If you are ever charged with a drug-related crime in Virginia, it’s critical to speak with a capable criminal defense lawyer, who will be your advocate and work tirelessly for the best result possible under the law. Such was the case for a man when a drug-fueled party in a hotel room, ended with three counts of possession with intent to distribute and one count of drug paraphernalia. While facing criminal charges are always terrifying, if he was convicted of all the charges levied against him, this individual would likely be sent to prison for a very long time. Even a first offense for possession with intent to distribute can result in a 40-year sentence. To make matters worse for this man, the two subsequent charges can be simultaneously considered as second and third offenses, despite occurring at the same time, and would lead to even more time in prison. Now faced with possibly spending the rest of his life in prison, the man was represented by Copenhaver, Ellet & Derrico.
Attorney Michelle Derrico utilized her extensive and cultivated experience in Virginia drug cases and zealously worked to secure a more favorable outcome for her client. Through effective negotiations, attorney Derrico persuaded the prosecutor to withdraw the paraphernalia charge and amend the three counts of intent to distribute into a single offense, which included a radically reduced sentence of time served. Under Derrico’s representation, this client was extremely relieved to drastically modify the charges against him and in turn released from prison, which was a massive win based on the original circumstances.
The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.