The court will offer the offenders treatments if necessary 3. If you were charged with simple possession of a controlled substance, such as marijuana, you may be eligible for Virginia’s First Offender Program. In Virginia, a first offender program is available for those charged with drug possession, regardless of the type of drug. This is a 20-hour program for probationers which focuses on substance abuse and its relationship to highway safety, health, and addiction. For first offense felony drug charges in Virginia, the state also offers a special drug court—a first time offender may elect to participate in a drug program in exchange for reduced penalties or even dismissal of the case. This program is based on the belief that people have the power to change their behavior if they have the motivation and tools to do so. The offender will even pay the fees for enrolment in substance abuse program 5. The program is most often utilized for possession of marijuana charges. Most of those possession charges involve marijuana. Virginia’s First Offender Diversion Program for Drug Possession (18.2-251) Immigration Immigration holds and deportation Immigrant status Show 14 more The vast majority of drug charges are for simple possession by a first-time offender. Virginia’s First Offender (“251”) Program While the penalties described above are certainly a possibility in all criminal cases, the court will rarely throw the book at you for a first offense. To qualify for the first offender program, a person must establish several elements, which include the following: The individual has been found guilty of simple possession of a controlled substance The individual has not before committing the offense or been convicted of violating a federal or state law related to a controlled substance This program is designed to help people with substance abuse problems. Persons charged with drug possession as a first offense are usually eligible for treatment as a first-offender, under Virginia Code Section 18.2-251. In Virginia, the police can charge possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance based on the circumstances and other evidence at the scene – cash, baggies, packaging, scales. 1. Many of those defendants will be asked by a judge whether or not they want to enroll in the “251 program.”. Va Code § 18.2-251 outlines the criteria by which first offenders may be placed on probation to have the charge dismissed. The first offender program is a way for people charged with there first drug offense to have the charge dismissed! The offenders will be going through substance abuse assessments 2. What are the terms and condition for first offense probation in Virginia? Virginia’s First Offender Diversion Program (18.2-251) The vast majority of drug charges are for simple possession by a first-time offender. The offender will pay all the cost and fines 4. First Offender Program Va. Code §18.2-251 allows for the deferred disposition and dismissal of a first offense possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance charge if the offender completes a rigorous probation program. Even a tiny amount of a Schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance can potential land you a charge of intent to distribute.