VA is a commonwealth state, they are way more harsh than other s

So listen to 老貓, find a good lawyer to get a plea bargain with the DA to get your case dismissed. Also, don't forget to expunge it from your record after its dismissal, this is very important for your job application and green card/citizen application in the future.

You can fight it by pleading not guilty, but be prepared if you lose, you might be convicted and get a permanent criminal record.