Las Vegas Drug Lawyer
Even though Las Vegas is nicknamed “Sin City,” Nevada has some of the toughest laws in the country in regards to drug charges. Sentences often involve counseling on top of large fines, fees, and in some cases mandatory imprisonment. Nevada drug laws aren’t always easy to interpret and certainly not always easy to defend against once you have been charged. The Nevada drug laws cover prescription drugs, medical marijuana and widely used recreational drugs. If you are charged with any criminal offense dealing with drugs you will want to hire a highly experienced drug lawyer to fight for your rights and get you the best outcome on your case.
Possession of Drugs
There are many different ways that the prosecution can charge and prove a case for possession of drugs. Further, possession for the intent to sell the drug is a felony offense. These are serious charges and you will want an experienced drug lawyer representing you to protect your future.
Sale of Drugs
The sale of drugs includes the acts such as selling, trading, administering, or giving away drugs, or offering to do any of those acts. Unlike possession for the purpose of sale, you must have actually acted or offered to act illegally. Contact our drug lawyer today if you have any questions regarding your drug charges.
Trafficking of Drugs
Sale of a controlled substance is different from drug trafficking. A drug trafficking felony involves much larger quantities of certain drugs, such as those classified as Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances, among others. Trafficking in drugs is defined as knowingly or intentionally selling, manufacturing, or bringing into Nevada large amounts of controlled substances. You can also be charged for trafficking for being in actual or constructive possession of large amounts of controlled substances. Trafficking is the most serious drug offense and may result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence if convicted. Make sure to consult our drug lawyer before your criminal hearing.
Drug Charge Details
Drug charges can be a bit confusing. This is because drugs are sometimes labeled in different ways than most people recognize them. For instance, in Nevada, cocaine is considered a narcotic, though it isn’t scientifically a narcotic. There are also different types of drug charges. For example, manufacturing a drug is a completely different charge than using a drug or even selling it. In some cases, manufacturing charges stem from items in the household rather than being caught making the actual drugs. For example, if you are caught with crystal meth and also have common cleaners or cold remedies where you were arrested, you could also be accused of manufacturing crystal meth. These are serious charges with serious consequences. It’s important to have a competent defender with experience as a drug lawyer.
Marijuana Lawyer Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada happens to be one of the cities in the United States that a resident or visitor can legally enjoy the freedom of the decriminalization of medical marijuana. However, this freedom doesn’t quite extend to recreational use just yet. If you are 21 years of age and over and don’t have the medical issues or have not yet established the medical documentation required to legally possess marijuana, you can still be charged with a crime if you are caught in possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia. This also applies to those who exceed the possession limits or are from out of state and have not yet filed the proper paperwork allowing them to legally possess a limited amount of marijuana. In the case of marijuana charges it is still wise to hire a smart drug lawyer to handle your case.
Unless you have a valid Nevada medical marijuana card or a valid nonresident card, then possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $600 or mandatory assessment for addiction for the first offense. A second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 or mandatory treatment. A third offense is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 365 days imprisonment and/or a fine up to $2,000. A fourth or subsequent offense is a category E felony punishable by a minimum of 1 year and maximum of 4 years imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000.
Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, which only adds to the confusion. This means that no matter what the state says, if federal officers make the decision to arrest you, it won’t be the state that you are dealing with. Because the laws vary and have, through the years, become increasingly confusing, it’s wise to hire an experienced marijuana criminal lawyer in Las Vegas.
These Convictions Are THAT Serious
Some people wrongly believe that a marijuana conviction is not that serious. Depending on who looks at your record and where they get their information from, it may not even state that you only had a small amount of marijuana when you were arrested. This isn’t something that is going to make potential employers come calling. In fact, any drug conviction may make current employers withdraw their offer of employment simply because their insurance company may not allow for individuals who are considered drug risks. This is especially true for military, intelligence jobs and those involving the operation of equipment or machinery.
Whether you’ve had issues with using medical marijuana legally or face charges for illegally using or possessing the drug, we can help. A drug charge is one that you should not take lightly. If you have questions concerning these laws, or have been arrested, contact us online or call us immediately at (702) 366-9966.
Crystal Meth Charges
One Of The Most Popular Drugs
Crystal meth happens to be one of the most popular drugs in Las Vegas. It comes in many forms and can be smoked, snorted or injected. Meth is also called many other names, including “ice,” “crank,” “speed,” and “glass.” In its efforts to reduce meth use and trafficking, authorities in Nevada take crystal meth use very seriously and it is considered a Schedule II controlled substance. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Because of this, there are many elements that the courts focus on when dealing with meth charges.
