Virginia legal term
Controlled substance in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Controlled substance” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Controlled substance” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Controlled substance" means a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI of this chapter. (Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3401)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Obtaining drugs, procuring administration of controlled substances, etc., by fraud, deceit or forgery
- Penalties for sale, etc., of drug paraphernalia
- Delivery of drugs, firearms, explosives, etc., to prisoners or committed persons
- Distribution of certain drugs to persons under 18 prohibited
- Eligibility for parole
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Possession of firearms while in possession of certain substances
- Prohibited equipment related to manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance
- Prohibiting the sale or manufacture of drugs on or near certain properties
- Manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.