Defense Against Drug Charges: Possession & Distribution

Garrett T. Ogata Represents Drug Charge Cases

Garrett T. Ogata is committed to aggressively representing people charged with drug offenses in state and federal courts and ensuring that their rights are upheld. Drug charges in Las Vegas are a touchy subject, especially if you’re from out of town, so you need an aggressive, dependable criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas who will represent you to the fullest extent of the law. With drug charges, your name and reputation is on the line, and ever harsher penalties can result in you being pushed through the system. Don’t let that happen. We will evaluate every avenue of defense to ensure that you get the best legal representation possible. We are experienced in search and seizure laws, as well as the rights of citizens under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Call Garrett T. Ogata today to speak with an attorney about your drug charge.

Types of Drug Charges We Handle

Possession

It is a crime in Nevada to “knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance.” Controlled substances include a long list of substances, such as cocaine, marijuana, meth, GHB and ecstasy. One has to knowingly or intentionally possess the controlled substance to be charged. If you truly had no knowledge of the controlled substance in your possession, then one would be innocent. Furthermore, you have to have possession of the controlled substance, which could be on you, at a location you have control over, or jointly with someone else if you share control or ownership of the controlled substances.

Being charged with possession of a controlled substance is a felony. Luckily, Nevada does treat 1 ounce or less of marijuana differently from the rest of the controlled substances.

As one can see, a charge of possession can be quite serious. Additionally, if there are certain quantities of controlled substances, it may be a higher penalty and a felony of possession controlled substance with intent to sell or even a higher penalty of trafficking of a controlled substance. The law does treat marijuana differently from other controlled substances.

It may be possible, depending on your case, to get a dismissal, reduce the charges, or avoid jail time. Contact the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, an experienced drug charges attorney, for a free consultation to explain your charges and possible defenses for possession of controlled substances at [text_phone].

Distribution

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance For Sale

It is illegal for a person to have unlawful possession controlled substance for purposes of sale. If it can be proven that the person had possession and had the intent to sell, then one can be charged with possession with the intent to sell.

Similar to possession of a controlled substance (NRS 453.336), the person must have possession through actual, constructive or joint possession. Possession usually includes drugs on you, at a location you have control over, or jointly with someone else if you share control or ownership of the controlled substances.

Prosecutors will also have to prove that the person had the intent to sale. The prosecutors will use any facts, such as baggies, quantity, large amounts of cash, weapons, or anything else they think someone who was selling drugs would have and use in order to prove one had the intent to sell.

Possible defenses can include that the drugs were not in your possession and/or you never had the intent to sell the drugs. It may be possible to file a pretrial motion to suppress any evidence if your rights were violated. It is important to consult with an attorney to discuss all possible penalties and defenses.

Depending on the schedule of the drug and the amount, the penalties will vary. Contact The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, drug charges attorney, to discuss your unlawful possession case at [text_phone].

Trafficking

Trafficking in Controlled Substances: Marijuana NRS 453.339

Nevada’s marijuana trafficking law prohibits a person who knowingly or intentionally sells, manufactures, delivers or brings into this state or who knowingly or intentionally in actual or constructive possession of marijuana. Think of this as a prohibition against all stages marijuana’s commercial life cycle. It is also prohibits and provides greater penalties for possession of large amounts of marijuana. Prosecutors will have to prove that one knowingly or intentionally sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into the state of Nevada or one knowingly or intentionally had actual or constructive possession of marijuana.

The amounts of the marijuana trafficking will trigger the following penalties:

100 pounds or more, but less than 2,000 pounds is a category C felony and a minimum 1 year to a maximum 5 year prison sentence and by a fine of not more than $25,000-2,000 pounds or more.
Less than 10,000 pounds is a category B felony and a 2 year minimum to a maximum 10 year prison sentence and by a fine not more than $50,000 10,000 pounds or more is a category A felony and a life sentence with possibility of parole beginning at a minimum 5 years served or a definite 15 years with parole beginning at 5 years served and by a fine of not more than $200,000.

