James Wayne Uffman was recently ordered to serve two to five years in prison after pleading guilty to a category C felony methamphetamine drug charge.
Uffman, age 48, was arrested on March 4, 2020, in Humboldt County, for transporting 25.4 grams of methamphetamine, a schedule one controlled substance.
At the time of his arrest, the crime was a category B felony and at the time of sentencing, the law had changed to make the crime a category C felony in Nevada, making the potential maximum prison sentence five years instead of six, with probation allowed.
Uffman’s Attorney Carter King told the court that Uffman has a significant history with drugs and crime, with his initial consumption of methamphetamine reportedly starting at age 15.
King said that Uffman has heart and other health problems due to his longtime methamphetamine consumption, health issues that would elevate his risk for complications or death in the instance he contracted COVID-19.
King asked the court to allow Uffman to complete probation and treatment programs with house arrest rather than be ordered to a prison sentence where he would be more likely to contract COVID-19.
“Mr. Uffman is not a violent man, he’s a methamphetamine addict and he still will be even when he’s in recovery; and he got some sobering news about his health,” said King. “Methamphetamine addiction was a part of the contributing factors.”
Uffman admitted to the court that he had previously engaged in drug use as well as buying and selling drugs and admitted that it has caused additional stress within his family.
“I did drugs and sold them, I’m not proud of the choices I made, it has taken a toll on my heart and body,” said Uffman. “If it wasn’t for my fiance making my doctor appointment I’d probably be worse off, I have put a lot of stress on my family. I did some things I wasn’t proud of.”
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero ordered Uffman to serve a two to five year prison sentence with 24 days credit for time served and pay a $60 forensic fee, $25 administrative assessment fee and $3 DNA collection fee.
Montero said his consideration for the sentence included Uffman’s 31-year criminal history that includes 58 misdemeanor convictions, probation three times (twice revoked), parole twice, prison four times and a previously completed diversion program.
