Omaha Drug Crime Lawyers

• Possession of controlled substances: Having illegal drugs in one's possession, whether for personal use or otherwise.
• Drug trafficking: The act of distributing, selling, or transporting illegal drugs.
• Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs, including growing plants like marijuana or operating meth labs.
• Possession with intent to distribute: Holding larger quantities of drugs to sell or distribute them.
• Drug paraphernalia: Possessing items used for drug consumption or manufacturing.
• Prescription drug crimes: Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription medications.
• Conspiracy to commit drug crimes: Collaborating with others to plan and execute drug-related activities.
• Operating a drug-involved premises: Maintaining a property used for the illegal use, production, or distribution of drugs.

Depending on the circumstances, including the type of drugs involved, drug crime penalties can range from minor to severe. An infraction for a first offense of marijuana possession can result in a fine of $300 only. A federal drug trafficking charge can be investigated by a federal agency like the DEA or the FBI and lead to years in federal prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and forfeiture of crime-related assets and property.  

How Are Drug Crimes Charged?

Drug crimes are charged based on the type and quantity of the drugs found, the nature of the crime, whether weapons were involved, whether the offense occurred in drug-free zones, such as near schools or playgrounds, or whether minors were involved. 

The “schedule” under which the drugs are found is an essential factor in drug crimes. Those drugs considered the most dangerous and addictive rank higher in their potential for more severe charges and penalties.

Nebraska’s drug schedules mimic those of the federal government. They include: 

• Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD).
• Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses under severe restrictions (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine).
• Schedule III: Drugs with a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I or II and accepted medical uses (e.g., anabolic steroids, certain stimulants).
• Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses (e.g., Xanax, Valium).
• Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and accepted medical uses (e.g., cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters).