Las Vegas Drug Trafficking Lawyer: Defend Yourself Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking is considered one of the most serious drug crimes in Nevada. It involves the delivery, sale, manufacturing, or importation of illegal drugs across state and national borders. In addition to other drug charges, drug trafficking can lead to charges at both a state and federal level.
If you have been accused of drug trafficking in Las Vegas, or anywhere in Nevada, contact The Defenders. Our experienced defense attorneys understand the serious nature of these charges and can provide you with the aggressive representation you need to protect your rights.
Drug trafficking in Nevada is prosecuted as a felony, which means that it carries stiff penalties including jail time, fines, probation, and more. The Defenders will investigate your case, develop the best strategy for defending your rights, and work hard to ensure that you are given the best possible outcome.
What is Drug Trafficking?
In Nevada, drug trafficking is defined as the delivery, sale, manufacturing, or importation of illegal drugs across state and national borders. Unlike other drug crimes, drug trafficking can lead to charges at both a state and federal level.
The most commonly trafficked substances include street drugs, prescription pills, illegal drugs, or homemade substances, including heroin, morphine, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, opium, OxyContin, methamphetamines, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, LSD, and GHB.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Nevada
The penalties for drug trafficking in Nevada are severe and depend on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved. The penalties are as follows:
Schedule I Substance
- 4 to 14 grams: Category B felony, punishable by one to six years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000.
- More than 14 grams but less than 28 grams: Category B felony, punishable by two to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000.
- More than 28 grams: Category A felony, punishable by 25 years to life in prison and/or a fine up to $500,000.
Schedule II Substance
- 28 to 200 grams: Category C felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000.
- 200 to 400 grams: Category B felony, punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000.
- More than 400 grams: Category A felony, punishable by 15 years to life in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000.
As of now, there is no provision under the Nevada law for trafficking scheduled III, IV or V substances.
Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
It is a federal offense to manufacture, import, distribute, or traffic controlled substances with the intent to sell either across state borders, throughout the state, or from a foreign country into Nevada.
Federal drug trafficking charges carry even more severe penalties, including longer prison terms and higher fines.
Understanding the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Its Impact on Drug Trafficking Penalties
The federal Controlled Substances Act categorizes substances into five distinct schedules, each with varying potential for abuse and medical applications:
Schedule 1 Drugs
These controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and no known or accepted medical purposes, making them the most dangerous. Examples include Ecstasy, Heroin, and Marijuana (although penalties for marijuana possession differ from other Schedule I drugs).
Please note that while marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug, the ordinary penalties for possession of a Schedule I drug do not apply to marijuana possession.
Schedule II Drugs
This category includes substances with a high potential for abuse, but they also have commonly used or accepted medical applications, albeit with certain restrictions. Examples include Cocaine, Oxycodone “OxyContin”, Ritalin, Adderall, and Hydrocodone.
Schedule III Drugs
These substances are commonly used for medical purposes in the United States, demonstrating their lower potential for abuse. An example of a Schedule III substance is Steroids.
Schedule IV Drugs
Controlled substances in this category have an even lower potential for abuse and are widely used for medical purposes. Examples include Xanax, Ambien, and Valium.
Schedule V Drugs
Substances in this schedule have the least potential for abuse and are commonly used for medical purposes in the United States.
When it comes to drug trafficking penalties, understanding the schedule of the controlled substance involved is crucial. Penalties will vary depending on which schedule the substance falls under, as well as factors such as the amount of substance found, the alleged offender’s previous drug convictions, and whether any injuries or deaths were related to the offense.
Recognizing the Seriousness of Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking charges are not to be taken lightly. The federal Controlled Substances Act plays a significant role in determining the severity of penalties you may face. It is essential to understand the implications of the substance’s schedule, as well as other factors that could impact your case.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, don’t wait – seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for the best possible outcome. Act now to secure the representation you need.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges
There are several potential defenses to drug trafficking charges in Nevada, including:
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and intentionally trafficked the controlled substance. If there is insufficient evidence to support this claim, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
- Illegal search and seizure: If law enforcement officers violated the defendant’s constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest, any evidence obtained as a result may be suppressed, potentially leading to a dismissal or reduction of the charges.
- Entrapment: If the defendant can prove that they were induced by law enforcement officers to commit the drug trafficking offense, they may have a valid entrapment defense.
- Duress or coercion: If the defendant was forced or coerced into committing the drug trafficking offense, they may have a valid defense.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Contact The Defenders in Las Vegas if you are facing drug trafficking charges in Nevada. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys provide an aggressive defense to safeguard your freedom and keep your record clear.
We have in-depth knowledge of the local court system and laws, making them the ideal choice to represent you in your drug trafficking case. Our lawyers will meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your arrest, identifying any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and determining whether there was police error or misconduct, or if you are being falsely accused.
At The Defenders, we take an aggressive approach when negotiating with state or federal prosecutors. Leveraging our legal expertise and experience, we will strive to secure the best possible outcome for your case, whether through charge reduction or dismissal. We are well aware that the impact of our efforts could significantly influence your future, mitigating any consequences you may face.
Our team is highly knowledgeable in the field of drug trafficking law and has successfully defended clients facing similar chargees.
We are ready to fight for you. Call our office at (702) 333-3333 us today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.