Gretna, NE Criminal Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Representing Clients in Criminal Cases in Gretna, Nebraska

Most people try to avoid becoming involved with the criminal justice system. However, this may not be possible when a person has been accused of a criminal offense. Whether a person has been charged with possessing illegal substances, violating the laws related to firearm possession, engaging in sexual conduct without consent, or another type of offense, they will need to understand what steps to take to address these charges. Legal representation can be essential in these cases, and an attorney who has experience assisting people who have been charged with crimes can provide a person with a strong defense.

At Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O., we work with people in Gretna to address serious criminal charges. We understand the difficulties that a person may face when dealing with these accusations, and we know how to build successful defenses against multiple types of charges. We will investigate the facts, challenge the evidence used in a case, protect our client's constitutional rights, and determine the best ways to achieve a positive outcome.

Weapons Charges in Nebraska

While people in the United States have been given the right to bear arms by the Second Amendment, there are multiple types of situations where the possession or use of firearms can lead to criminal charges. A conviction for weapons charges can result in significant prison time, the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms, and other consequences. Our lawyers can help address charges such as:

Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

Certain people are not allowed to own or possess firearms based on their criminal history or other factors. A person who has been convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm. They may face Class ID felony charges if they are accused of violating this law. Other people who are prohibited from possessing firearms include those who have been convicted of domestic violence offences or are subject to an order of protection.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Nebraska law allows for the concealed carry of firearms, but a person must have a valid concealed handgun permit. Carrying a concealed handgun without a valid permit is a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense. A second offense can lead to Class IV felony charges. Similar charges may also apply if a minor or a prohibited person is accused of carrying a concealed weapon other than a firearm, such as a knife or brass knuckles.

Use of a Weapon When Committing a Felony

In addition to criminal charges for a felony offense, additional charges may apply if a person is accused of using a weapon when committing that offense. The use of a firearm when committing a felony is a Class IC felony. The use of another type of deadly weapon when committing a felony is a Class II felony. The charges related to the use of a weapon will be added to any underlying felony charges, which can significantly increase the potential sentence.

Drug Crime Charges

Offenses related to controlled substances are some of the most common reasons people may be arrested and charged with crimes. Drug charges can be serious, and they may be related to substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, or prescription drugs. Specific charges may include:

Drug Possession

Charges of possession of a controlled substance may arise if police perform a search and uncover drugs that a person is carrying or find drugs in a vehicle or home. The penalties a person may face will depend on the types and amounts of drugs involved in a case. In general, possession of Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances will lead to felony charges. Other substances may result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amounts involved in a case.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

The severity of drug charges will increase if a person is accused of possessing a controlled substance with the intention of selling or distributing it to others. In cases involving drugs like cocaine and heroin, Class II felony charges may apply even if a case involved fewer than 10 grams of a substance. Felony charges may also apply if a person is accused of the intent to distribute marijuana or other types of drugs.

The line between simple possession and possession with intent to distribute may not always be clear. Police officers and prosecutors may look at the quantity of a substance, how it was packaged, and whether a person also possessed scales or other items involved in the distribution of drugs.

Drug Manufacturing

Accusations that a person has been involved in the production or preparation of a controlled substance can lead to charges of drug manufacturing. This is a serious offense that will typically result in felony charges. A drug manufacturing case may involve issues such as the possession of precursor chemicals, involvement in operating a drug lab, or dividing a large quantity of a drug into smaller packages with the intent of selling or distributing drugs.

Sex Crime Charges

When a criminal offense involves allegations of sexual activity, the penalties a person may face can extend beyond fines and jail time, affecting their life, their reputation, and their future. A sex crime conviction will often require a person to register as a sex offender, which will place harsh restrictions on their life after they have finished serving a criminal sentence. Sex offender registration may last for life, and it can prevent a person from working in certain jobs and living in certain areas.

Our legal team can help address sex crime charges involving offenses such as:

Child Pornography

Any visual depictions of minors who are engaging in sexually explicit conduct may be classified as child pornography or child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), including photographs, films, videotapes, digital images and videos, and computer-generated materials that appear to depict minors. The possession of child pornography is a serious felony offense, and the penalties will increase significantly if a person is accused of distributing or producing CSAM.

Online Solicitation of a Minor

A person may face felony charges if they are accused of using electronic communications to attempt to engage in sexual contact with a minor. A person may be arrested for online solicitation if they believed that they were communicating with a minor and attempted to solicit sexual conduct. In cases where undercover officers pretend to be minors, their investigations may lead to criminal charges, even if no actual child was involved.

Prostitution and Solicitation

Offenses related to prostitution may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. In general, a person who is accused of engaging in prostitution by engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment can face misdemeanor charges. A person who is accused of soliciting prostitution by offering to give someone money or another form of payment in exchange for sexual conduct may face felony charges.

Sexual Assault

Many sex crime charges involve accusations of sexual assault. A person may be accused of engaging in sexual intercourse or committing other forms of sexual contact without the consent of the other party. The specific charges and penalties in these cases may depend on whether a person allegedly used force or a deadly weapon, whether the alleged victim suffered injuries, and the age of the parties.

Sexual assault cases often involve questions of consent and whether a person was identified correctly. Our attorneys can investigate these accusations, determine whether the credibility of the victim or other witnesses may be challenged, and take steps to demonstrate that consent was given or that a person did not commit the alleged crime.

Contact Our Gretna Criminal Defense Lawyers

Whether they are misdemeanors or felonies, criminal charges are serious, and a person will need to make sure their rights will be protected as they defend against a conviction. At Olsen Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O., our team can closely review a case, evaluate the evidence, address violations of a person's rights, and build an effective defense. Contact our Gretna, NE criminal law attorneys at 402-598-5789 to arrange a free consultation.