Virginia Fentanyl Manslaughter Law In Effect

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Virginia’s New Fentanyl law: A victory For Families, A Warning To Dealers

July 7, 2025

Arlington, Va. A new law cracking down on fentanyl dealers took effect in Virginia this July,marking a bittersweet victory for Faythe Silveira and Debra Frisk.

The two women have tirelessly advocated for stricter fentanyl laws in Virginia over the past year, driven by personal tragedies.

Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Now Possible For Fentanyl Dealers

The new legislation empowers prosecutors to file involuntary manslaughter charges against dealers who sell fentanyl-laced drugs,a significant upgrade from previous distribution charges.

Silveira’s niece, Paula, tragically died from a fentanyl-laced pill on February 4, 2021. Frisk’s son, Keen, died almost exactly one year later, on February 13, 2022, also from fentanyl poisoning.

“We’re glad we got somthing that’s a stricter penalty,” Silveira stated. “Being able to add a charge of involuntary manslaughter will help in deterrence and holding dealers accountable.”

“He was 23, loved life,” frisk recalled about her son Keen, highlighting his passion for sports and his friendly nature.

Legislative Path And Family Advocacy

During the recent legislative session,Virginia lawmakers from both the House of Delegates and senate collaborated on bills targeting fentanyl dealers.

House Bill 2657 and Senate Bill 746, containing identical language, successfully passed both chambers, adding the involuntary manslaughter charge for dealers of laced drugs.

Both Silveira and Frisk testified at legislative hearings, sharing their heartbreaking experiences and advocating for the bill’s passage.

“Its very hard to deal with. Nobody had a chance to say goodbye,” silveira shared, emphasizing the importance of preventing further deaths.

A Message Sent, But The Fight Continues

Families like Silveira’s and Frisk’s pushed for the involuntary manslaughter charge to send a strong message about accountability.

“We truly are broken. He was our only son,” Frisk said, underscoring the devastation caused by fentanyl and her determination to prevent others from experiencing similar loss.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, fentanyl-related deaths in Virginia have decreased by 44% compared to last year, signaling progress in combating the crisis.

silveira believes further action is necessary, including education and widespread access to Narcan, a life-saving overdose reversal medication.

Frisk plans to continue her advocacy when lawmakers reconvene, emphasizing the need for community-wide involvement to combat the fentanyl crisis effectively.

“We cannot do this alone. We need schools,churches,the whole community to get involved with us because it’s going to take an army,” Frisk urged.

The Toll of Fentanyl: A Closer Look

Metric	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025 (YTD)
Fentanyl-Related Deaths	Figure	Figure	Figure	Figure	Figure, down 44% from last year
Narcan Administrations	Figure	Figure	Figure	Figure	Figure

Note: figures represented by Figure are placeholders for actual data. Contact the Virginia Department of Health for specific statistics.

Understanding the Fentanyl Crisis: An Evergreen Perspective

The crisis surrounding fentanyl is a complex issue demanding multifaceted solutions. While Virginia’s new law represents a crucial step forward, sustained efforts in prevention, treatment, and community engagement remain paramount.

did You Know? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This extreme potency significantly increases the risk of accidental overdose, especially when users are unaware that a substance is laced with fentanyl.

Combating Fentanyl: Key Strategies

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating individuals about the dangers of fentanyl, including its presence in counterfeit pills and other illicit drugs.
• Increased Narcan Availability: Ensuring widespread access to Narcan, empowering individuals and communities to reverse opioid overdoses effectively.
• Treatment and Recovery Support: Expanding access to evidence-based treatment options for opioid use disorder,including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies.
• Harm Reduction Strategies: Implementing harm reduction approaches such as drug checking services, to help users identify fentanyl-laced substances and make informed choices.

Pro Tip: Always seek professional medical help promptly if you suspect an overdose. Narcan is a temporary solution,and further medical intervention is frequently enough necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl

What Makes Fentanyl So Risky?

Its extreme potency means even a tiny amount can be lethal. It depresses the respiratory system, leading to oxygen deprivation and death.

How Can I Recognize a fentanyl Overdose?

Signs include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingernails, unresponsiveness, and pinpoint pupils.

Where Can I Get Narcan?

Many pharmacies and local health departments offer Narcan, often without a prescription. Check with your local resources.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a F

Here’s one PAA-related question, formatted as requested:

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What is Virginia’s Fentanyl Manslaughter Law?

Virginia’s law regarding drug-induced deaths, specifically those involving fentanyl, has been considerably strengthened in recent years. The law, codified under Virginia code § 18.2-255.1, addresses situations where someone distributes fentanyl and that fentanyl causes the death of another person. It’s crucial to understand this isn’t simply a drug possession charge; it’s a felony with perhaps severe consequences, often categorized as manslaughter or even second-degree murder depending on the circumstances.

Key Elements of the Law

• Distribution Required: the law focuses on individuals who distribute fentanyl, not simply those who use it. This means selling, giving, or otherwise providing fentanyl to another person.
• Causation: A direct causal link must be established between the fentanyl distributed and the death. This can be complex to prove, often requiring expert testimony.
• knowledge (Mens Rea): While not always required for a manslaughter charge, proving the distributor knew or should have known the fentanyl was hazardous significantly impacts the severity of the penalty.

Penalties for Fentanyl-Related Deaths

The penalties for violating Virginia’s fentanyl manslaughter law are considerable. The specific charge and resulting sentence depend on several factors,including the amount of fentanyl involved,the defendant’s prior criminal record,and whether there was intent to cause harm. Here’s a breakdown:

Charge	Potential Penalty
Fentanyl Manslaughter	5-40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000
second-Degree Murder	5-40 years imprisonment (no mandatory minimum)
Drug Distribution (Fentanyl)	5-40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 (depending on quantity)

Manslaughter vs. Murder in Fentanyl Cases

The distinction between manslaughter and murder hinges on the defendant’s intent. Manslaughter generally involves a reckless disregard for human life, while murder requires malice aforethought – a deliberate intention to kill. in fentanyl cases, prosecutors frequently enough attempt to prove intent by demonstrating the distributor knowingly provided a dangerous substance. The presence of fentanyl, due to its potency, often makes proving a reckless disregard for life easier.

Legal Defenses in Virginia Fentanyl manslaughter Cases