What Are State Laws on Drug Trafficking?
Nevada has strict laws against drug trafficking offenses. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors strictly enforce the rules for citizens and visitors alike. If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in the state, it would help to consult a skilled Nevada criminal defense attorney to help you beat the charges.
A drug trafficking conviction attracts hefty consequences such as fines, a lifelong criminal record, and a potentially lengthy prison sentence, depending on the circumstances. The penalties and sentencing largely depend on the following:
- The type of drug involved
- The amount of the drug you were trafficking
Facing drug charges can be traumatizing, given that the consequences could affect your entire life. However, you don’t have to go through the experience alone. Legal support from an experienced Las Vegas drug law lawyer could make it easier to navigate the system and beat the charges.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Nevada?
Nevada laws stipulate the following penalties for a drug trafficking conviction depending on the following factors:
- The drug type and quantity
- Your criminal record
- Whether anyone was hurt or killed when the crime was committed
Drug law attorney in Las Vegas highlights a few of the potential penalties upon conviction for a drug trafficking offense:
Schedule 1 Substances
The penalties are classified as follows:
- For a quantity between 4 and 14 grams, you risk up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The crime is a Category B felony.
- The possible penalties are two to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for more than 14 grams but more than 28 grams, a Category B felony.
- An offense involving more than 28 grams is a Category A offense punishable by 25 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Schedule II Substances
The penalties for a drug trafficking offense involving Schedule II Substances are:
- One to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 for 28 to 200 grams, a Category C felony
- Two to ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 for 200 to 400 grams, a Category B felony
- Fifteen years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 for more than 400 grams, a Category A felony.
State law does not specify the penalties for trafficking controlled substances under Schedules III, IV, and V. Federal drug trafficking charges carry stiff penalties. Given the risk involved in being convicted under the above categories, it’s crucial to defend yourself aggressively. An experienced drug law attorney in Las Vegas can give legal guidance and help you develop a strong defense.
What Are the Possible Defense Strategies for Drug Trafficking Charges?
A Las Vegas drug law attorney explains that there are multiple defenses to drug trafficking charges in Nevada. A legal expert can help you evaluate each option to determine the one that has a higher likelihood of helping you obtain a favorable outcome depending on the charges:
Insufficient Evidence
One of the elements that can earn you a conviction in drug trafficking charges is the prosecutor’s evidence. The prosecutor carries the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly and intentionally trafficked the substance in question. Lack of sufficient evidence could cause the court to dismiss or reduce the charges.
Illegal Search or Seizure
The law prohibits law enforcement officers from violating your Fourth Amendment rights when searching for evidence against you. For example, they can’t search without a warrant or probable cause, as that would violate the law.
If the police obtained evidence illegally, your drug law attorney in Nevada can challenge the police conduct by filing a motion to suppress the evidence. If the court grants the motion, it could suppress the prosecutor’s case and enhance the likelihood of the charges being dropped or reduced.
Entrapment
Another possible defense strategy is to argue that law enforcement officers induced you to commit the drug trafficking offense. The defense can be challenging to navigate as you must provide evidence of entrapment. Consult extensively with your criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas to determine if the strategy can work in your case and how to use it effectively.
Duress, Coercion, or Lack of Intent
You could have a valid defense if you prove you were forced or coerced into committing the offense. Proving intent is often complex for prosecutors, and with the help of an aggressive lawyer, you can cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims to water down their argument.
Navigating drug trafficking charges can be challenging, but knowing how to beat the charges can make all the difference. Nevada drug traffic lawyers know how the law and system work and can help you create a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and possibly save you from a conviction’s hefty consequences.
A Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney Defending You Against Drug Trafficking Charges
If you’ve been accused of drug trafficking in Nevada, you need to start working on your defense as soon as possible. A conviction can have lasting consequences that dramatically inhibit your rights and affect your future. It’s best to consult an aggressive criminal defense attorney in Nevada to help you get through these challenging times.
The Goodwin Law Group, PLLC, has a dedicated drug law attorney who can work with you to fight for a favorable outcome. Our legal team has detailed knowledge of state and federal drug laws and will review the facts and circumstances to expose weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. Let us help you during this challenging moment to protect your rights and future. Call us at 702-819-8242 to schedule a FREE consultation.