Heroin Possession

Heroin is a drug that has seen increased popularity in recent years. While it can be smoked or snorted, heroin is most commonly injected and it is extremely addictive because of its euphoric effects are typically felt very quickly by users.

The effect of heroin is similar to many prescription painkillers, but many users develop an illegal habit because it is usually sold for much less. Heroin is classified as a schedule I controlled substance under Nevada Administrative Code § 453.510, which means that an alleged offender charged with possession of the drug can face serious penalties that can include several years in prison as well as huge fines.

Lawyer for Heroin Possession Arrests in Las Vegas, NV

If you were arrested in Clark County for the alleged possession of heroin, you should not delay in seeking legal representation for help achieving the most favorable outcome to your case. Gallo Law Office represents clients accused of drug crimes in Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, and surrounding communities in southern Nevada.

Las Vegas criminal defense attorney James C. Gallo challenges unconstitutional searches and fights to have illegally obtained evidence suppressed. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (702) 385-3131 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.

Clark County Heroin Possession Charges Information Center

Heroin Possession Penalties in Nevada

An alleged offender who is accused of possessing heroin will be charged with unlawful possession under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.336. The possible consequences of a conviction in these cases depend on whether the alleged offender has a prior drug offense conviction.

Generally, heroin possession convictions are punishable as follows:

First or Second Offense — Category E felony punishable by at least one year, up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000; or

Third or Subsequent Offense — Category D felony punishable by at least one year, up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

After an alleged offender has been arrested for simple possession of heroin, it is critical to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately review how police found the controlled substance. When authorities find drugs as the result of improper traffic stops or illegal searches, an attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence and the criminal charges will ultimately be thrown out.

Las Vegas Heroin Possession with Intent to Sell Penalties

Simple possession charges are stressful enough, but alleged offenders can face much more severe consequences if they are also accused of having possessed heroin with the intent to sell the drug. While proving a person's supposed criminal intent is very hard to do, prosecutors will usually rely on other additional forms of evidence during the arrest, such as alleged offenders carrying paraphernalia like baggies or large amounts of cash.

Under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.337, a conviction for possession of heroin for the purpose of sale is punishable as follows:

First Offense — Category D felony punishable by at least one year, up to four years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000;

Second Offense — Category C felony punishable by at least one year, up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or

Third or Subsequent Offense — Category B felony punishable by at least three years, up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

When alleged offenders possess four or more grams of heroin, they can be charged with drug trafficking. Heroin trafficking is punishable as follows under Nevada Revised Statute § 453. 3385:

4 Grams or More, But Less than 14 Grams — Category B felony punishable by at least one year, up to six years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000;

14 Grams or More, But Less than 28 Grams — Category B felony punishable by at least two years, up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000; or

28 Grams or More — Category A felony punishable by a definite term of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 or life in prison with parole eligibility beginning after a minimum of 10 years have been served.

Nevada Heroin Possession Crime Resources

Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada — Community Counseling Center is a private, nonprofit community-based corporation and United Way Agency that was formed to address the need for affordable mental health treatment. Its substance abuse treatment includes early intervention, outpatient services, intensive outpatient services and aftercare. You can learn more about the services Community Counseling Center provides, how to get help, and recent news by visiting this website.

Community Counseling Center
714 E. Sahara Ave., Ste. 101
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 369-8700

Addiction and Substance Abuse among Nevada Youths | University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) Center for Democratic Culture — In 2012, the UNLV Center for Democratic Culture released this article examining substance abuse statistics for Nevada youths. According to this report, Nevada youths accounted for 3.6 percent of the total primary heroin treatment admissions in Nevada, whereas the rate was 0.5 percent for youths nationwide. Additionally, Nevadans aged 12 to 25 accounted for more than half of the total primary heroin admissions, while the rate was less than a quarter for the same age group nationally.

Gallo Law Office | Las Vegas Heroin Possession Lawyer

Were you arrested for allegedly possessing heroin in Clark County? It will be in your best interest to immediately contact Gallo Law Office for help fighting to possibly have the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

James C. Gallo is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas who aggressively defends clients all over southern Nevada, including North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, and many other nearby areas. Call (702) 385-3131 or complete an online contact form today to receive a free consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and answer all of your legal questions.