Las Vegas Drug Crime Attorney
Powerful Representation for the Accused
The state of Nevada takes drug crime charges very seriously, and a conviction for a drug offense could mean a lengthy prison sentence, heavy fines, and a lifelong criminal record. The results of sentencing will depend both on the type of drug involved, as well as other details such as whether you were in possession of the illegal drug or if you were attempting distribution of the substance. Controlled substances like prescription drugs can also lead to criminal charges if they are abused or distributed illegally.
Whether you are charged with drug possession or drug trafficking, facing drug crime charges can be a terrifying experience with penalties that could impact your whole life. However, you don’t need to go through this fight alone. A talented Las Vegas criminal defense attorney like Charles Goodwin at Goodwin Law Group, PLLC has the experience necessary to be able to construct a powerful defense for you against any drug crime charge. We understand that there are two sides to every story and that a great deal of intellect and skill is needed to prepare your best defense against drug charges. We take the time to listen to our clients in every case, no matter what situation they are in. We will diligently search to find details that can help you avoid a drug crime conviction, leveraging all of our experience, dedication, and honesty to get the results you need.
Call (702) 819-8242 or reach out to us online for a free, confidential consultation with a Las Vegas drug crime lawyer.
What Will Happen to Me if I Get Caught with Drugs in Las Vegas?
When you are caught with illegal drugs in Vegas, you may feel scared and worried about what will happen to you. Many times, prosecutors enter a plea bargain that can bring the charges down without having to go to trial. If this is your first offense, and if you are suffering from addiction to drugs, you could also avoid sentencing if you go through the rehabilitation program known as Drug Court. A talented drug crime lawyer will know the best way to present your case to the judge in order to get you the lightest sentence possible, sometimes even getting all charges dropped.
There are several ways that knowledgeable and effective drug crime defense lawyers help their clients avoid convictions when they are caught with illegal drugs. One technique Attorney Charles Goodwin employs is a thorough investigation of every aspect of your case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecutor’s story. This could mean uncovering evidence that creates doubt that you should be convicted. Some things a good drug crimes lawyer will bring before the judge and jury are:
- Testimonies of eyewitnesses
- Messages, phone calls, and other communications to you and from you
- Surveillance video or photographic images
- The physical drugs themselves
With this evidence in hand, there is a good chance that you can avoid severe sentencing as we can effectively create doubt that you broke Nevada drug laws. We may be able to show that you didn’t know the drugs were there, that you had the drugs but didn’t intend to sell them, or that the prosecution has the wrong defendant completely.
Another way we can get charges dropped or reduced is by showing that law enforcement violated your rights at the time when they uncovered the illegal drugs. It could be that they performed an illegal search without having a valid warrant. We may also be able to prove that the drug charge came about because of entrapment, where the policeman tricks a person into committing a crime that they normally would not have committed, such as drug trafficking. Coerced confessions are another way law enforcement violates your rights, possibly leading to getting your drug crime charges dismissed.
For the best chance of a positive outcome in your drug crimes case, you need a Nevada criminal defense attorney who knows how to analyze your situation and determine the best course of action. With the drug crime attorneys at Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. We understand the nuances of Nevada drug laws, and we have a great deal of experience building strong defenses for our clients in order to get the results they need.
What Are the Drug Categories in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, drugs and controlled substances fall into a number of categories based on their potential for abuse and whether they are used for medical treatment, ranging from I-V. Schedule I drugs have the highest risk, while Schedule V drugs are commonly used for medical treatment.
Schedule I Drugs
These drugs include methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, PCP, LSD, mescaline, peyote, and marijuana. Please note that even though marijuana has medicinal use, it is still considered a Schedule I drug. There are separate and specific laws regarding the use of marijuana in the state of Nevada.
Schedule II Drugs
These drugs still have a high risk of dependency and abuse but are used in certain medical treatments. Some of these are codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, opium, barbiturates, and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Schedule III Drugs
Some Schedule III drugs are anabolic steroids, ketamine, nalorphine, testosterone, and synthetic dronabinol. They may lead to dependence when used, but the risk is lower than with drugs within the category of Schedule II. They do have a use in medical treatment.
Schedule IV Drugs
Schedule IV drugs may also cause physical or psychological dependence if abused, but there is an even smaller risk of this. These drugs are accepted for use in a variety of medical scenarios. They include Ambien, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol, Clonazepam, tranquilizers, and sedatives.
Schedule V Drugs
With Schedule V drugs, there is also accepted use for medical treatment, with less potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs. This category includes substances with small amounts of codeine, opium, difenoxin, ethylmorphine, and dihydrocodeine.
