It’s clear that Minnesota and many other states across the country are fighting a losing battle against methamphetamine. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota has seen nearly a 500 percent increase in meth seizures from 2009 to 2016.
The fight against methamphetamine is only getting tougher. Quantity and quality of the drug is increasing, while the price is decreasing, making it more addictive and more widely available.
“A few years ago, a large seizure coming into this state would have been 3 to 5 pounds, now we are seeing seizures of 30, 50, 70, even 100 pounds of methamphetamine either coming into this state or bound for Minnesota and North Dakota.” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety gang and drug coordinator Brian Marquart. “Four or five years ago it was around $20,000 per pound and now it’s down to about $5,000 per pound.”
Meth Possession Penalties
As the number of people who use meth increases, so too does the number of people arrested for its sale and possession. Minnesota does not look down lightly on meth users and dealers. Here’s a look at the potential penalties for methamphetamine possession in Minnesota.
Fifth Degree Possession < 3 grams – Up to five years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Third Degree Possession 3-5.9 grams – Up to 20 years in jail and $250,000 in fines.
Second Degree Possession 6-24.9 grams – Up to 25 years in jail and $500,000 in fines.
First Degree Possession – > 25 grams – Up to 30 years in jail and $1 million in fines.
These penalties seem harsh, but Minnesota is committed to cracking down on the influx of methamphetamine in the state. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to afford any of the potential fines laid out in the criminal code, it is imperative that you consider hiring a lawyer to defend you.
A lawyer can make a case to the judge that it would put undue financial hardship on you and your family if you were to face a big fine, and they’ll also take a look at a number of other factors to help make a case to beat the charges or be granted some leniency. Depending on your criminal history, you make be able to avoid jail time or enter a diversion program in lieu of heading to jail for meth possession. There’s also the possibility of a plea deal. Oftentimes a criminal defense attorney can secure a plea deal that best suits your situation that also helps you break free from your drug habit or dependency.
If you or someone you love has gotten into trouble with drugs like heroin or meth, reach out to the attorneys at Appelman Law Firm today. Even if you haven’t been charged with a crime, we have friends in the addiction services community that can help you get the counseling you need to put a drug problem in the past. To learn more about those options or to talk to Avery about your case, reach out to us today.
