When Out-Of-State Visitors Arrested for Drug Possession in Las Vegas, Nevada
Drug possession charges in LV
Drug arrests in Las Vegas are far more common than many out-of-state visitors realize. Illegal possession of drugs is a felony in Nevada, and if arrested, you need to hire an attorney to defend your case.
We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000 and speak with our criminal defense attorney. The initial consultation is free and confidential.
Where arrests happen
In Las Vegas, most drug arrests against out-of-town visitors occur in a handful of places. The most common locations include: inside nightclubs and bars, inside pool parties, or while waiting in line for a pool party or a nightclub.
Other common locations are public areas that are under surveillance or the places that casino employees routinely visit. Bathroom stalls inside the casino and the area around the gaming floor are good examples.
Arrests inside nightclubs and bars
In Las Vegas, the nightclubs and bars provide fertile grounds for drug arrests. Nightclub security and staff often report drug use at VIP tables and in restroom stalls. The same is true about the pool parties.
Arrests during pool parties
Another common location for drug arrests occurs inside the pool party itself. Although Las Vegas pools provide a relaxing atmosphere, the hotel staff is vigilant for illegal drug use.
It is common for staff and security to report drug use inside a cabana or the pool bathroom. Often the patron does not even know that they were spotted with illegal drugs until a security guard approaches them, sometimes hours later.
Arrests while waiting in line to get to a nightclub or pool
An overwhelming number of drug arrests occur while visitors are in line to enter a pool club or night club. The security check is much more scrupulous than most people realize - the security guard thoroughly inspects every pocket in a handbag or wallet.
Women, who hold contraband for their friends in bags and purses, are often caught off guard by the intrusive search. Although holding drugs for another, in Las Vegas, a person can still be charged with drug possession because they had physical control of the drugs when the search occurred.
Drugs connected to arrests
By far, the most common illegal drugs related to Las Vegas drug arrests on hotel property are cocaine and ecstasy.
In Nevada, both drugs are considered controlled substances, and their possession is treated as a felony.
What happens after the arrest
Spending time in jail. Las Vegas jails often face overcrowding during the weekends, and especially over holiday weekends and major conventions. When there is overcrowding at the jail, the jail will first release non-violent misdemeanor offenders and then non-violent felony offenders.
48-hour hearing. Usually, in Las Vegas, a person arrested for drugs is released after a 48-hour hearing, a video "in camera" hearing when the judge reviews the case and determines charges and the bail amount.
72-hour hearing. If a person is not released within the first 48 hours, they will face the judge after 72 hours in custody or during the next weekday morning, whichever is later. At this stage, a person will either be released or be assigned a public defender who may argue for their release.
Posting bail. The amount of bail varies. On drug charges, there's no set bail amount. It is up to the judge to set bail and the amount of bail. On a simple drug charge, the bail amount could be zero. However, if the bail amount is high and the person can't afford it, then family or friends can hire a bail bond agent to post bail on their behalf. The bail amount will be returned to the person who posted it after the criminal charges are ultimately resolved. The fee that the bail bondsman charges for their services will not be returned.
Paperwork after being released. In Las Vegas, when jail releases the person, the person is given paperwork with their scheduled court date and the charges they are facing. The court may change that court appearance date, and the person may or may not be notified of the new court date. It is imperative to check with the court about your court date.
If a person fails to show up for their court date, a bench warrant for that person's arrest will be issued. Bench warrants do not expire on their own; they stay on a person's record until resolved and give the police a reason to arrest the person who has the warrant - regardless of what state that person lives in.
For details, call our office at 702-432-1000 and ask to speak with a criminal defense attorney.
Out-of-state visitors
Whether you are a Las Vegas resident or an out-of-state visitor, your Las Vegas arrest for drug possession will come up during your background check and cause endless problems.
When foreigners arrested
If you are a foreigner, having a drug-related charge and an active warrant for your arrest will have serious implications. The Immigration Service will either deny your entry to the United States or will allow you to enter the country and arrest you at the border.
What to do
The right way to handle your drug possession criminal charge is to face the charges and then - to seal your criminal record.
Facing drug possession charges
Because the drug possession charge is a felony, it can wreak havoc with a person's life long after their stay in Las Vegas has ended.
However, at the beginning of any criminal defense case, it is important to remember that felony drug charges are just that - only charges. The conviction, which is the outcome of the matter, may be very different than what a person was arrested for. And, the difference often comes down to the quality of the criminal defense representation.
We can help
Our criminal defense attorney Parviz Heshmati has won numerous awards for his excellence in criminal defense. He successfully negotiated many drug-related cases. He successfully negotiated many drug-related cases. In some cases, the court agreed to reduce the charges. In other cases, the court dismissed charges altogether. Our office often got permission to waive our client's presence in court, and they didn't have to fly back to Las Vegas for the hearing.
Call us at 702-432-1000 with any questions you may have.
Our office is in downtown Las Vegas.
Walk-ins are always welcome!
Payment plans are available.
The initial consultation is free.
Resources:
Drug Possession Charges
Drug Schedules - DEA. The DEA enforces the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.
