Drug Trafficking Charges

If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Nevada, you need a lawyer to represent you.  If convicted, the penalties are severe and life changing.  The penalties vary, based on the amount of drug or drugs you’re charged with trafficking, where they fall on the Federal Controlled Substances Schedules, and whether you have previous convictions for such charges.  You may be charged by local authorities, federal authorities or both.

Trafficking defined

Nevada state law (NRS 453.3885) defines trafficking in controlled substances as: intentionally selling, manufacturing, delivering, or bringing into the state a controlled substance.  It is important to note that if you are found with small amounts of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, you may be charged with sale of the drug, or possession with intent to sell, rather than trafficking.  Nevada does not prosecute for trafficking of Schedule III or lower substances.

Trafficking charges are usually reserved for larger quantities of controlled substances.  You will be charged separately for each drug found in your possession, and each charge carries a separate penalty.  If convicted of trafficking, prison time is mandatory under Nevada law.

Penalties for Trafficking in Controlled Substances

Schedule I Substances – include Heroin, LSD, Marijuana, Ecstasy, Hydrocodone, PCP, and Peyote among others.

If found in possession of from 4 to 14 grams of such substances, your case will be prosecuted as a Category B Felony, with punishments of 1-6 years in State Prison, and a fine of $50,000.

If found in possession of from 14 grams to 28 grams, your case will be prosecuted as a Category B Felony with the increased punishment of 2-15 years in State Prison, and a fine of $100,000.

If found in possession of greater than 28 grams, your case will be prosecuted as a Category A Felony, with punishments of 25 years up to for life, and a find of $500,000.

(Note: Marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance, however the above weights do not apply to marijuana.  Trafficking marijuana is still a serious offense but will generally not be charged as trafficking unless the amount is 50 lbs. or greater.)

Schedule II Substances – include Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Methadone, Vicodin, OxyContin, Fentanyl, Adderall, and Ritalin among others.

If found in possession of from 28 to 200 grams of such substances, your case will be prosecuted as a Category C Felony, with punishments of 1-5 years in state prison, and/or a fine up to $50,000.

If found in possession of from 200 to 400 grams, your case will be prosecuted as a Category B Felony, with punishments of 2-10 years in State Prison, and/or a fine of up to $100,000.

If found in possession of over 400 grams, your case will be prosecuted as a Category A Felony, with punishments of 15 years to life in State Prison, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

The Defenders knows Drug Trafficking Laws

Our firm provides representation for those charged with Drug Trafficking by either Nevada or Federal Authorities.  If you have been charged with the crime of Trafficking in Controlled Substances, we will provide you with a straightforward defense to preserve your rights under the law.  Call us today at (702) 333-3333.