drug-crimesDrug trafficking carries the harshest penalties that exist for drug related crimes. Under Nevada law, trafficking charges are considered when large amounts of drugs are found in a person’s possession. Drug trafficking differs from drug sale in that drug trafficking is simply a measure of weight and does not require any proof of sale or packaging for sale.

Drug trafficking charges and penalties are determined by the following two factors:

  • The schedule of the drug involved.
  • The amount of the drugs found.

Schedule 1 drug trafficking charges will carry the harshest penalties, particularly when larger amounts of drugs are found.

Nevada Drug Scheduling

Controlled substances are classed into different categories in Nevada based on their medical uses and likelihood for addiction. More dangerous or addictive drugs are placed at the top of the scheduling list with the less dangerous drugs being scheduled at the bottom of the list. The more dangerous a drug is considered to be the harsher the punishments will be in terms of trafficking charges.

Schedule 1

Schedule 1 drugs are drugs with no medically accepted use and a high likelihood for dangerous addiction. Some drugs that are considered to be in the schedule 1 category are heroin, acid, ecstasy, crystal meth, peyote, PCP, and GHB.

Schedule 2

Schedule 2 drugs are considered to be less dangerous than schedule 1 drugs, but still with a high likelihood for addiction and a possible medical use. Some schedule 2 drugs will include cocaine, opium, Oxycontin, Ritalin, morphine, Dilaudid, or Vicodin. When these drugs are medically prescribed, they are often observed closely by physicians as they are known for abuse or addiction in those who take them.

Schedule 3

Schedule 3 drugs are considered less addictive than schedule 1 or 2 drugs, and many have an accepted medical use. Some schedule 3 drugs will include testosterone, anabolic steroids, codeine, and ketamine.

Schedule 4

Schedule 4 and 5 drugs are considered to be the least dangerous in terms of addiction or abuse, as well as widely accepted medical uses. Some schedule 4 or 5 drugs are Valium, sedatives, codeine, Xanax, or tranquilizers.

When facing drug trafficking charges, it is first important to know which schedule the drug in question falls under as this will greatly influence the charges and punishments that may be received upon conviction.

Drug Trafficking Penalties in Las Vegas

When a person is facing drug trafficking charges involving a schedule 1 drug, they will be facing the harshest drug trafficking penalties. Drug trafficking charges may be faced if the amount of schedule 1 drugs found on a person exceeds 4 grams, and trafficking a number of drugs between 4 and 14 grams can result in being charged with a category B felony. These felony charges can come with punishments including 1 to 6 years spent in a Nevada state prison as well as up to $50,000 in fines.

Always Seek a Lawyer when Facing Trafficking Charges

When facing drug charges in the city of Las Vegas, it is always important to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in defending drug cases. With over 30 years of experience defending drug crimes, Gabriel L. Grasso knows what’s at stake. His unparalleled record of success in defending drug charges speaks for itself. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Call the office of Gabriel L. Grasso today at 702-868-8866 to request your free case review.