Simple possession under federal law is prosecuted under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., carrying penalties that can include up to one year in prison for a first offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Hanover County, Virginia, providing representation for clients facing federal simple possession charges at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Simple Possession Lawyer in Hanover County, Virginia
Federal simple possession is defined under the Controlled Substances Act, specifically 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. This statute prohibits the knowing or intentional possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Federal drug penalties are significantly harsher than state charges, with mandatory minimums based on drug type and quantity. For a first offense of simple possession, you face up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000. Subsequent offenses carry increased penalties, including up to two years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to federal criminal defense in Hanover County.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq.
For the full text of the federal simple possession statute, see 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue federal simple possession charges with aggressive sentencing recommendations. We have observed that federal agents, including the DEA and FBI, often build cases through surveillance, informants, and controlled buys.
- Invoke your right to remain silent immediately upon contact with law enforcement.
- Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or home.
- Request an attorney and do not answer questions without counsel present.
- Preserve all evidence, including receipts, communications, and documents.
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney within 24 hours of arrest.
- Attend all court appearances as required by the U.S. District Court.
In Hanover County, federal simple possession carries penalties under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq., including imprisonment, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense Simple Possession | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Minimum $1,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Supervised release up to 1 year; no parole |
| Second Offense Simple Possession | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years | Minimum $2,500 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Supervised release up to 2 years; no parole |
| Simple Possession with Prior Drug Conviction | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $5,000 | Federal driver’s license suspension possible | Supervised release up to 3 years; no parole |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including simple possession charges, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr. Sris personally oversees each federal case, ensuring that clients receive experienced representation from a former prosecutor who understands federal court procedures.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Hanover County, including documented results in federal criminal matters. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Results may vary.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 20 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), with access via I-95 and I-295. As a drug possession defense lawyer Hanover County and personal use defense lawyer Hanover County, we serve the communities of Mechanicsville, Ashland, Atlee, Beaverdam, and Doswell. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 201-9009 | (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Possession in Hanover County
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq.
Federal charges carry harsher penalties and no parole compared to state charges.
What is federal criminal court and how is it different in VA?
Federal criminal cases in VA are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Court and carry harsher sentencing guidelines than state charges. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles federal defense — (888) 437-7747. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has jurisdiction over Hanover County.
Federal court in VA has stricter sentencing and no parole.
How do federal sentencing guidelines work in Hanover County, Virginia?
Federal sentencing at U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines — a points-based calculation using offense level and criminal history category. While advisory since Booker (2005), guidelines strongly influence sentencing. Mandatory minimum statutes override downward departures in many drug offenses. Acceptance of responsibility, substantial assistance (§ 5K1.1), and safety-valve eligibility materially reduce exposure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — (888) 437-7747.
Federal sentencing uses a points-based system that strongly influences the final sentence.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against simple possession charges?
Defense strategies for simple possession in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 21 U.S.C. § 841 et seq. to build the strongest possible defense. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia handles these cases.
Defense strategies include challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing simple possession charges in Virginia?
If facing simple possession charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action. Call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone.
For more information about federal criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also find our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Albemarle County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Alexandria pages useful. For related practice areas, see Business Purchase Lawyer Hanover County and DUI Lawyer Hanover County.
Last updated: 2026-05-01 | Verified: 2026-02-20