With its world-renowned casinos and “Sin City” reputation, Las Vegas might seem to be a place where drug activity goes unpunished, but that is not the case. Located within the city, the Miley Law Firm, P.C. defends locals and visitors who face prosecution under Nevada drug laws. Whether the situation is connected to alleged unlawful possession or a purported high-level trafficking scheme, you can count on me to safeguard your legal interests.
SKILLFUL ADVOCATE DEFENDS AGAINST POSSESSION AND DISTRIBUTION ALLEGATIONS
Clark County is one of the state’s two High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. This designation means that various law enforcement agencies collaborate and focus heavily on combating activity involving controlled substances. When someone has been targeted, my firm stands up for their rights in cases stemming from alleged:
- Possession — Holding up to one ounce of marijuana is now legal in the state, but possession of a greater amount is a misdemeanor crime, as is public use or possession. For other controlled dangerous substances, possession is a felony, even if you’re only caught with enough for one personal use. No matter what type of drug is involved, it’s important to retain an effective criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to safeguard your rights.
- Distribution — When someone is arrested with an amount of drugs that exceeds statutory levels associated with personal use, the individual can be charged with unlawful possession for the purpose of sale. A first offense of this type for the drugs categorized as most dangerous is a Class D felony, with a sentence of one to four years in prison. Higher amounts could trigger a more serious trafficking count.
- Manufacturing — Producing, growing, extracting or otherwise manufacturing a controlled substance is a felony. Despite recent changes to the law regarding possession and use of marijuana, this also applies to its cultivation within 25 miles of a legal dispensary.
Whether it’s best to fight the charges against you, seek an appropriate resolution through drug court or work on a plea deal that promotes treatment over incarceration, I advocate for an outcome that meets your specific needs.
HOW AN ATTORNEY HELPS INDIVIDUALS ACCUSED OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CRIME
A drug arrest is frightening and often comes when you’re dealing with other significant issues in your life. Add in the intimidating presence of police and prosecutors, and it’s understandable why many people choose to give up their rights, without ever gaining a knowledgeable perspective on their case. I know how to identify law enforcement errors that could lead to the exclusion of evidence brought against you, such as officers who lacked the probable cause necessary to conduct a search or arrest.
KNOWLEDGEABLE ADVOCATE OUTLINES DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS AND PENALTIES
How drug crimes are sentenced depends in part how a drug is classified under the five schedules listed in the Nevada statues. The most dangerous substances, including their optical isomers (similar compounds that are arranged differently), are listed under Schedules I and II and include narcotics such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone and codeine. Methamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogens such as LSD and peyote, the chemicals used in “bath salts,” MDMA (Ecstasy), and the “date rape” drug GHB are also in Schedules I and II. Criminal penalties associated with these substances are typically more severe. Steroids, unauthorized prescription drugs and other substances that have some legitimate medical use are listed in Schedules III through V. Regardless of the particular drug, a possession conviction leaves you with a felony record and at least a year in prison, so it’s critical to find an experienced attorney who can defend you effectively.
Contact a dedicated Las Vegas drug crime defense lawyer about your case
The Miley Law Firm, P.C. assists clients who have been arrested in connection with a Nevada drug offense. To protect your fundamental rights and learn about the relevant legal standards, please call my Las Vegas office at 702-942-0600 or contact me online.
