Drug Possession Charges in Nevada: How Serious Are They?

Drug laws in Nevada have changed over the years, especially when it comes to marijuana. But make no mistake — being charged with drug possession is still a serious matter that can have lasting consequences. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, a possession charge can impact your record, your freedom, and your future opportunities.


Understanding how Nevada handles drug possession — and what you can do if you’ve been charged — is the first step toward protecting yourself.


What Counts as “Possession” in Nevada?


Under Nevada law, possession means having control over a controlled substance, whether it’s on your person, in your car, in your home, or even somewhere else you have access to. There are three main types of possession:


  1. Actual possession – Having the drugs physically on you, like in your pocket or backpack.
  2. Constructive possession – The drugs aren’t on you, but they’re in a place you control, like your car, apartment, or storage unit.
  3. Joint possession – Two or more people share control over the same drugs.


It’s also important to note that you don’t have to own the drugs to be charged — simply having access to them can be enough for prosecutors to pursue a case.



Controlled Substances in Nevada


Nevada classifies drugs into five schedules, based on factors like medical use and potential for abuse.


Schedule I drugs (heroin, LSD, MDMA) are considered the most serious, with no accepted medical use and high potential for abuse.


Schedule II–V drugs include substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription opioids, anabolic steroids, and certain anxiety medications — many of which are legal with a valid prescription but illegal to possess otherwise.


Marijuana is treated differently from other controlled substances, but possession over the legal limit can still lead to criminal charges.


Penalties for Drug Possession in Nevada


The severity of a drug possession charge depends on:

• The type and amount of the substance

• Your criminal history

• Whether prosecutors believe you intended to use the drugs personally or distribute them


First-time possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (other than marijuana) is typically a Category E felony, punishable by 1–4 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. However, first-time offenders are often eligible for probation or drug court, which focuses on rehabilitation instead of jail.


Possession with intent to sell, or trafficking larger amounts, results in far more severe charges and mandatory prison time.



Marijuana Possession in Nevada


For adults 21 and over, it’s legal to possess:


• Up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower, or

• Up to ⅛ ounce of concentrated cannabis (like edibles, oils, or waxes)


Possessing more than the legal limit — or possessing any amount if you’re under 21 — can still lead to criminal charges. Selling marijuana without a license is also a felony.



Defenses to Drug Possession Charges


A strong defense can mean the difference between a conviction and a clean record. Depending on the facts, your attorney may challenge:

• Whether the drugs actually belonged to you

• How the drugs were found (illegal searches can make evidence inadmissible)

• Whether law enforcement respected your constitutional rights during the arrest

• The lab results confirming the substance


In some cases, it’s possible to negotiate reduced charges, enter a diversion program, or have the case dismissed entirely.


Why Legal Representation Matters


Even if you think the charge is “minor” — especially for a first offense — a conviction can follow you for years. It can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and your ability to obtain certain loans or benefits.


An experienced Nevada criminal defense attorney knows the local courts, understands the programs available for first-time offenders, and can fight to protect your record and your future.


Charged with Drug Possession in Douglas or Washoe County? We Can Help.


At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing drug charges throughout Northern Nevada — from simple possession to serious trafficking cases. We know the stakes, we know the law, and we know how to fight for the best possible outcome.


If you’ve been charged with drug possession, don’t wait until your court date to get help. Contact us today for a free consultation — and take the first step toward protecting your freedom and your future.

Tax Season and Divorce: How Filing Status Affects Nevada Couples Separating This Year

