Virginia Beach has seen its share of crimes over the years. From drug distribution to assault and battery, many people in Virginia Beach and surrounding areas have been charged with a crime. However, Virginia Beach’s chief of police recently reported that the 2016 crime rate was as low as it was in the mid-1960s. In fact, people’s interactions with police have decreased since 2010, as have the number of traffic violations in the area.
Unfortunately, the crime rate among juveniles is still much higher than it should be, particularly when it comes to rape and robberies. Over one-third of rape arrests were young men. Young men were not the only ones getting into trouble. Certain areas in the city saw an increase in robberies and other violent crimes such as aggravated assaults with guns.
Another common problem in Virginia Beach is the use of heroin. Many Virginia residents have been charged with possession or distribution of heroin. Statistics show that heroin usage in the area has not decreased since 2015.
Drug charges have some of the most serious penalties, particularly if the charges include manufacturing, trafficking or distribution. For example, trafficking 100 grams of heroin or more may result in five years to life in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. The severity of the consequences will depend on the type and quantity of drugs as well as the intent of the person in possession of the drugs. Virginia residents facing drug charges may also face additional penalties, such as driver’s license revocation, for selling drugs to a minor at least three years younger than the seller. To potentially avoid these consequences, those facing drug charges and other crimes should come up with a powerful defense to present in court.
Source: The Virginian-Pilot, “Virginia Beach’s low crime rate on par with what it was in the mid-1960s, police chief says,” Alissa Skelton, Jan. 27, 2016