Tips for Beating a Possession of a Controlled Substance Charge in Nevada
Taking a vacation to Reno, Las Vegas, or other popular travel destination in Nevada is meant to be an exciting adventure for anyone who visits, however, it’s easy to get into trouble with the law while traveling in the United States, even with just a minor slip-up, and many people aren’t quite sure what to do or where to turn when faced with a possession charge or other offense in Nevada.
Protecting Yourself:
The first thing to do when faced with a possession of a controlled substance charge is to protect yourself. This means contacting an experienced attorney at once. Do not take the law into your own hands and don’t speak to anyone else about your case. Doing so would be foolish, risky, and could lead to disastrous results. An experienced lawyer will negotiate your case in your favor and could possibly prevent a conviction, keeping the incident off your record entirely.
Possession of a Controlled Substance Charge in Nevada:
Possession of a controlled substance in Nevada covers an assortment of substances that includes marijuana, prescription drugs, cocaine, methamphetamines, open containers of alcohol, and more. The penalties imposed depend on the amount you have in your possession and other particulars of your case.
Prescription Drugs:
Possession of a controlled substance laws in Nevada always includes prescription medications. This includes Oxycontin, Adderal, Xanax, and several others. The current laws in Nevada make it illegal for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance – unless it was obtained under the orders of a physician. When taking or traveling with these types of prescription medications, always be sure they are in the labeled container with your name clearly marked as the recipient.
What to Do:
If you get charged with possession of prescription drugs, it’s critical that you contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss the specifics of your case and begin preparing an effective legal defense.
Marijuana Possession and Quantity:
Many people agree that the laws in Las Vegas regarding marijuana are quite extreme and unfair due to the nature of the crime. These individuals believe that it punishes responsible citizens for using pot for their own personal use and who have no intentions of hurting others or profiting in any way.
Possessing One Ounce of Marijuana or less:
If you’re facing a charge of possession of one ounce of marijuana and it is only your first or second offense, the penalties are rather lenient in most cases; however, the consequences are much more severe with each conviction.
Possessing Over an Ounce or more of Marijuana:
Being convicted of possessing over an ounce of marijuana could result in up to one to four years in a Nevada state prison – even if it’s only your first offense.
Possible Legal Defenses:
There are several possible legal defenses that an experienced attorney will consider. This includes the following:
- Entrapment
- Valid prescription held at time of arrest
- Did not maintain actual possession.
- Only had temporary possession
- Lack of knowledge
- Illegal search and seizure
An experienced attorney will negotiate your case, fight for dismissal under certain circumstances, and can even use drug diversion programs to reduce your sentence. They will also fight to get you case dismissed altogether if they find any legal discrepancies on the arresting officer and prosecutors side as well.
Free Consultations:
The importance of having an experienced criminal defense lawyer represent you in court simply cannot be stressed enough, and your first consultation should always be provided at no charge to you. This consultation will give you a better understanding of what you’re up against in legal terms.
Always speak to an experienced attorney if you’re ever charged with possession of a controlled substance in Nevada. Any money that you spend on superior legal representation in your possession of a controlled substance case is money well spent.
If you have been arrested on drug charges, call the criminal lawyers at The Defenders today. (702) 333-3333.
