Our Experience with helping people with Fentanyl charges in Virginia.
People contact The Gordon Law Firm with questions about Posession of Fentanyl charges or Distribution of Fentanyl charges often. We have helped more than 1000 people charged with misdemeanor and felony drug offenses including Possession and Distribution of Fentanyl.
Carlos Wall and Alex Gordon are criminal defense attorneys who are ready to provide sound, honest legal advice and to fight for your best outcome. We are not here to pass judgment. Carlos and Alex understand that good people make mistakes. At our firm, you will receive legal advice, not judgment. We represent clients during the most stressful times of their lives. We are here to fight for you and protect your rights in when you a facing a Fentanyl related drug charge in Virginia.
We start with a free consultation for people charged with the crime of Distribution or Possession of Fentanyl in our office or over the phone. We take the time to learn the facts and the circumstances involved, from your point of view. We will go over the strategies available in your case, and how we can attack issues such as how you were encountered by the police and whether there was probable cause to search during that contact.
We have 30 years of combined experience fighting drug cases like Fentanyl possession. If you hire our firm, only Carlos or Alex will handle your case. Your case will not be transferred to some other lawyer with less experience.
We also believe that you should have access to your lawyer when you have questions. You will be able to call or text Alex and Carlos on their cell phones if you have any concerns.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid drug that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is a Schedule II prescription drug and therefore requires a prescription. It is used to treat patients with severe pain or to manage pain after surgery. I can also be used to help patients with chronic pain who may be tolerant to other opioids. In its prescription form, fentanyl is known by such names as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®. Other names for Fentanyl are Apache, China Girl, China White, Dance Fever, Goodfella, Jackpot, Murder 8, and TNT.
What is the Punishment for Possession of Fentanyl?
Possession of Fentanyl is a Class 5 Felony. The punishments may include:
1 year to 10 years in prison; and/or
1 day to 12 months in jail; and/or
A fine of up to $2500.00; and
A six month loss of your privilege to drive.
You can also be required by a court to complete drug treatment and probation.
If this is your first time being charged with a drug offense and it is for simple possession of Fentanyl, you may be able to complete probation and drug treatment and have the Fentanyl charge dismissed pursuant to Virginia Code Section 18.2-251.
Sentencing and punishment is often determined by a judge. If this is not your first offense, and you are found guilty by a judge, the court will consider Virginia Sentencing Guidelines for your Fentanyl possession conviction.
What is the Punishment for Manufacturing or Distribution of Fentanyl?
Under Virginia Code Section 18.2-248(C), for a first offense conviction of Manufacturing with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl or Distribution of Fentanyl, the penalty is:
A sentence between 5 and 40 years in prison; and/or
and a fine of up to $500,000.
If this is the second offense of Distribution of Fentanyl, or any other Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 substance:
A minimum sentence of 3 years in prison with a possibility of 5 years to Life in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000.
Sentencing and punishment is often determined by a judge. If this is not your first offense, and you are found guilty by a judge, the court will consider Virginia Sentencing Guidelines for your Fentanyl distribution conviction.
What is the Punishment for Possession of Fentanyl with the Intent to Distribute?
Unfortunately there is no difference for merely possessing Fentanyl with the intent to distribute and actually distributing Fentanyl. The potential punishment is the same according to Virginia Code Section 18.2-248(C).