Federal sentencing guidelines lowered for drug crimes

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Wednesday, August 6, 2014

There has been much concern as of late about the fairness of federal drug sentencing laws in Nebraska and across the rest of the country. Many feel that the sentencing laws are too harsh and that the requirement of minimum sentences should be done away with. There is debate about whether mandatory sentencing minimums have contributed to the overcrowding in prisons. The Bureau of Prisons is currently operating at almost 140 percent capacity, with over 50 percent of those incarcerated serving sentences for drug crimes. The United States is presently responsible for incarcerating almost 25 percent of the world’s prison

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Federal appeals court overturns Nebraska woman�s contraband cigarette conviction

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Thursday, July 31, 2014

Because there are so many foreign-born residents in Nebraska and the rest of the United States, it is sometimes difficult for everyone to understand all of our laws. Thankfully, some people who have been convicted of drug crimes, federal crimes, and even violent crimes can have their convictions reversed if there is sufficient evidence to prove their innocence. Two years ago, a Lincoln woman from Vietnam was found guilty of possessing contraband cigarettes, which she would give to her sister to sell. Because the woman’s sister did not pay state or federal taxes on her sales, the woman was also

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Former Huskers football player pleads guilty to drug charges

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Friday, July 25, 2014

In the state of Nebraska, it is illegal to possess any amount of methamphetamine, regardless of whether it is for personal use or for sale. The penalties for meth possession can be severe, even for a first time offense. For a personal possession drug crime conviction, a person could be looking at fines up to $10,000 and/or a maximum of five years behind bars. The penalties for possession with intent to sell can be even more serious. A 26-year-old man was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska last December after authorities allegedly found 15.5 grams of methamphetamine, a rifle and nearly $50,000

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Property seized in raid may be worth more than the illegal drugs

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Wednesday, June 25, 2014

As readers might expect, evidence that is implicated in an alleged drug offense may be seized and taken into custody. However, a recent article suggests that some seized property may be going to pay law enforcement officers’ salaries. In one county, for example, the local narcotics unit sized $666,427 in cash and used over half of it — $426,058 — to pay salaries. Under a federal program called equitable sharing, local and/or state officers that partner with a federal agency may be allowed to keep up to 80 percent of the proceeds from forfeited property. What’s even more troubling is

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Omaha Police Department testing wearable cameras for officers

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Friday, June 20, 2014

Back in the 1990s, there was a sustained effort among police departments across the U.S. — including right here in Nebraska — to outfit all squad cars with dashboard cameras. These efforts ultimately proved successful, as these cameras are now standard equipment on most squad cars, capturing real-time footage of everything from drunk driving stops to arrests for drug crimes. Interestingly enough, there is now a push among the Omaha Police Department to take these recording efforts one-step further by equipping officers with cameras that can be mounted on everything from uniforms to eyewear. In fact, the police department is

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Laws Regarding Prescription Drugs

On behalf of Tom Petersen posted in Drug Crimes on Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Prescription drugs are beneficial to many people who rely on them to treat minor and serious illnesses. Although these drugs are helpful in most instances, there are several types that are commonly abused. To prevent serious health effects caused by the misuse or abuse of drugs, prescription medications are regulated by a combination of state and federal laws. Here are the main types of laws that are designed to regulate how certain medications are prescribed and dispensed to the public. Physical Exam Laws In most states, there are laws that require a physician to perform a physical exam on their

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