Club Drugs

In a city that is known for having a 24-hour nightlife, “club drugs” refers to a class of controlled substances that are especially common in nightclubs and concert halls for their euphoric or psychedelic effects. While some club drugs may be approved for limited medical uses, many are prohibited by state and federal law in Nevada.

Police officers in Las Vegas are always on the lookout for club drugs in bars and other popular party destinations on or around the Strip, and a person who is arrested for allegedly possessing one of these controlled substances can face serious criminal charges. In many cases, possession of even a small amount of a club drug can possibly result in a felony offense punishable by prison time and enormous fines.

Lawyer for Club Drug Arrests in Las Vegas, NV

Have you been arrested anywhere in Clark County for allegedly possessing a club drug? Gallo Law Office can fight to possibly get the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

James C. Gallo is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas who represents clients in Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, and several surrounding areas of southern Nevada. Call (702) 385-3131 right now to have our lawyer review your case and help you understand your legal options during a free consultation.

Overview of Club Drug Crimes in Clark County

Types of Club Drugs in Nevada

Cub drugs include several controlled substances that are popular recreational drugs because of their psychoactive properties. A few of the most common types of club drugs in the Las Vegas area include, but are not limited to:

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) — Commonly known as Ecstasy, X, or Molly, MDMA is a schedule I controlled substance in Nevada and is classified under Schedule I in the federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA). MDMA is most commonly administered orally in tablet form, but it can also be snorted or injected in crystalline powder form.

Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) — Commonly known as roofies, flunitrazepam is a schedule IV controlled substance under both Nevada state law and the federal CSA. It is most typically administered orally in tablet form.

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) — Commonly referred to as “Liquid G” or just “G,” GHB is a schedule I controlled substance under Nevada state law and the federal CSA. It is most typically administered orally in either liquid form or as a crystalline powder that dissolves in a liquid.

Ketamine — Also known as “Special K,” ketamine is a schedule III controlled substance under Nevada state law and the federal CSA. Ketamine can be administered orally in either tablet, powder, or liquid forms.

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) — Commonly known as acid, LSD is a schedule I controlled substance under both Nevada state law and the federal CSA. It is typically administered orally in either liquid, powder, tablet, or capsule forms.

Club Drug Penalties in Las Vegas

The possible consequences relating to criminal charges for the alleged possession of a club drug depend on what controlled substance schedule the club drug is classified under. When an alleged offender is convicted of possession of a controlled substance listed in schedule I, II, III, or IV of Nevada's schedules of controlled substances (as MDMA, flunitrazepam, GHB, ketamine, and LSD all are), the sentence imposed will depend on the alleged offender's prior criminal record:

First or Second Offense — Category E felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than four years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $5,000; or

Third or Subsequent Offense — Category D felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than four years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $20,000.

When alleged offenders are apprehended while carrying multiple tablets or large amounts of cash, they can be charged with possession for the purpose of sale. Under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.337, possession of flunitrazepam, GHB, or a schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to sell is punishable as follows:

First Offense — Category D felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000;

Second Offense — Category C felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or

Third or Subsequent Offense — Category B felony punishable by no less than three years, no more than 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

If an alleged offender is charged with possession of a schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance with intent to sell under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.338, a conviction is punishable as follows:

First or Second Offense — Category D felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than four years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $10,000; or

Third or Subsequent Offense — Category C felony punishable by no less than one year, no more than five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

It is also important to keep in mind that alleged offenders can be charged with drug trafficking if they allegedly possess four or more grams of a schedule I controlled substance such as MDMA, GHB, or LSD.

Nevada Resources for Club Drug Charges

Region 51 Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — NA identifies itself as “a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.” Region 51 of NA includes southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, southeastern California, and southwestern Utah. On this website, you can learn more about NA, look up the times and locations of meetings, and view a calendar of upcoming events.

Club Drugs | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — NIDA is a federal institute with a mission “to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.” On this section of the NIDA website, you can view statistics and trends relating to club drugs. You can also view publications dedicated specifically to certain types of club drugs.

Gallo Law Office | Las Vegas Club Drugs Lawyer

If you were arrested in Las Vegas or anywhere in Clark County for the alleged possession of a club drug like GHB, LSD, or MDMA, it will be in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. Gallo Law Office aggressively defends residents of and visitors to the greater Las Vegas area, including such southern Nevada communities as North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Boulder City.

Las Vegas criminal defense attorney James C. Gallo is admitted to both state and federal courts in Nevada. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (702) 385-3131 or complete an online contact form to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.