Methamphetamine Possession

Methamphetamine is drug for which popularity has increased in recent years as more people have found they could manufacture (or “cook”) it. More commonly known as “crystal meth” but also having such street names as speed, glass, or ice, methamphetamine labs and users have become an increasingly popular target of many state and local police agencies in southern Nevada.

People who are convicted of meth possession crimes can be sentenced to lengthy prison terms and ordered to pay steep fines, but there can also be immense long-term consequences. The effect of having any kind of drug-related offense on one's criminal record can lead to substantial problems when it comes to obtaining employment, housing, or loans.

Lawyer for Methamphetamine Possession Arrests in Las Vegas, NV

If you were arrested anywhere in Clark County for alleged possession of crystal meth, it will be in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. Gallo Law Office aggressively defends clients throughout southern Nevada, including Boulder City, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and many surrounding communities.

James C. Gallo is a skilled criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas who works tirelessly to get criminal charges reduced or dismissed. You can have him provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (702) 385-3131 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.

Clark County Methamphetamine Possession Information Center

Methamphetamine Possession Penalties in Nevada

Nevada Administrative Code § 453.510 classifies methamphetamine as a schedule I controlled substance, which means that a person may face any one of the sentences established under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.336 if convicted for unlawful possession of the drug. Repeat offenses can result in stricter sentences:

First or Second Offense — Category E felony punishable by not less than one year, not 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 not less than one year, not more than four years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $20,000.

When a person has been charged with simple possession of methamphetamine, some of the most effective defenses challenge whether the drugs actually belonged to the alleged offender. In other cases, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to prove that authorities violated the alleged offender's Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search and seizure.

Las Vegas Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Sell Penalties

If an alleged offender is arrested for methamphetamine possession while he or she is carrying a large amount of cash or has the drug distributed in smaller equal amounts, that person could be accused of having the intent to sell. The possible consequences of methamphetamine possession for the purpose of sale under Nevada Revised Statute § 453.337 can be more severe than basic simple possession charges:

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.

Police officers will frequently use additional evidence seized during methamphetamine possession arrests to lead to much more serious criminal charges. If an alleged offender also possesses any one of the chemicals or ingredients that is used to make crystal meth (even something such as pills for cold remedies), that person may even be accused of manufacturing methamphetamine.

If an alleged offenders allegedly possess four or more grams of methamphetamine, they can face charges of drug trafficking. Under Nevada Revised Statute § 453. 3385, an alleged offender who is accused of trafficking methamphetamine possibly faces the following sentences:

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 Methamphetamine Possession Crime Resources

Vitality Unlimited — Vitality Unlimited is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that provides community services, affordable housing, and high-quality chemical dependency treatment services. On this website, you can learn more about its substance abuse treatment and prevention services. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions.

Restoration Counseling Services
Vitality Unlimited
6885 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite B
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 629-7799

Nevada Substance Abuse Working Group 2015 Report — View a summary of the 2014 report of the Attorney General's Substance Abuse Working Group (SAWG) that is a continuation of the report submitted in 2007 by the original Governor's Working Group on Methamphetamine Use. The report touches on the scope of the methamphetamine problem in Nevada and provides an overview of current strategies to combat the problem.

Gallo Law Office | Las Vegas Methamphetamine Possession Lawyer

Were you arrested in Clark County for the alleged possession of crystal meth? You will want to contact Gallo Law Office as soon as possible for help achieving the most favorable possible outcome to your situation.

Las Vegas criminal defense attorney James C. Gallo represents clients in Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas, and several other nearby areas in southern Nevada. Call (702) 385-3131 or submit an online contact form today to have our lawyer review your case and discuss you legal options during a free consultation.