Virginia criminal charge
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine in Virginia
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine is a criminal offense under Virginia law, defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5. Its classification is not fixed: Virginia assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5.
What is the penalty for manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine in Virginia?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 10 years (Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption — Applies when a person knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine, intended for human consumption.; or, at the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both (§ 18.2-10(e))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption — Applies when a person knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine, intended for human consumption.; with the jail-confinement alternative under § 18.2-10(e)) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 |
| Jail / prison | up to 12 months (Possession of medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption — Applies when a person knowingly possesses medetomidine or xylazine intended for human consumption.) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
| Fine | up to $2,500 (Possession of medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption — Applies when a person knowingly possesses medetomidine or xylazine intended for human consumption.; either or both with confinement (§ 18.2-11(a))) | discretionary | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11 |
Applies to current.
How is manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine classified in Virginia?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption | Class 5 Felony | Applies when a person knowingly manufactures, sells, gives, distributes, or possesses with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine, intended for human consumption. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5A |
| Possession of medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies when a person knowingly possesses medetomidine or xylazine intended for human consumption. | Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5B |
Common questions about manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine in Virginia
Is manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?
It depends on the circumstances: manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine ranges from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 5 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5.
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption: class 5 felony (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5A) · Possession of medetomidine or xylazine for human consumption: class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5B)
What are the penalties for manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine in Virginia?
Penalties for manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine in Virginia depend on how it is classified — from a class 1 misdemeanor up to a class 5 felony — with the ranges set by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-10 and Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-11; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Virginia statute covers manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine?
Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-251.5 (Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing medetomidine or xylazine; penalties).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.