Finding yourself or a loved one facing charges for being caught with drugs in Nevada can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first run-in with the law. The good news? You don’t have to face this alone. Here’s a simple breakdown of what these charges mean, what penalties you might face, and how to secure bail quickly.
What Is Drug Possession in Nevada?
Drug possession isn’t always as straightforward as having illegal substances in your pocket. It can also mean being in a car or home where drugs are found, even if they don’t belong to you. Nevada categorizes substances into schedules based on their risk of abuse and medical value.
Here are some common examples:
- Schedule I Drugs: Heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. These are highly dangerous and have no accepted medical use.
- Schedule II Drugs: Meth, cocaine, and OxyContin without a prescription. These drugs have limited medical use but are extremely addictive.
- Schedule III-IV Drugs: Anabolic steroids and Valium—both of which are illegal without a valid prescription.
What Happens If You’re Charged with Drug Possession?
The penalties depend on the type of drug, the amount, and your criminal history. For example, a first-time offender caught with a small amount may qualify for a diversion program, which can result in reduced charges after completing drug treatment. On the other hand, being caught with large quantities or having prior offenses can lead to serious consequences like 1–4 years in prison or heavy fines.
Imagine you’re pulled over for a routine traffic stop, and the officer finds a small bag of cocaine under your seat. For a first offense, you might face a felony charge, but with a strong defense, you could qualify for probation or a treatment program. However, a second offense or possession of larger amounts could result in a mandatory prison sentence.
How Does the Bail Process Work in Nevada?
If you’re arrested for drug possession, bail allows you to remain free while awaiting your court date. Here’s how the process works:
The judge sets bail based on the charges, your criminal record, and the risk of flight. For instance, minor drug possession charges might have bail set at $5,000, while felony charges involving heroin or meth could range from $20,000 to $50,000.
Once bail is set, you have two main options. You can pay the full amount in cash, which is often unaffordable for most people, or you can use a bail bond service like us at eBail. With a bail bond, you only pay a small percentage—usually 15% of the total bail amount—and we cover the rest. For example, if bail is set at $10,000, you would only need to pay $1,500 upfront to us.
As part of the process, a cosigner—usually a family member or close friend—might be needed to guarantee the bond. They agree to take responsibility if the defendant fails to appear in court.
Why Work with Us at eBail?
When you or a loved one is in a stressful situation, you can count on us to help. We’re here 24/7 to provide fast, reliable, and affordable bail bond services throughout Nevada. Our team works quickly to get your loved one out of jail, often within hours, and we offer flexible payment plans to ease the financial burden. With our experience in Nevada’s legal system, we can guide you every step of the way, ensuring you understand the process and what to expect.
What Should You Do After Getting Out on Bail?
Once released, your focus should shift to preparing for your case. The first step is hiring a criminal defense attorney who can review the details and explore options like reduced charges or diversion programs. Make sure to attend all scheduled court appearances and comply with any conditions set by the court. If drug treatment is required, enrolling promptly not only helps your case but also demonstrates a commitment to turning things around.
Let’s say John, a Las Vegas resident, was arrested for having prescription pills without a valid prescription. His sister contacted us at eBail and was able to secure his release the same night by paying just 15% of his $15,000 bail. With legal help, John entered a treatment program, and his charges were reduced.
Facing drug possession charges can be daunting, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Let us at eBail help you or your loved one through the bail process, so you can focus on what matters—getting life back on track.