Potter Criminal Defense Announces Changes to Nevada Law that are Coming in 2014

LAS VEGAS - Jan. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Potter Criminal Defense, http://pottercriminaldefense.com a leading criminal defense firm in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, wants to inform readers that a number of changes to Nevada law are set to take place in 2014. As a result, this press release is being issued in order to inform people who might not be aware of these changes as to some of them.

One of the biggest changes to Nevada law involves the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. This agency will now begin issuing Driver Authorization Cards. These cards may be obtained by undocumented immigrants in order to secure driving privileges, but may not be used as a form of identification. In passing this new law, state legislatures were primarily concerned with ensuring the safety of motorists.

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It is estimated that around 60,000 people will apply for these cards in 2014. In order to obtain one, individuals must show two forms of identification in addition to passing a written exam and driving test. The cost of the Driver Authorization Card is approximately $50.

There is also a change to the length of time that driver’s licenses will be valid for. Rather than expiring in only four years, renewals and new licenses will now be good for up to eight years. The exception will be for motorists who are age 65 and older, as these drivers will only be eligible to receive a four-year license. Eight-year commercial licenses will begin being issued on July 8, 2014.

Veterans will also be able to have a special designation that identifies them on their driver’s license beginning January 1, 2014. This designation is available to all veterans who have obtained an honorable discharge, regardless of their branch of service.

A full policy concerning the regulation of medical marijuana establishments is expected to be developed in 2014 as well. On June 12, 2013, Nevada’s governor signed Senate Bill 374 into law, and this law provided for the registration of medical marijuana establishments that were authorized to “cultivate, dispense and manufacture marijuana products for sale to persons authorized to engage in the medical use of marijuana.” This new law amended and expanded on current Nevada law by specifying exactly how patients would be able to obtain marijuana for medicinal purposes.  http://pottercriminaldefense.com/practice-areas/drug-crimes-2/

As part of this new law, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health has been tasked with regulating the use of medical marijuana in addition to implementing the new law. No later than April 1, 2014, this agency must write and adopt the necessary regulations needed to govern medical marijuana establishments.

Some of the things the agency will be responsible for developing include rules regarding the safe operation of establishments, application forms for those wishing to become medical marijuana establishments, setting maximum fees, and determining the amount of marijuana an authorized establishment can legally dispense to authorized patients.

Among some of the establishments that may be required to register as a medical marijuana facility, include testing laboratories, cultivation facilities, facilities that produce edible marijuana products, and dispensaries.

Once the regulations concerning the use of medical marijuana are finalized, applications will then be accepted by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. The application fee is $5,000 per establishment, in addition to the actual costs incurred by the agency for application processing.

The applicant will be required to show the physical address of the proposed establishment, evidence that he or she controls less than $250,000 in liquid assets, and proof of ownership of the establishment property. Those who are renting a particular piece of property will need to obtain written permission for a medical marijuana establishment from the site owner.

Those who would like more information about these or other new laws can contact the Potter Defense Firm at 702-997-1774.

About the Company

The attorneys of the Potter Criminal Defense Firm have a wide range of practice, defending clients who are accused of everything from white-collar crimes to homicide. The firm has more than 30 years of experience, and offers free case evaluations by calling 702-997-1774.

The Potter Criminal Defense Offices are located in Las Vegas at:

1125 Shadow Lane
Las Vegas, NV 89102-2314