of cocaine is unlawful. Like most states, Virginia\u2019s drug courts<\/a> offer first-time non-violent offenders a chance to get treatment for substance abuse rather than a prison sentence.<\/p>\r\n

Subsequent offenses and other offenses, such as distribution and sales, have harsher penalties than simple possession. This article reviews the drug offenses and penalties in the Commonwealth of Virginia.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia Cocaine Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Cocaine is illegal in Virginia. Penalties depend on the type of offense and the amount of the drug involved.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia Cocaine Possession Penalties<\/h3>\r\n

In Virginia, simple possession of cocaine<\/a> is a Class 5 felony. Knowing possession of any Schedule I or Schedule II drug is punishable by one to ten years in prison<\/a>. The jury or judge in a simple possession case has the option of sentencing the defendant to 12 months of jail time, a $2,500 fine, or both.<\/p>\r\n

Virginia Cocaine Sale or Distribution Penalties<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Possession of a controlled substance for sale or distribution<\/a> is a more serious offense than simple possession. Unlike some states that have separate definitions for distribution and sales, Virginia makes no such distinction. Penalties include<\/a>:<\/p>\r\n