Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Reno
Northern Nevada Criminal Defense for High-Stakes Trafficking Charges
A drug trafficking charge is one of the most serious allegations in Nevada criminal law. Unlike a simple possession or sale charge, trafficking carries mandatory prison terms that remove most of the judge’s sentencing discretion once certain weight thresholds are met. If you’re facing this kind of charge in Reno, the time to act is now.
Larry K. Dunn & Associates is a Reno-based, father-daughter criminal defense law firm with over 55 years of combined experience. We bring aggressive representation and a client-first approach to every case we take on, providing responsive, detail-oriented legal support across Northern Nevada.
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with drug trafficking in Reno, call us at (775) 522-3550 or use our contact form to discuss your situation. The sooner you reach out, the more options your defense may preserve.
Why Our Father-Daughter Team Is the Right Fit for Your Defense
As a father-daughter team, we combine decades of Northern Nevada courtroom experience with a modern approach to client communication. That pairing matters in a trafficking case, where a misstep early in the process can close off important options later.
Our clients consistently point to two things: we’re accessible, and we fight hard. We offer fully digital, responsive support so you can reach a real person when you need answers. Our defense strategy is built around protecting your rights at every stage, from the first hearing through trial if it comes to that.
How Nevada Defines Drug Trafficking Under NRS 453.3385
Nevada Revised Statute 453.3385 draws a firm line between possession, sale, and trafficking. What pushes a charge into trafficking territory is the type and quantity of controlled substance involved. Once the weight of a substance crosses the statutory threshold for that drug category, the charge becomes trafficking regardless of whether prosecutors can prove an intent to distribute.
The statute is structured in tiers, with higher quantities corresponding to more serious charge levels and greater sentencing exposure. This matters enormously because the penalties at the trafficking level aren’t simply higher fines or longer probation.
Sentencing Exposure for a Nevada Trafficking Conviction
Nevada’s trafficking statute imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences. Once a trafficking weight threshold is established, a judge has very limited ability to sentence below that floor, whether the case resolves by plea or goes to trial. That’s a fundamentally different situation than most drug charges, where judicial discretion leaves room to negotiate a different outcome.
A trafficking conviction carries substantially harsher penalties than a possession or simple sale conviction at every tier. Understanding exactly which tier applies to your case, and whether the evidence actually supports it, is where the defense work begins.
Let’s talk about your case! Schedule a free, confidential consultation with our expert team today.
State Court vs. Federal Court for Reno Drug Trafficking Cases
Not all drug trafficking cases stay in Nevada state court. Cases involving interstate transport, large controlled substance quantities, or multiple defendants connected in a distribution network are more likely to draw federal charges. Federal drug trafficking prosecutions operate under their own sentencing guidelines and carry their own mandatory minimums, which are separate from and often more severe than those under Nevada state law.
State-level charges are heard in Washoe County District Court. Federal charges go to the United States District Court for the District of Nevada, which maintains a courthouse in Reno. We handle both, and knowing which jurisdiction applies shapes how we build your defense from day one.
Defense Strategies in Drug Trafficking Cases
Trafficking charges are serious, but the evidence isn’t unassailable. There are several lines of defense we evaluate carefully in every case.
Search & Seizure Challenges
If the search or seizure that produced the drug evidence violated your constitutional protections, that evidence may be suppressible. An unlawful stop, a warrant that exceeded its scope, or a warrantless search without a valid exception can all give rise to a Fourth Amendment challenge.
Chain of Custody
Controlled substances seized as evidence must be handled and tested following documented procedures. Gaps in the chain of custody, or failure to follow proper testing protocols, make the reliability of that evidence a legitimate issue at trial.
Informant and Courier Testimony
Many trafficking cases rely heavily on testimony from informants or co-defendants who received favorable treatment in exchange for cooperation. We scrutinize those arrangements closely. An informant’s credibility and the incentives they were given are fair game for cross-examination, and juries are entitled to weigh that context.
Contact Our Reno Drug Trafficking Defense Team
Facing a drug trafficking investigation or charge in Reno doesn’t mean the outcome is decided. What happens in the early stages, including how your rights are protected during booking, at the bail hearing, and in initial plea discussions, can shape everything that follows. We’re here to put decades of Northern Nevada criminal defense experience to work for you.
Call (775) 522-3550 or reach us through our contact form. We can review your situation and talk through what your defense can look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 775-522-3550 today!
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