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According to a recent Uniform Crime Report, there is one arrest every 3.5 minutes in Nevada. Approximately 26% of those arrests are due to drug abuse violations.
In Nevada, drug crime charges carry stiff penalties, including possible imprisonment, hefty fines, and a criminal record. Individuals charged with possession or use of illegal drugs are encouraged to seek the immediate help of an experienced drug crimes law firm as soon as possible. A strong defense can play a vital role in getting your drug charges and penalties reduced or dismissed.
At The Vegas Lawyers, our drug crimes lawyers have an impressive track record of successfully representing individuals facing misdemeanor and felony drug offenses in Nevada. If you’re facing drug crime offenses in federal or state court, contact us today to speak with a proven drug crimes lawyer. Call us at (702) 707-7000.
Nevada routinely ranks in the top 10 states with the largest percentage of illicit drug use. While many professionals have recognized the ineffective nature of the “war on drugs,” Nevada continues to prosecute drug offenses aggressively.
However, individuals convicted of possession, use, or sale of drugs can expect more than legal consequences. In addition to possible imprisonment, drug offense convictions can lead to the following problems:
Although drug use is more accepted now than it was 10 or 20 years ago, there is still a stigma attached to drug offense convictions that could affect you long after your arrest. If you’ve been charged with a Nevada drug offense, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation from a trusted and experienced “drug crimes lawyer near me” as soon as possible.
Drug offenses are among the most serious charges in Nevada. Overall, the penalties for drug crimes depend upon a few factors, including the type of drug, amount, criminal history, and more. In some cases, individuals charged with drug offenses can get their charges dismissed by completing a court-ordered drug treatment program. However, you must be eligible for the program.
Fortunately, recent changes in the law help to protect individuals on probation or parole for drug crimes. For example, you are less likely to have your probation or parole revoked for inconsequential reasons like forgetting to update your personal information.
A drug crimes jail sentence and criminal record shouldn’t be taken lightly. Our drug offense attorneys understand the severe consequences associated with a conviction. We will do everything in our power to aggressively advocate for your rights and seek the most favorable outcome for you and your family.
Perhaps the most important factor in drug felony and misdemeanor punishments is the type of illegal substance you possess. Like the federal government, Nevada uses drug crime schedules to classify illegal and addictive substances. The five drug crime schedules include:
The Nevada drug crimes schedules are a great starting point to understand drug felony and misdemeanor penalties. However, the manner in which you possess the illicit substance also plays a major role in drug crime consequences.
Individuals suspected of possession with intent to sell or use can be arrested and charged with drug possession in Nevada. Generally, there are three types of illegal drug possession cases that trigger prosecution. They include actual possession, constructive possession, and joint possession.
Whether you’re charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or use, how and where the police find the drugs can play a major factor in drug possession charges and penalties. If you’re facing drug possession charges, contact us to speak with a drug criminal defense lawyer today. For a free and confidential consultation, call (702) 707-7000.
The circumstances of your arrest will have a significant impact on the type of drug offense you’re charged with. Generally, the most common types of offenses a defense lawyer helps clients with include possession, possession with intent to sell or distribute, and drug trafficking charges. Learn more about each below.
Possession Of Illegal Drugs In Nevada
According to NRS 453.336, an individual can face drug possession charges if the police find illegal drugs on your body or suspect that you were in control and had authority over the substance. The consequences for possession of illegal drugs depends on the type and amount of drugs involved in your case.
Generally, the penalties for possessing schedule I or II drugs include the following:
It’s important to note that Schedule III, IV, and V drugs carry varying penalties depending on the type of drug in your possession. A conviction for possession can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Contact us today to speak with a narcotics attorney familiar with the penalties for possession of illegal drugs in Nevada.
Possession With Intent To Sell Or Distribute
In Nevada, the amount of illegal drugs in your possession is not a determining factor when law enforcement charges you with possession with intent to sell. Generally, the police can elevate possession offenses to possession with intent to distribute so long as they suspect an intent to sell the drugs. If convicted, penalties can include, but are not limited to:
Drug Trafficking Offenses In Nevada
Drug trafficking charges are based on the type and quantity of illegal drugs. Individuals can be charged with drug trafficking offenses if they manufacture, sell, distribute, deliver, or traffic drugs into Nevada in large amounts. Generally, the penalties for drug trafficking in Nevada include prison time (10 – 25 years or more), fines potentially as high as $200k, and a felony conviction. Of all drug charges, drug trafficking is considered the most serious by both state and federal authorities.
Whether you’ve been charged with possession, possession with intent to sell, or drug trafficking, a conviction could lead to severe consequences. Working with a proven narcotics attorney can significantly increase your chances of reduced or dropped charges.
The good news is that marijuana is no longer a Schedule I drug in Nevada under state law. The same is not true, however, with respect to federal law where marijuana currently remains a Schedule I drug. However, even under state law, you can still be charged with some marijuana related crimes. For example, if you possess more than 1-ounce of marijuana or 3.5g of concentrates (but less than the requirement for trafficking), law enforcement can charge you with a criminal misdemeanor and up to $600 in fines.
