Las Vegas Possession of a Controlled Substance Attorney

As the popularity of Las Vegas has increased among tourist, so has the presence of illegal drugs. Drug possession charges can result from a variety of different circumstances. No matter how the charges originated, a drug charge has the potential to seriously disrupt your life. In order to keep your life on track, contact a drug defense lawyer who is experienced in defending clients who have been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Nevada.

Las Vegas Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

Michael Pariente is a dedicated defense lawyer in Clark County who valiantly defends clients in Henderson, Las Vegas, Paradise, Boulder City, and the surrounding areas, who have been charged with possession of a controlled substance. Pariente Law Firm, P.C. understand how important your freedom is, and they will work around the clock to help you maintain it.

Pariente used his time as a former prosecutor to gain insight on how the prosecution will attempt to prove its case. This gives him a tremendous advantage when defending clients like you. Contact Pariente Law Firm, P.C. today at (702) 966-5310 and let Michael Pariente fight for you.

Information on Possession of a Controlled Substance in Nevada

• Definition of Illegal Drug Possession
• What is Considered Possession in Nevada?
• Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Las Vegas
• Devoted Drug Possession Lawyers Serving You in Las Vegas

Definition of Illegal Drug Possession

Section 453.336 of the Nevada Revised Statutes states that it is against the law to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. If acting in the course of his or her professional practice, a valid prescription can be issued by a physician, physician’s assistant, dentist, optometrist, veterinarian, or advanced practitioner of nursing.

If an individual is found to be in possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription, he or she can be charged with the illegal possession of a controlled substance. Some of the most common drugs that result in illegal possession charges in Las Vegas include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Methadone
• Heroin
• Xanax
• Valium
• Ecstasy
• PSP
• Ritalin
• Ambien
• LSD
• Methamphetamine
• Adderall
• Vicodin

If you have been charged with possessing of any of the substances mentioned above, or any other drug, it is important to understand your legal options. Being arresting arrested for a crime does not automatically mean you will be convicted of it, contact a drug defense lawyer in Clark County who can provide you with quality defense options.

What is Considered Possession in Nevada?

In order to be convicted of possession of a controlled substance, the prosecution has to be able to prove that you were in either actual or constructive possession of the substance. Actual construction consists of having the drugs on your body, in your clothing or pocket, purse, backpack, or otherwise within a very close vicinity.

Constructive possession is defined as having knowledge of the presence of an illegal drug, and having the ability and intent to possess or take control over the substance. This type of possession is usually more difficult for the prosecution to prove, and provides the defense with a number of different defense options.

Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Las Vegas

In Nevada, when an individual is convicted for possessing illegal narcotics, the penalties he or she will face depend on a variety of factors. These factors include the type of drug, the amount of the substance, of the individual has any previous drug related offenses, as well as what the offender intending on doing with the drugs.

If arrested for illegal possession of a drug from Schedule I, II, III, or IV, and it is his or her first or second offense, the offender can be charged with a category E felony, and sentenced to up to between one and four years in prison, and a fine of up to $5,000. However, an individual can often receive probation in lieu of a prison sentence.

For a third or subsequent offense, the charges can be upgraded to a category D felony, which is punishable by one to four years in prison, with an increased fine of up to $20,000.

If an individual is convicted of a possession of a Schedule V drug, he or she can face category E felony charges, and be punished by one to four years in prison. Often times, individuals charged with this offense are given the option of completing a diversion program, which could lead to having the charges dropped.

A second or subsequent offense involving a Schedule V substance is punishable by one to four years in prison, and/or a fine of up to $5,000, and usually does not allow for the dismissal of the charges in exchange for the completion of a diversion program.

Devoted Drug Possession Lawyers Serving You in Las Vegas

If you are facing charges for illegal drug possession in Henderson, Las Vegas, Paradise, Clark County, or the surrounding areas, contact Michael Pariente of Pariente Law Firm, P.C. today. Michael Pariente is a former prosecutor who now serves the Las Vegas community as a devoted criminal defense lawyer.

Pariente Law Firm, P.C. provides the best legal representation for clients who are facing criminal charges for illegal drug possession. Contact Michael Pariente today at (702) 966-5310, and let him begin protecting your future.