The devastating nature of drug sentences necessitates a skilled Minnesota drug lawyer to handle the defense. There are many possible elements that can be used as defensive strategies in Minnesota drug charges, including:
- Illegal searches and seizures
- Invalid traffic stops
- Illegal wire taps
- Failure to inform the defendant of his/her rights before obtaining a statement (Miranda violation)
In the United States, drug crime defenses revolve around Fourth Amendment rights. Most incriminating evidence in a drug case is obtained by police search and seizure. As a US citizen, you have certain rights that protect you against unreasonable searches and seizures. A good defense attorney can determine whether or not evidence obtained by warrants, statements, or actions taken by law enforcement are legal. If you can prove that evidence against you was obtained unconstitutionally, that evidence is inadmissible in court.
In Minnesota, you do not actually have to be caught selling drugs to be charged with drug sales. Police may arrest you based on evidence they consider conclusive, like the possession of drug paraphernalia. These charges are often exaggerated and lack evidence to pursue conviction.
Minnesota Drug Defense Lawyers
Harsh penalties have not decreased the amount of drug trafficking in America. Even so, many prosecutors will seek prison time over more effective punishments, such as rehabilitation. Imprisonment is not the solution for those accused of drug crimes. Placing substance abusers inside a prison cell will not solve their underlying chemical dependency problems. The American criminal justice system is based upon rehabilitation.
Drug crime convictions should not necessarily result in prison time. There are other more effective options, such as narcotics anonymous classes and rehabilitation programs. A Minnesota drug defense attorney can fight to make sure your drug case results in an effective treatment-based penalty, rather than prison time.