Possession of a controlled substance in Las Vegas is among the most harshly prosecuted offenses. An arrest and conviction for the offense can result in severe legal and collateral consequences. The first hurdle you encounter after an arrest is securing a release from jail.
In Nevada, you can post bail after the arrest and be released pending trial. However, courts often set high bail amounts for serious offenses like possession of a controlled substance. For this reason, the bail amount becomes unaffordable for many defendants and their families.
Bail bonds are a cheaper and more convenient option. Understanding how bail bonds work for drug crimes can help you make informed decisions. You can consult a reliable bail bonds company for assistance if you cannot afford a cash or property bail.
Bail for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Las Vegas
NRS 453.336 makes it an offense to possess a controlled substance without a prescription intentionally. Nevada has strict laws on drug-related crimes. Therefore, the rates are high for defendants facing arrest and charges for possessing a controlled substance. A judge will set bail for possession of a controlled substance, depending on:
- Type of drug possession. Under Nevada law, drug possession can be actual, constructive, or joint, depending on the circumstances.
- Your criminal record. The court will check your criminal history when setting bail. A judge may set a higher bail if you have a history of drug-related offenses or other serious crimes.
- Flight risk. Bail aims to discourage defendants from fleeing after a release. Therefore, the judge can set a high bail if you are a significant flight risk.
Due to the severity of drug crimes, the court can set a high bail amount for your offense. This makes it challenging to pay the full amount upfront. In this case, you could explore other options.
Posting a Bail Bond for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Las Vegas
Bail bonds are agreements between the court, a surety company, and a defendant. The surety company pledges to pay the full bail amount to the court if a defendant fails to appear in court. This allows the court to release the defendant pending trial. The process of posting a bail bond for possession of a controlled substance takes the following steps:
Contacting a Surety Company
Following a loved one's arrest, you can contact a licensed bail bondsman. The best bail bonds company will have bondsmen available around the clock to handle your case. The bondsman will require the following details:
- The full name of the accused
- The jail in which the person is incarcerated
- The required bail amount
The bondsman will then evaluate your case to determine whether they will post your bond. They will verify the defendant’s flight risk and your capability to pay the fees for the bail bonds.
Paying the Premium
In Nevada, bail bond companies charge a fee of up to 15% of the total bail amount. For example, if bail for possession of a controlled substance is set at $10,000, you will pay a fee of $1500. Even after the case ends, you cannot recover the premium fee. Families often choose this option because it is lower than paying the full bail in cash.
You can negotiate a repayment plan with the surety company if you cannot afford the premium upfront. The plan allows you to pay a small amount as a down payment. You can cover the premium balance with affordable installments.
Signing a Contract
You must sign a bail bond contract before posting bail for you or your loved one. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the bondsman and the cosigner. You can co-sign a bail bond for a loved one or friend. In cases involving possession of a controlled substance, this step is crucial.
Posting the Bail
After signing the agreement, the bondsman will go to court and secure your loved one's release. The bondsman shoulders the financial responsibility for the defendant’s appearance. For possession of a controlled substance, release can usually happen within a few hours, depending on jail processing times.
Responsibilities After a Bail Bond Release
After bail is posted, the defendant is subject to the court's orders. Possession of a controlled substance often comes with common bail requirements of random drug testing and regular check-ins. The court will also mandate you to attend counseling and treatment for drug abuse.
The judge may revoke the bail if the defendant misses court dates or breaks any other bail condition.
Benefits of Posting a Bail Bond for Possession of a Controlled Substance
Posting a bail bond after being arrested for possession of a controlled substance offers the following benefits:
- Speedier jail release. A bail bond can help you secure a quick release. Quick freedom allows for stabilization time, returning home, and avoiding the stress of lengthy jail stays.
- Lower upfront costs. Judges set high bail amounts for serious crimes like possession of a controlled substance. A bail bond only requires you to pay 15% of the total bail. This approach makes freedom more affordable for many defendants.
- Ability to continue working or studying. Jail disrupts jobs and school. Posting bail lets defendants return to work or classes. Staying productive shows responsibility and helps income stability.
- More time to work on a legal defense. Preparing a defense from jail is difficult. Bail bonds allow the defendants to meet with their attorney and discuss defense strategies.
Find a Competent Bail Bonds Service Near Me
Securing a release before trial enables defendants to go home, keep their jobs, and defend well. However, the courts can impose a very high bail that is hard to afford because of its nature. If you are in this predicament, you can consider a bail bond.
Bail bonds allow you to secure a release for yourself or a loved one without paying the full bail amount. A surety company will assure the court of your return for trial and pledge the full bail amount if you flee. At Express Bail Bonds, we offer fast, reliable, and affordable bail bonds for our clients in Las Vegas, NV. Call us at 702-633-2245 to discuss your case.