April 6, 2026
Choosing the right family law attorney in Northern Nevada is one of the most consequential decisions you can make during a divorce, custody dispute, or adoption. The stakes are high — your children, your finances, and your future are all on the line. Yet many people make costly mistakes during the hiring process that set their case back before it even begins. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we regularly meet with people who have had difficult experiences with other attorneys — or who come to us unsure of how to evaluate their options. Here are the five most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone It's natural to worry about legal fees, especially when you're already facing the financial stress of a divorce or custody battle. But choosing an attorney solely because they charge the lowest hourly rate is a trap that often costs far more in the long run. Family law in Nevada is complex and highly fact-specific. An inexperienced or understaffed attorney who takes longer to understand your case, misses procedural deadlines in Washoe or Douglas County courts, or fails to properly argue the NRS factors for alimony or child custody can produce outcomes that no amount of money can easily fix. What to do instead: Ask about value, not just price. What is the attorney's experience with cases like yours? How familiar are they with local judges and court procedures in Reno and Minden? Do they have a clear strategy from day one? Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Local Experience Nevada family law is statewide, but court culture is deeply local. A Washoe County Family Court judge in Reno may have different tendencies when evaluating parenting plans than a Douglas County judge in Minden. Local knowledge — knowing how courts are run, what judges prioritize, and even how to navigate filing requirements — is a real and meaningful advantage. Many people hire attorneys from large firms based in Las Vegas who have little familiarity with Northern Nevada courts. Others hire generalist attorneys who handle everything from DUIs to wills and treat family law as a side practice. What to do instead: Ask your attorney directly: How many family law cases have you handled in Washoe County? Douglas County? Have you appeared before the specific judges assigned to family law matters in these courts? Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney Timing matters enormously in family law. Nevada courts operate on strict procedural schedules, and the choices made — or not made — in the early stages of a case can define its entire trajectory. For example, if your spouse has already filed for divorce and you delay retaining an attorney, you may miss the window to request temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or use of the family home. If you are dealing with a child custody modification, failure to act promptly when a material change of circumstances occurs can weaken your position significantly. What to do instead: Contact a family law attorney in Reno or Minden as soon as you know legal action is likely — even before papers are filed. An initial consultation costs very little compared to the cost of being caught flat-footed. Mistake #4: Choosing an Attorney Who Is Not a Good Fit for Your Goals Not every family law case requires scorched-earth litigation. And not every case can be resolved peacefully. The mistake many people make is hiring an attorney whose approach doesn't match their situation. If your primary goal is to preserve a cooperative co-parenting relationship after divorce, hiring an attorney known for aggressive courtroom tactics may escalate conflict and harm your children. Conversely, if you are dealing with a spouse who is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate in good faith, hiring someone who only pursues settlement may leave money and rights on the table. What to do instead: In your initial consultation, be clear about what matters most to you — minimizing conflict, protecting your finances, ensuring maximum parenting time, or reaching a quick resolution. A good attorney will tell you honestly whether their approach aligns with your goals. Mistake #5: Not Asking About the Full Team Handling Your Case Many attorneys advertise their personal credentials prominently, but in practice, your case may be primarily handled by a junior associate or paralegal you never met at the consultation. This is not always a problem — strong teams can serve clients well — but it becomes a serious issue when you expect senior-level attention and don't receive it. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe in transparency. When you hire our firm, you know exactly who will be working on your case and what role they will play. Whether your matter involves family law, appellate advocacy, or criminal defense, our team — including our appellate attorney Lucas Glanzmann — works collaboratively to bring the right expertise to your case. What to do instead: Ask at the outset: Who will I actually be working with day-to-day? Who will appear in court on my behalf? How accessible is the lead attorney if I have questions? What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Reno or Minden, NV As you evaluate your options, here are the qualities that matter most: Demonstrated experience with Nevada family law cases in Washoe County and Douglas County courts Clear, honest communication about what your case realistically involves and what outcomes are achievable A track record of both negotiating fair settlements and litigating effectively when necessary Transparent billing and team structure — no surprises A firm that treats you as a person, not just a case number Contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Serving clients in Reno NV, Minden NV, Carson City, Sparks, Gardnerville, and all of Northern Nevada. Schedule your consultation today at maxstovalllaw.com or call our Reno or Minden office.