The Differences
In the legal world, there is a vast difference between using meth, making it, and selling it. Each activity holds its own charge and presents its own issues when it comes to public safety. Law enforcement will also take the environment into consideration. For instance, using meth while the custodial parent of a minor who was in the room with you is going to mean harsher penalties than if the child weren’t there. The same is true when it comes to selling and making meth. Keep in mind that the process of manufacturing crystal meth can mean a combination of charges.
The Process
This process involves the release of caustic chemicals that can be dangerous to those around you. Your location and the people you are with will have an enormous impact on the charges you face. If you happen to have illegal chemicals on hand for the manufacturing process, you may face extra charges based on the possession of those chemicals.
As stated above meth is a Schedule I offense and the penalties for the sale of meth are below:
- First offense of sale of a Schedule I or II substance is a Category B felony. This felony carries a penalty of imprisonment for 1-6 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Probation is available on first offenses. This means that the judge can suspend the prison sentence and place the offender on probation.
- Second offense is a Category B felony. Penalty of imprisonment for 2-10 years and a fine of up to $20,000. Probation is not available for a second offense. This means that the judge has no discretion to suspend the prison sentence. A prison sentence is mandatory.
- Third offense is a still a Category B felony. Penalty of imprisonment for 3-15 years and a fine up to $20,000 for each offense. Once again, probation is not available. A prison sentence is mandatory.
Cocaine Lawyer Las Vegas
Whether you were partying and using the drug recreationally or selling it, cocaine charges can result in stiff penalties that affect your life for years. Cocaine is considered a “party drug” and many Las Vegas residents or tourists get caught with cocaine on them. Possessing even small amounts of cocaine is a serious charge and you may not only face expensive fines and fees, but you could end up spending time in jail or prison.
Additional Charges
In addition to dealing with the loss of your freedom, it’s difficult to move on when you have a cocaine‐related charge on your record. With so many things at stake in your life, you need the best Las Vegas drug lawyer building your defense and fighting for you.
No matter what the specific charge is, or your part in the matter, you can be sure that it won’t look good on your record.
Penalties for possession of cocaine is imprisonment for 1-6 years and $5000 fine, a subsequent offense for 1-10 years and $10,000 fine and for a third offense 1-20 years and $20,000 fine.
For the sale of cocaine, the penalty is imprisonment for 1-20 years and $20,000 fine, a subsequent offense for 5-20 years and $20,000 fine and for a third offense is life in prison or 15 years mandatory in prison and $20,000 fine.
Penalties Based On Amount
Trafficking of cocaine penalties are based largely on the amount of cocaine that was trafficked based on the gram size. For trafficking of 4-14 grams, imprisonment of 1-6 years and $50,000 fine, for 14-28 grams, 2-15 years imprisonment and $100,000 fine, over 28 grams, 25 years to life imprisonment.
Because of the serious nature of these charges, it’s best to contact an experienced drug lawyer in Las Vegas if you find yourself in any situation regarding cocaine.
Indirect Consequences of Drug Charges
If you talk to anyone who has ever dealt with an addict, they are likely to tell you that addicts can’t be trusted. To some extent, that may be true because for an active addict, the addiction takes over and the drugs or alcohol become the number one priority. You pay the fines, serve your sentence, take all the right classes, and try to start your life over. You would hope you could move on and live a healthy and happy life, but it isn’t always that simple. Anyone looking at your record may see you as an addict. It doesn’t even matter if it’s your first offense or not. To protect your name, seek counsel from an experienced drug lawyer in Las Vegas. Craig W. Drummond is familiar with similar situations and will be able to help you figure out the best way to move forward.
Getting the Best Possible Outcome
Often those facing drug charges feel as though they have no options. A qualified legal team, however, can ensure that you get the best possible outcome, no matter the charge or the circumstances. In many cases alternative options such as a suspended jail sentence, referral to a Nevada Drug Court program, referral to a Nevada Veterans Court program, and sometimes placement in a private treatment facility can all be achieved to lessen the criminal conviction or the amount of jail or prison sentence that you may face.
You can’t afford to risk your freedom and the negative effects that can follow you for the rest of your life. If you or someone you love is facing drug charges, drug lawyer Craig Drummond can help. Contact us online or call us immediately at (702) 366-9966.