Virginia | Criminal Law
U.K. citizen found with illegal substance at airport
I am a U.K. citizen working in the U.S. on a visa. I was recently given a summons to appear in a Virginia Court after being found with a small ammount of marijuana at a Virginia Airport. I would like to know the consequences this entails? Will it affect future application for green card? Is it more serious because it was found in an airport? Should I retain a lawyer for court appearance? I have no prior record.
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2 Answers
Answered on: 1/07/03, 11:30 pm by Michael E. HendricksonRe: U.K. citizen found with illegal substance at airport Even a resolution of the charge of marijuana possession with an SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence)in the Commonwealth of Virginia could get you booted from the country.
The fact that the marijuana was discovered on your person within the confines of an airport would not make the basic charge any more serious.
Given the fact that you're not even a citizen of the U.S., the answer is, yes, by all means, retain competent defense counsel to represent you in this criminal matter which could well result in your deportation from the United States in the event that you're convicted. Did you find this answer helpful?0 Users found this answer helpful. 0 Attorneys agree with this answer. Attorney & Counsellor at Law 211 North Union Street Suite 100 Alexandria, 22314 ► Other answers from this attorneyShare This On:
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Answered on: 1/07/03, 3:17 pm by Sudeep BoseRe: U.K. citizen found with illegal substance at airport The drug possession charge will certainly have serious consequences to you with immigration issues if you are convicted. Even one simple possession charge can have consequences to your future immigration plans into the U.S.
As far as a U.S. citizen facing the charges, the seriousness of the charge is less prominent. Most first time offenders will retain attorneys who are able to plea bargain the charges as a first time offense with a suspended imposition of sentence. This usually entails entry to a drug rehabilitation program and general good behavior.
The jurisdiction of the charge is also of import. Federal courts will always be more stringent in sentencing than Virginia state courts.
Should you have further questions, please call 703-926-3900. Did you find this answer helpful?0 Users found this answer helpful. 0 Attorneys agree with this answer. Bose Law Firm, PLLC - Former Police, Prosecutors & Investigators 6354 Rolling Mill Place, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22152 ► Other answers from this attorneyShare This On:
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