Spring break is one of most anticipated breaks for the daily grind of studying, testing, and enduring lectures. College can be a stressful time where you focus on your education to ensure a career path. But many college students use spring break to get loose and enjoy the time off from the work load. Las Vegas is a common destination for spring break as it is a hard-partying city where there is plenty of opportunity to make memories with friends and escape the grind. But the important thing is to remember the laws in our town to avoid arrests that will disrupt your goals and impact the future. We at Kajioka and Associates, Attorneys at Law would like to remind you of Nevada laws to help you have a great time without getting caught up in the law.
Types of Common Spring Break Arrests
Drug Possession: While in Las Vegas, many college students admit to using illicit drugs during the spring break adventure. Marijuana is the most common among them. Nevada legalized recreational marijuana use but there are restrictions as to whom and where you can partake. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under the law according to the Nevada Revised Statues Section 453. To legally posses up to 1 ounce of marijuana, you must be 21 years or older. Carrying more than ounce is considered a felony which could be punishable for jail time of up to 4 years. Only dispensaries that are licensed can sell and those selling it outside the law will be charged as a felony and first time offenders can pay up 4 years in jail. A punishable offense is smoking marijuana in public, as that is still illegal. As a misdemeanor, smoking in public can cost you a fine of up to $600.
Other Illicit Drugs: Possession and use of other drugs may also lead to issues with the law for students on Spring Break. Among the many controlled substances, other drugs such as MDMA, cocaine, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines, and prescription opioids are frequently included in the party focus during the spring break excursions. Distribution or possession of these or other such controlled substance is a felony. In Nevada, first time offenders might see leniency with the court and if you take a class or attend Nevada Drug Court, the state’s rehabilitation program the courts may agree to dismiss your case.
Underage Drinking of Alcohol: In Las Vegas the legal drinking age is 21 years old. Possessing an alcoholic beverage in public and anyone under 21 years of age consuming alcohol will be charged with a misdemeanor and according to Nevada Revised Statute 202.020 may face of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
Spring Break Arrest Consequences: With serious consequences for your future, being charged with a crime while on Spring Break is nothing you do not want to experience. You will be tried as an adult and a conviction may end up on your permanent record if you 18 years of age or older. A felony conviction can impact the ability to get a job and forfeit your right to vote, own a firearm, and other such hardships.
Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business Attorneys & More in Greater Las Vegas, Nevada
In the event you made a poor decision or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, call Kajioka and Associates, Attorneys at Law and we will represent you in court and work with the court system to get the charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on the circumstances. Contact us today!
