whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony drug charge, it is important to seek legal counsel right away to make sure your rights are protected. Legal direction can potentially reduce impending penalties and dispute allegations.
I have extensive knowledge in the following:
- Drug trafficking (selling or transporting a controlled substance)
- Possession of drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Conspiracy drug crimes
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (i.e. pipes, scales, baggies, etc.)
- Alternative sentencing
- Grow houses
- Medical marijuana
- Drug crimes causing death
- Counterfeit substances
- Manufacturing drugs
- Prescription medication crimes
In the state of Nevada even a possession charge can be considered a category E felony, meaning one to four years in prison along with other penalties. Nevada does not discriminate between actual possession or constructive possession (without physical contact, but with known whereabouts and ability to control). Aggravating considerations include things like sale within a certain radius from a school, park or church, a prior record, or drug sales in prolongation of a gang.
Penalties for drug crimes are steep, but only apply if you are convicted. Possible defenses start by meticulously analyzing the actions of law enforcement and if the steps they took that resulted in search, seizure and arrest were followed correctly. I will also look at whether or not chain of custody requirements were met to preserve the evidence. Other common defenses are constitutional challenges, whether you had dominion and control, motions to suppress and motions to dismiss. Additional possibilities are pleading out for a lesser offense, special drug court programs, and record sealing.
My broad diversity of litigation strategies, my willingness to take it to court, and my ability to navigate the multitude of plea and drug court opportunities are invaluable. Give me a call today, Ben Scroggins at (702) 328-5550.