Marijuana Possession Lawyer Greene County, VA
If you are facing a marijuana possession charge in Greene County, Virginia, the court location at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973 is where your case will be heard. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends individuals in the Greene County General District Court and Circuit Court. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Greene County General District Court — At a Glance
Marijuana possession cases in Greene County begin in the Greene County General District Court (GDC), located at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. The court is part of the Sixteenth Judicial District and is presided over by Hon. Claiborne H. Stokes Jr. The clerk of court is Jennifer Rae Currier. Court business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. The GDC handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; marijuana possession charges that rise to a felony level are later transferred to the Greene County Circuit Court for trial or jury proceedings.
Our Fairfax location at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 appears regularly in Greene County courts on behalf of clients. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 for directions and to schedule an appointment. Free parking is available at our Fairfax location.
How Marijuana Possession Cases Move Through Greene County Courts
After an arrest or summons for marijuana possession over one ounce (the legal limit for adults 21+ in Virginia), the defendant appears before a magistrate for a bond determination. Bond may be personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors or a secured bond for more serious charges. The first court date is an arraignment in Greene County GDC. For a misdemeanor allegation, the court sets a trial date; for a felony possession charge, a preliminary hearing is scheduled to determine whether probable cause exists to certify the case to the Circuit Court.
Virginia offers a first-offender program under Va. Code § 18.2-251 that allows deferred disposition for certain drug possession offenses, including marijuana. If the court grants the program, the defendant completes probation conditions and the charge may be dismissed. Defendants also have the right to appeal an adverse GDC decision to the Greene County Circuit Court for a new trial.
What to Expect at the Greene County Courthouse
When you appear at 85 Stanard Street, plan to arrive early to navigate security and locate your courtroom. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes the case. The judge evaluates the evidence, any motions filed by your attorney, and whether a first-offender or diversion program is appropriate. In our practice, Greene County judges apply the law with attention to the specific facts of each case and consider mitigating factors. Dress appropriately, and follow your attorney’s guidance on what to say — anything you tell others can be used against you.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. They have documented 4,739+ case results since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana possession still a crime in Virginia?
Yes, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana remains a criminal offense in Virginia, as does possession of any amount by a person under 21. Possession of one ounce or less by an adult 21 or older is legal under the 2021 Cannabis Control Act. Over one ounce can be charged as a misdemeanor; amounts over four ounces or any amount with intent to distribute can be felonies. The potential consequences include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Where are Greene County marijuana cases heard?
Misdemeanor marijuana possession charges are heard in the Greene County General District Court at 85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville, VA 22973. Felony possession charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the GDC before proceeding to the Greene County Circuit Court for trial.
What defenses exist for marijuana possession in Greene County?
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the search or seizure was lawful, whether the substance was properly tested, and whether the defendant qualifies for a first-offender or diversion program. In some examinations, procedural errors by law enforcement can lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charge. Each case depends on its own facts.
What is Virginia’s first-offender program for marijuana?
Under Va. Code § 18.2-251, a first-time marijuana possession charge can be deferred. The defendant enters probation with conditions such as substance-abuse screening, community service, and remaining drug-free. Upon successful completion, the court discharges the defendant and dismisses the charge. This outcome avoids a conviction and may make the charge eligible for expungement.
How does a lawyer help at the Greene County General District Court?
An attorney can negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or amendment of the charge, file motions to suppress evidence, and present mitigating factors to the judge. Plea bargaining is permitted under Rule 3A:8 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Commonwealth’s Attorney and defense counsel may negotiate a plea agreement, which the court may accept or reject. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a marijuana possession charge in Greene County?
Even a misdemeanor marijuana conviction creates a record that can affect employment, professional licenses, and housing. An attorney can identify whether the charge qualifies for deferred disposition or whether a constitutional challenge to the stop or search is available. Early legal advice protects your rights before you make any statements or decisions. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What is the difference between the GDC and the Circuit Court for possession cases?
The Greene County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. If a felony charge is certified, the Greene County Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the felony trial. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in the Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
Can a marijuana possession charge be expunged in Greene County?
Virginia allows expungement for charges that end in acquittal, nolle prosequi, or dismissal. Most convictions cannot be expunged. However, a successful first-offender deferral under § 18.2-251 results in a dismissal, which may qualify the charge for expungement. Results may vary.
How do I choose a marijuana possession lawyer in Greene County?
Look for an attorney who is familiar with the Greene County courts, understands Virginia’s drug laws after the 2021 legalization changes, and has a record of resolving possession cases favorably. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented case results across Virginia, including at the Greene County courthouse. Results may vary.
Resources and Next Steps
For a detailed statutory review of Virginia marijuana laws, see our full statutory analysis. For a client-focused strategy guide, visit our client strategy guide. (Both accessible on the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Main site.)
If you have been charged with marijuana possession in Greene County, call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your matter with Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. The Fairfax location serves Greene County by appointment at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032.
Serving Greene County and Surrounding Areas
Other localities where we practice:
- Fairfax County Criminal Defense
- Fairfax City Criminal Defense
- Falls Church Criminal Defense
- Prince William County Criminal Defense
- Manassas City Criminal Defense
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. · 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032 · (888) 437-7747 · By appointment only.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.