Virginia temporarily grabbed the media’s attention away from the coronavirus on May 21, 2020 when Gov. First offense convictions carry potential jail time of up to 30 days and fines of up to $500. Northam’s point when he called on Virginia lawmakers to decriminalize simple cannabis possession. Starting in July, simple possession of marijuana will no longer be a criminal offense in Virginia. Virginia lawmakers hoped to advance a bill that would eliminate felony drug possession charges and shift a focus to treatment, not punishment, of substance abuse. First-time Offender Program in Virginia A first-time simple possession arrest does not have to result in serious criminal penalties. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam called for the decriminalization of marijuana while unveiling other justice reforms he is proposing for the upcoming General Assembly. Simple possession would be reduced to a $50 civil penalty while those previously convicted under that statute would have their records cleared, according to the governor’s report. Virginia code 18.2-250.1 makes possession of marijuana a Misdemeanor offense. Virginia is the latest state to ease penalties on marijuana. As of today, possession of an ounce or less of Marijuana is a civil offense punishable in Virginia by only a $25 fine — no more arrests or criminal record. Possession of marijuana in Virginia … Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says the state will become “a more fair, just, and equal place” now that simple possession of marijuana will be decriminalized. Consequences of Marijuana Possession in Virginia. Simple possession of marijuana decriminalized in Virginia, prior conviction records now sealed | Gov. However, it does not mean that marijuana possession is legal in Virginia. RICHMOND, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - The simple possession of marijuana carries a much lesser fine than before. Possession of Marijuana in Virginia. Currently, a first offense of simple possession could result in 30 days in jail. Simple possession of marijuana decriminalized in Virginia, prior conviction records now sealed | Gov. T he Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate voted to pass two bills that would legalize marijuana—but questions about regulation and implementation of the bills’ policies have yet to be resolved.. HB 2312 and SB 1406, the House and Senate versions of the bill, respectively, received votes on February 5. On Thursday, a Senate panel endorsed legalizing the possession of recreational marijuana in Virginia by this summer, though legal sales could take much longer. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is heading into the third year of his term in office. On May 21, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed HB 972/SB 2 (the “Amendments”) to amend the Code of Virginia to decriminalize and reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession, and ban-the-box for related charges. Here's a breakdown. RICHMOND, V.A. A second offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries a punishment of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2500. Simple possession would be reduced to a $50 civil penalty while those previously convicted under that statute would have their records cleared, according to the governor’s report . The bill decriminalized simple possession of pot, instead establishing a $25 civil penalty for the infraction. The change was suggested as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee continued to debate a lengthy and complex bill in which few provisions are final. It’s a significant shift in a state where police reported a record 29,000 arrests for marijuana possession in 2018 and a study the prior year found 127 people were … 972, which will eliminate jail time for those found guilty of “simple possession” of the drug.. State law imposes a maximum fine of $500 and a sentence of up to 30 days in jail for anyone caught with marijuana for personal use. This means that being charged with simple possession of marijuana is no longer a crime. Effective July 1, 2020, the Amendments decriminalize possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana, by granting a rebuttable presumption … Lawmakers rejected efforts to fully legalize marijuana this year, but Governor Ralph Northam signed into law eliminating the criminal penalty for possession. WASHINGTON — Virginia Gov. Simple possession of marijuana decriminalized in Virginia, prior conviction records now sealed Second offenses (or if the amount is greater than ½ ounce) will face more severe penalties ranging from up to 12 months in jail to 2 … Virginia Code Section § 18.2-250.1 defines anyone found in possession of marijuana as guilty of a misdemeanor if the amount is less than ½ ounce and they will be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. We strongly recommend that you contact an attorney before taking any action with the Court. Democratic Gov. will this show on my record and how can i get it expunged . Click here for details. Virginia Law: Marijuana Possession Decriminalization Before the new law takes effect, simple marijuana possession is a misdemeanor criminal offense in Virginia. First offenders in Virginia … 4 months ago. If you are issued a citation for simple possession, you will have a number of days (typically 10 days) to report to the Court and either enter a plea or request a hearing. Ralph Northam signed a bill decriminalizing simple possession of … Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond) … What has changed are the penalties for Virginia marijuana possession. Close. Since this issue disproportionately affects people of color, it … Presently, with regards to a first offense,“any person [who] knowingly or intentionally to possess marijuana” is guilty of a misdemeanor and faces up to 30 days in jail, as well as a fine of up to $500. Ralph Northam signed … Ralph Northam signed the law May 21 decriminalizing possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and ensured that convictions for simple marijuana possession … Possession Laws in Virginia. Simple possession of marijuana charge applies when the amount you are accused of possessing is small enough to be used by any individual – usually lesser than 0.5 ounces. And that was exactly Gov. Participants who meet the requirements and conditions can have charges deferred until successful completion of the program. That way, we can look at your case and determine the best possible course of action to mitigate the charge. 614. In a plan to decriminalize marijuana, the Virginia Senate and House of … Virginia, unlike many states, treats simple possession of marijuana as a criminal offense (See § 18.2- 250.1). Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring says the state will become “a more fair, just, and equal place” now that simple possession of marijuana will be decriminalized. A conviction for marijuana possession (first time or subsequent) … And during his annual State of the Commonwealth speech on Wednesday, … Marijuana. Second-time offenders face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge and can be … (WRIC)– On Thursday, a Senate panel endorsed legalizing the possession of recreational marijuana in Virginia by this summer, though legal sales could take much longer. The reform package also includes an amendment that would seal prior conviction records and prohibits employers from inquiring about them, as well as permanently eliminating … Eligible participants who have been charged with possession can be eligible for a drug diversion program. Posted by. i got pulled over for tinted windows. Ralph Northam (D) on Thursday signed into law H.B. Conditions … Sen. If you are found in possession of less than one ounce of marijuana you can be arrested, charged with a crime, and sentenced to a maximum of one month in jail and a $500 fine.