Strict Laws on Marijuana Possession go Soft on First-Time Offenders
Although Clark County courts enforce an extremely strict marijuana policy, Nevada law on marijuana possession is actually very forgiving to citizens convicted for the first time. If the amount in question is over an ounce, the judge will probably suspend the sentence and grant probation. And if the amount is under an ounce, NRS 453.336 allows both first- and second-time offenders to get away with paying only a fine.
The laws for possession of marijuana in Las Vegas, NV, actually reflect a national trend to give second chances to first-time offenders. According to the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2002 only .003 percent of all 1.2 million state inmates were serving time for first-time marijuana possession. And many of these people were in fact charged with more serious crimes but managed to plead their cases down to possession.
Furthermore, Nevada citizens convicted of marijuana possession in Las Vegas (NRS 453.336) on a first or second offense are often instructed to go to drug court. In doing so, the state aims to curb marijuana possession in Clark County not by punishment in the form of incarceration but by education in the form of treatment. This, too, mirrors a national trend—the criminal justice system is the biggest drug treatment program referral source in the country.
