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Heroin Use on the Rise

As a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer, I have seen the problems drug can cause first hand. That's why it is sad to learn that heroin use has been on the rise in the Washington, D.C. area, especially among young people. This is part of a national trend. Since 2007, there was a 66% increase across the country of people who reported using heroin in the past year. Police say this because of an increased crackdown on prescription drugs and a decrease in the price of heroin. Because of this price decrease, more young people are using heroin than ever before. In response to this, Virginia passed a law called “Alicia's Compass,” which requires health care providers to follow up with the parents of a minor who has overdosed on a substance, providing them with treatment options and information about rehab clinics.

Fairfax Criminal Defense Lawyer on Heroin Possession Penalties

While overdosing on heroin is a very serious medical emergency, it is not the only negative effect heroin can have on a person. If a person is caught with heroin, they can face up to ten years in prison while manufacturing or distribution can land a person in jail for up to forty years. With such serious penalties, a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer needs to be skilled in order to keep his client out of jail for a significant amount of time.

However, for a person who has been arrested for their first possession charge, a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer may be able to work out a plea deal with the prosecution that would consist of no jail and instead of consist of:

  • Probation
  • Drug testing
  • Drug education classes
  • Fees and fines associated with these programs

Because the penalties can vary so much depending on the circumstances of your arrest, it is best to contact a Fairfax criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with possession of heroin.

Areas Served by the Law Firm

The law office serves clients throughout Virginia including those in the following localities: Fairfax City; Fairfax County including Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Herndon, and Vienna; the City of Alexandria; Arlington County including Arlington; the City of Falls Church; Augusta County, including Staunton; Fauquier County including Warrenton; Frederick County including Winchester; the City of Fredericksburg; Loudoun County including Ashburn and Leesburg; Clarke County, including Berryville; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra, Prince William County including Occoquan, Triangle, Quantico, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Haymarket, and Manassas; Spotsylvania County including Lake Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse; Stafford County including Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Falmouth; Warren County including Front Royal; Shenandoah County, including Woodstock; Rappahannock County, including Washington; Madison County; Greene County, including Stanardsville; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra; Caroline County, including Bowling Green; Hanover County; King and Queen County; New Kent County; City of Hopewell; Prince George County; York County, including Yorktown; Chesterfield County; Henrico County; Westmoreland County, including Montross; King George County; Greensville County, including Emporia; Prince George's County; and Sussex County.

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