Papillion Drug Lawyer

Law enforcement agencies throughout Nebraska continue to crack down on drug-related crimes. A conviction for these crimes can have harsh consequences, as the penalties often include incarceration, hefty fines, and other sanctions. Convicted drug offenders may also experience challenges when seeking employment, leasing a housing unit, and obtaining professional licenses.

The laws and sentencing guidelines related to drug offenses in Papillion are complex and may require the assistance of a criminal defense attorney to understand. Those who have been arrested and charged with unlawful possession of drugs, driving while impaired, or possession with intent to distribute should consult with a Papillion drug lawyer.

Understanding Laws Related to Controlled Substances

The Uniform Controlled Substance Act, outlined in Nebraska Revised Statutes §28-416, makes it unlawful to manufacture, possess, or sell narcotics without proper authorization. Federal guidelines classify controlled substances into five schedules based on accepted medical uses.

Drugs like LSD, heroin, and methaqualone are classified as Schedule I because they do not have acceptable medical uses and are likely to be abused. The other schedules are characterized by the likelihood of addiction as well as medical utility.

The severity of penalties imposed for crimes involving controlled substances increase according to the drug’s classification. Another critical factor that impacts the level of the charges is the quantity of the drug involved.

Common Drug-Related Offenses in Papillion

A person can be charged with possession of a controlled substance for having illegal drugs or medications that were not prescribed by a physician. For instance, marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine commonly lead to drug charges in Papillion.

To be convicted of unlawful possession, the individual must knowingly have the substance on their person or have control or access to the drug. A defense attorney in a Papillion drug crimes case may cite search and seizure laws to challenge the prosecutor’s evidence.

Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance can be charged if the quantity of a drug that a person is caught with indicates an intent to sell or distribute it to others. Having large quantities of a controlled substance or possessing packaging materials can lead to intent to distribute charges.

Drug manufacturing charges are commonly associated with the production of methamphetamine. Though this charge also applies to the cultivation of marijuana.

The Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision Program

The Nebraska Supreme Court formed a committee to guide courts at the county and district levels on several Problem-Solving programs. The Specialized Substance Abuse Supervision (SSAS) Program seeks to provide an alternative to incarcerating drug offenders using a treatment model that focuses on ending the cycle of probation violations and recidivism.

Contact an Experienced Papillion Drug Attorney Today

Being convicted of a serious drug offense can result in harsh penalties. There are also many other potential consequences that can result, depending on the circumstances, like harm to your reputation in the community, forfeiture of money or property, and job loss.

A knowledgeable drug attorney at Berry Law can review the evidence and circumstances involved in your case to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s claims. An experienced Papillion drug lawyer could be the difference between a lengthy prison sentence and the dismissal of your drug charges, so call our team today to schedule a confidential consultation.