Boxing legend and former Olympic Gold Medalist Oscar De La Hoya recently checked into a California rehabilitation clinic to address issues related to alcohol and cocaine abuse. De La Hoya asked for privacy for himself and his family during this difficult time. While De La Hoya has not had any recent run-ins with the law, alcohol and drug abuse are a common factor in many, if not most, criminal cases.
Drug possession cases are extremely common in Las Vegas courts. Felony drug charges include Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, Driving under the Influence of a Controlled Substance Causing Death or Substantial Bodily Harm, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Manufacturing or Distributing Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Even when the charge itself is not drug-related, frequently the motivation behind an offense is related to drug or alcohol abuse. Many Burglaries, Robberies and other theft-related crimes are committed in order to feed a drug habit, and nearly all habitual criminals and career criminals are drug-addicted.
Nevada has extremely harsh drug laws. In Nevada, possession of as little as four (4) grams of a controlled substance (including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, GHB) can result in a mandatory prison sentence. Possession of more than twenty-eight (28) grams of a controlled substance can result in a sentence of Life in Prison. Federal Drug Offenses carry similarly harsh sentences, including minimum mandatory prison sentences for possession of relatively small amounts of controlled substances.
If you or someone you know is charged with a drug offense or an offense that was motivated by drug or alcohol addiction, contact a Las Vegas Drug Crimes Attorney immediately. A Las Vegas Drug Crimes Lawyer can help you analyze the facts of your case, assess your eligibility for diversion programs if any, and help you develop the most aggressive defense strategy available.