5 Mistakes People Make When Hiring a Family Law Attorney in Northern Nevada

April 6, 2026
Choosing the right family law attorney in Northern Nevada is one of the most consequential decisions you can make during a divorce, custody dispute, or adoption. The stakes are high — your children, your finances, and your future are all on the line. Yet many people make costly mistakes during the hiring process that set their case back before it even begins. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we regularly meet with people who have had difficult experiences with other attorneys — or who come to us unsure of how to evaluate their options. Here are the five most common mistakes we see, and how to avoid them. Mistake #1: Hiring Based on Price Alone It's natural to worry about legal fees, especially when you're already facing the financial stress of a divorce or custody battle. But choosing an attorney solely because they charge the lowest hourly rate is a trap that often costs far more in the long run. Family law in Nevada is complex and highly fact-specific. An inexperienced or understaffed attorney who takes longer to understand your case, misses procedural deadlines in Washoe or Douglas County courts, or fails to properly argue the NRS factors for alimony or child custody can produce outcomes that no amount of money can easily fix. What to do instead: Ask about value, not just price. What is the attorney's experience with cases like yours? How familiar are they with local judges and court procedures in Reno and Minden? Do they have a clear strategy from day one? Mistake #2: Failing to Verify Local Experience Nevada family law is statewide, but court culture is deeply local. A Washoe County Family Court judge in Reno may have different tendencies when evaluating parenting plans than a Douglas County judge in Minden. Local knowledge — knowing how courts are run, what judges prioritize, and even how to navigate filing requirements — is a real and meaningful advantage. Many people hire attorneys from large firms based in Las Vegas who have little familiarity with Northern Nevada courts. Others hire generalist attorneys who handle everything from DUIs to wills and treat family law as a side practice. What to do instead: Ask your attorney directly: How many family law cases have you handled in Washoe County? Douglas County? Have you appeared before the specific judges assigned to family law matters in these courts? Mistake #3: Waiting Too Long to Hire an Attorney Timing matters enormously in family law. Nevada courts operate on strict procedural schedules, and the choices made — or not made — in the early stages of a case can define its entire trajectory. For example, if your spouse has already filed for divorce and you delay retaining an attorney, you may miss the window to request temporary orders for child custody, spousal support, or use of the family home. If you are dealing with a child custody modification, failure to act promptly when a material change of circumstances occurs can weaken your position significantly. What to do instead: Contact a family law attorney in Reno or Minden as soon as you know legal action is likely — even before papers are filed. An initial consultation costs very little compared to the cost of being caught flat-footed. Mistake #4: Choosing an Attorney Who Is Not a Good Fit for Your Goals Not every family law case requires scorched-earth litigation. And not every case can be resolved peacefully. The mistake many people make is hiring an attorney whose approach doesn't match their situation. If your primary goal is to preserve a cooperative co-parenting relationship after divorce, hiring an attorney known for aggressive courtroom tactics may escalate conflict and harm your children. Conversely, if you are dealing with a spouse who is hiding assets or refusing to negotiate in good faith, hiring someone who only pursues settlement may leave money and rights on the table. What to do instead: In your initial consultation, be clear about what matters most to you — minimizing conflict, protecting your finances, ensuring maximum parenting time, or reaching a quick resolution. A good attorney will tell you honestly whether their approach aligns with your goals. Mistake #5: Not Asking About the Full Team Handling Your Case Many attorneys advertise their personal credentials prominently, but in practice, your case may be primarily handled by a junior associate or paralegal you never met at the consultation. This is not always a problem — strong teams can serve clients well — but it becomes a serious issue when you expect senior-level attention and don't receive it. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe in transparency. When you hire our firm, you know exactly who will be working on your case and what role they will play. Whether your matter involves family law, appellate advocacy, or criminal defense, our team — including our appellate attorney Lucas Glanzmann — works collaboratively to bring the right expertise to your case. What to do instead: Ask at the outset: Who will I actually be working with day-to-day? Who will appear in court on my behalf? How accessible is the lead attorney if I have questions? What to Look for in a Family Law Attorney in Reno or Minden, NV As you evaluate your options, here are the qualities that matter most: Demonstrated experience with Nevada family law cases in Washoe County and Douglas County courts Clear, honest communication about what your case realistically involves and what outcomes are achievable A track record of both negotiating fair settlements and litigating effectively when necessary Transparent billing and team structure — no surprises A firm that treats you as a person, not just a case number Contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Serving clients in Reno NV, Minden NV, Carson City, Sparks, Gardnerville, and all of Northern Nevada. Schedule your consultation today at maxstovalllaw.com or call our Reno or Minden office.