If you possess between 50lb and 5,000lb (or more) of marijuana, you may face felony drug trafficking charges. A conviction for trafficking marijuana could result in an extensive prison term (up to life) and fines up to $200k. Since the legalization of marijuana in Nevada is relatively new, there is still a lot of grey area concerning marijuana drug offenses.
If you’ve been charged with illegal possession of marijuana, it’s in your best interest to consult with a drug arrest attorney at your earliest convenience. Lawyers specializing in drug charges understand the complexities and unclear nature of marijuana drug offenses. Contact us today to speak with drug offence lawyers you can trust.
The Vegas Lawyers is a premier drug crimes law firm in Nevada. We handle all types of drug offense cases in both state and federal court and are confident that we can help you as well. Drug crimes can be complicated and there are many nuances to the laws that require a skilled and experienced attorney to help navigate. Having the right lawyer in a drug case can mean the difference between going to jail or walking out of court a free person.
Chapter 453 of the Nevada Revised Statutes outlines various drug offenses and penalties in the state of Nevada. We’ve provided an overview of the most common drug offenses in Nevada below:
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Nevada, it’s recommended that you immediately contact an experienced drug defense lawyer to help you maintain your freedom and keep your record clean.
Prison isn’t the only solution to drug crime convictions. Depending on the circumstances of your case, Nevada courts sometimes offer diversionary programs in lieu of prison time. Diversionary programs offer individuals convicted of low-level drug offenses an opportunity to complete an intensive rehabilitation program. If accepted into the program, defendants are typically placed under probationary supervision until they finish.
New changes expanding the reach of diversionary programs allow individuals convicted of certain drug offenses more opportunities for rehabilitation and deferred sentencing. Generally, the expansion of Nevada diversionary programs includes the following:
If you’ve been charged with a low-level drug offense, you may be eligible for a Nevada diversionary program. However, it can be a complex and complicated procedure, especially without the help of a drug crime attorney.
Can you be charged for having drugs in your system? That depends on the details of your case. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable drug crime attorney for answers to your case-specific questions.
Drug crime charges are a serious matter. However, a skilled drug case lawyer has many defense strategies at his or her disposal that may apply to your situation. Some of the most commonly used defense strategies for drug crime cases include, but are not limited to the following:
It’s crucial to remember that the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced drug crime defense attorney can help cast doubt on your case in the minds of the judge or jury which could lead to dismissed or reduced charges.
Nevada’s drug laws can be confusing to many people (tourists and residents alike). With that in mind, we’ve provided answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about Nevada drug laws.
If you have specific questions about your case, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Nevada legalized medicinal marijuana in 2000. However, the state did not record its first sale of medical marijuana until 2015. Recreational marijuana became legal in Nevada in 2017.
Even though recreational marijuana is legal, it’s important to note that it is illegal to purchase more than one ounce of marijuana at a time. Furthermore, individuals who buy, sell, or otherwise unlawfully distribute marijuana are still subject to Nevada drug laws and penalties.
It’s legal to grow recreational marijuana in Nevada. However, you must live at least 25 miles away from the closest authorized dispensary. Individuals are allowed to grow up to 6 plants (no more than 12 in a household).
If someone cultivates more than 12 plants, they may face felony charges.
The drug crime laws in Nevada are identical for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors. Regardless of where you come from, if you’re convicted of a drug crime in Nevada, you could face jail time, fines, community service, or more.
Currently, drivers who have any detectable amount of THC in their system can be charged with a marijuana DUI. Recently the legislature has moved to change the law so that prosecutors must prove impairment (not just the presence of THC) for a DUI conviction.
Since the laws haven’t officially changed yet, it’s in your best interest to abstain from driving after partaking in marijuana. Otherwise, it could lead to severe penalties.
Most drug charge cases in Nevada are eligible to be sealed. However, the amount of time it takes to seal a criminal record seal depends on the conviction. Furthermore, you must wait until the required amount of time has passed before becoming eligible.
If your case is dismissed, you may be eligible for an immediate criminal record seal. Contact us today to learn more.
Potentially, yes. Non-citizen immigrants who are arrested for drug crimes in Las Vegas can get deported. It’s important to note that if a non-citizen alien even admits to illicit drug use, they could face deportation proceedings (even if they are not convicted).
If you’re facing drug crime charges in Las Vegas, Nevada, you need a knowledgeable, skilled, and affordable lawyer. We’re confident that we can help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation, including a possible acquittal, reduced charges, and lessened penalties. Don’t gamble with your future when you don’t have to. Contact The Vegas Lawyers today at (702) 707-7000 for your free and confidential consultation.
At The Vegas Lawyers, we know that it’s not just about your case… it’s about your life!
Anthony Abbatangelo ESQ.
Michael Humphreys ESQ.
Arelice Parra
Paul Padda ESQ.
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Disclaimers: The information contained herein is not intended, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice. Because each situation is different, a person seeking advice regarding a particular situation should consult in person with an attorney.