The category of the drug in your Nevada drug charges matters because this can make all the difference in the sentencing you receive. If you are facing a drug charge with one of the riskier categories, your drug conviction could be heavier than if it were with a less serious drug.
Experienced lawyers will be able to help you identify what kind of drug case it is, as well as help you avoid jail time and significant fines through a strong defense. When you are charged with a drug crime, contact us for a free case evaluation.
What are the Consequences of Transporting and Trafficking Drugs in Nevada?
While building a criminal defense for possession of illicit drugs in Nevada is one thing, it becomes that much harder when the charges include transporting and trafficking drugs and drug paraphernalia. However, with the right criminal defense attorney, you can still avoid a drug crime conviction or at least get the drug charges lowered.
One thing that is important to remember is that for first-time offenders, the charges are more likely to be less serious than for repeat drug offenders. For example, Nevada law is built on the idea that once in a while, a person could naively carry drugs without realizing someone tricked them into it, becoming a “mule” for the transportation of drugs or drug paraphernalia. The court will be lenient in these cases, bringing down the charges significantly. However, when someone is brought in a second time for drug transportation, it is much less likely that we could use the excuse that they didn’t know they were transporting drugs. The penalties would be much higher, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $20,000. And while the offense would be probational for the first offense, probation would not typically be an option for subsequent drug smuggling charges.
Drug trafficking charges also depend on the type of drug involved and the amount that is being carried. A low-level amount would be between 4 and 14 grams and could result in 1-6 years in the Nevada Department of Corrections. Mid-level drug trafficking is considered to be between 14-28 grams and could get you 2-15 years in jail. For the highest level of drug trafficking charges, if you are carrying over 28 grams, this is a category A felony and one of the most serious drug crimes. You could be facing a lifetime in prison for these charges. If you have a drug charge for transporting or trafficking, reach out to a drug lawyer like Charles Goodwin to get the assistance you need.
How Can A Drug Crime Conviction Impact My Future?
A drug crime conviction can have lasting consequences, severely impacting an individual’s future prospects. Beyond immediate penalties like fines and jail time, a conviction can lead to a criminal record, hindering employment opportunities, housing applications, and educational pursuits. Moreover, it might affect one’s reputation, relationships, and overall quality of life. That’s why hiring an experienced lawyer is crucial if accused of a drug-related offense.
Drug crime lawyers can navigate complex legal processes, challenge evidence, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to the case. They can negotiate plea bargains, explore diversion programs, or fight for reduced charges, aiming to minimize the long-term consequences. With legal representation, individuals have a much better chance of protecting their rights, potentially avoiding convictions, and securing a more promising future. Consulting a lawyer early after an arrest ensures that the accused understands their options, making informed decisions vital to their legal and personal well-being.
How Can a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Protect My Constitutional Rights?
There are several ways in which those charged with Las Vegas drug crimes are deprived of their constitutional rights. For example, if federal law enforcement agencies did not obtain proper warrants for the search they performed, any evidence they uncovered cannot be used in the courts against you. There are also many times when police officers fail to allow defendants the rights due to them when they are placed under arrest, which information can be used by talented criminal defense attorneys to prevent you from receiving unlawful sentencing in your drug crimes case.
Furthermore, there have been cases where the federal government sets up what is known as a “stash house,” where they set up a crime in order to catch criminals. However, someone without experience may not have recognized criminal behavior and mistakenly broken a law without intending to do so. These setups could lead to a dismissal of the entire case because of the outrageous behavior of the government.
In order to recognize such situations, you need a highly experienced lawyer on your side. Please reach out to us right away if you are facing charges for drug crimes and you feel your rights have been violated. We are happy to discuss all the details of your story with you and help you build a strong defense, protecting you and your future from unnecessary punishments under Nevada law.
Can Our Las Vegas Drug Defense Lawyer Help You?
Whether you are facing drug charges such as abuse of prescription drugs, drug possession, abuse of medical marijuana, joint possession, felony charges, intent to sell, or use of illicit drugs such as meth or heroin, you need a drug crimes lawyer who understands the nuances of Nevada laws, giving you the best chances of a positive outcome in your case.
We know the legal process can be confusing, and we make sure to explain everything in terms you will understand so you can make the decisions you need to in your drug defense. There are always two sides to every story, especially when it comes to a drug offense. Please don’t feel that you have to go through this process of defending yourself against a drug crime charge alone. Attorney Charles Goodwin has the experience necessary to use the defense strategies that will give you the results you need. Our legal team is ready to help you every step of the way.
Reach out to us online or call (702) 819-8242 to schedule a free consultation with our talented drug crimes lawyer and see how Goodwin Law Group, PLLC can help you.