Trafficking is not a charge to take lightly because it carries serious prison terms and fines. Contact The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata for a consultation for trafficking marijuana or other controlled substances at [text_phone].

Penalties

The Penalties for controlled substances include:

First or second offense is a category E felony with a minimum 1 year to a maximum 4 year prison sentence, however, probation and jail of less than 1 year may be possible.
Third and subsequent offense is a category D felony that carries a minimum 1 year and a maximum 4 year prison sentence and may include a fine up to $20,000
If it is a first offense schedule V drug (e.g. Opium, Codeine) it is a category E felony, but it may be possible to enroll in “Drug Court” and receive a dismissal if successfully completed.
For a second or subsequent schedule V offense, it is a category D felony.
If charged with flunitrazepam or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (e.g. date rape drug), a category B felony will be imposed and a minimum prison sentence of 1 year to a maximum 6 years.

Penalties for possession of marijuana are:

First offense of 1 ounces or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor and a fine of $600 or possible treatment
Second offense is a misdemeanor and a fine not more than $1000 or possible treatment
Third offense is a gross misdemeanor and possible jail up to a year and/or fine not more than $2000
Fourth or subsequent offense is a category E felony

If You Need Representation Call Garrett T. Ogata Today!

Many ‘DUI defense’ lawyers in Las Vegas are not knowledgeable in the area of DUI involving drugs. DUI Drugs is very serious and in many circumstances people are charged with felony, “Under the Influence Controlled Substance” charge. In DUI drug cases, the prosecution must prove that the person was actually under the influence of drugs at the time of driving. The police attempt to implement a Drug Recognition Program to try to verify that the person was actually under the influence at the time of driving. However, there are many complex and influencing factors that makes identifying that the person was under the influence of drugs very difficult. As a NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) trained DRE (Drug Recognition Expert), Garrett T. Ogata has the insight, knowledge and training to defend against these serious charges.

Feel free to reach out and speak with our experienced team of professionals who are here to provide you with expert guidance.

“Mr. Ogata and his team have been wonderful through my process. They handle every question with professionalism, knowledge, consideration, and experience. They were always available to answer my questions and Mr. Ogata made himself available at all times. He even answered the phone on his day off while with his family to ensure I was comfortable.”

Amber C.

“Garrett Ogata was everything I could have hoped for in a defense attorney. I was facing a very serious charge, and even though the odds weren’t in my favor, he fought hard and helped me get it reduced to reckless driving.”

Jon B.

“Mr. Garrett is an outstanding attorney—professional, compassionate, and always accessible. He successfully got my DUI case dismissed in Las Vegas, even though I’m based in California. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal help!”

Amin G.

“Best Lawyer in VEGAS! He helped me get my life and my sanity back! What he did for me was a miracle and I will forever be grateful. If you’re in a tough spot and you fill like it’s over hire Garrett Ogata now. You will not be disappointed!”

Barry H.

“Mr. Ogata resolved my DUI case without my having to attend any court dates in person as I lived out of state and the outcome was exactly what he initially said he might be.
You’re in good hands with this Law Office.”

Bryan A.

“Garrett made me feel like family. I received a DUI Garrett put my mind at ease. He told me not to worry. He and his staff fought for me. They kept me informed from start to finish. I highly recommend Garrett he will fight for you.”

Christine M.

“I highly recommend you hire Garrett Ogata. I was really afraid and worried about my case but Garrett insured me that he had my best interest and would do the best that he could. Which he did! Really appreciate your time, thanks again for representing me. I can now sleep peacefully.”

Sheleen

“Mr. Ogata took care of my case! A FULL DISMISSAL! He and his team were informative, attentive and ultimately got me the best results I could have ever hoped for! Thank you Thank you Thank you! Highly recommended”

Haley V.

“Very professional, and to the point experience, I am a person that works hard and expect nothing less , so I felt right at home when I hired Garrett and his team of professionals. Thank you for all of your help.”

Brad B.

Drug Charges In Nevada