Drug crimes are among the most serious offenses in Minnesota. They carry strict penalties including high fines and long prison sentences. It is essential that you speak to a drug defense attorney upon being charged with any controlled substance crime in Minnesota. There are numerous possible defenses to any type of Minnesota drug crime. A skilled Minnesota drug lawyer can examine your case and explain the best possible defense for your particular situation. Our defense attorneys represent clients in Bloomington, Edina, and throughout the Twin Cities Metro.
Minnesota Drug Attorney
In Minnesota, drug crimes fall into three main categories:
The severity of a drug charge can vary depending on a variety of different factors. Generally, the more drugs you are accused of having, the more serious the charges are. Manufacturing, selling or distributing illegal substances are oftentimes punished more severely than possession alone. Also, it depends what type of controlled substance is involved, as certain drugs are viewed more severely under the law. For example, you could face stiffer penalties if you’re caught with a Schedule I drug, which are classified as drugs with no medical purpose and a high potential for abuse, like heroin or certain hallucinogens.
We’ve handled a wide variety of drug cases, including for the possession and sale of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine (crystal meth), ecstasy, speed, crack, date rape drugs and hallucinogenics. We’ve also assisted clients who have run into trouble with prescription drug use, whether that be a drugged driving charge, selling or providing their prescription to others, or something similar. Let us help you avoid the penalties and the social stigma that comes with a drug charge so that you can show the world the real you.
Minneapolis Drug Crimes
Drug laws across Minnesota and the United States are always changing. Some laws are getting more relaxed, like what we’re seeing with medicinal and recreational marijuana, while the penalties for possessing, selling or manufacturing other drugs have grown much harsher. You may have your own opinions on how the government regulates and punishes drug use, but you need to be aware of the local laws so that you can stay out of trouble. If something goes amiss, give Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm.
Not only can we sort out the charges you are facing, we can help you take the first steps in getting your life back on track. A serious drug conviction can spill over into your personal and professional life, and we don’t want one mistake to cause your life to unravel. Take a deep breath, call Appelman Law Firm and commit to becoming a better version of yourself.
I got myself into serious trouble when I was at the lowest point in life. Scared of the severe consequences I was directed to the Appelman Law Firm. Right from the start I knew I was in good hands. He was very communicative, friendly, knowledgeable but most of all DEPENDABLE. His professionalism was very reassuring and my courtroom outcome was beyond favorable. I would recommend Avery and his team to anyone who finds themselves in a legal jam of any kind.”
Some drugs categorized as a violation of Minnesota’s Controlled Substance Law include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Crystal Meth (methamphetamine)
- Speed
- Crack cocaine
- Ecstasy
- LSD or acid
- Hallucinogenic Mushrooms
- Opium
- Date Rape Drugs
- Prescription Drugs
- Anabolic Steroids
In addition to controlled substance crimes, a person can also be charged with possession, distribution, or manufacturing of Drug Paraphernalia, such as a crack pipe, or even a scale used to weigh drugs. These offenses are generally minor, amounting to fines up to $200. In some cases, however, drug paraphernalia charges can be increased to misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors.
Drug Penalties in Minnesota
As you can imagine, the potential drug penalties in Minnesota will vary based on a number of variables, including your intended use with the drugs, the amount you had, where you were caught with the drugs and other factors during the course of the arrest. For a rather minor possession case, you may only face a fine, but for more serious charges, a whole host of penalties could be on the table. Some of the penalties you may face for a drug charge in Minnesota depending on the circumstances include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Jail Time
- Driver’s License Suspension/Revocation (Drugged Driving Charge)
- Substance Abuse Educational Course Completion
- Drug Monitoring/Regular Testing
Depending on the scale of your arrest and where it took place, it’s possible that your charges could be upgraded, meaning that a conviction would result in mandatory jail time. If a jail sentence is something you hope to avoid at all costs, connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. Not only can we help you build a strong defense, but we are also skilled negotiators who can work to earn a favorable plea deal or push for a sentence that focuses more on recovery as opposed to outright punishment.
Minnesota Drug Crime Defenses
Your personal drug defense will be built based on the facts of the case and the information you provide to the team at Appelman Law Firm, so while we paint with a bit of a broad brush below, know that your defense will be individualized. With that said, some of the avenues we explore when building a defense include:
- Illegal Search/Seizure – Police need to uphold your rights during the course of an arrest, and if they obtain evidence illegally or conduct an invalid search, their case could fall apart. We always meticulously review the officer’s actions when considering defense angles.
- Not Your Drugs – Police also need to prove that the drugs that were found were actually in your possession. If someone else had access to the area where drugs were found, we can make a compelling defense that actual possession can’t be proved. Learn more about some of the ways to prove that the drugs aren’t yours.
- Permission – If you have medical clearance or a prescription for the drugs that were found, we can build a defense as to why the situation unfolded as it did.
- Unaware – If you had no idea someone had stolen your prescription or was having you bring drugs to an area for them, you have a valid legal defense, as you can’t be found guilty without intent.
- Entrapment – If you committed a crime that you otherwise would not have committed because you were forced or coerced to do so, you may have a valid entrapment defense.
Minnesota Drug Crime FAQs
- Is marijuana legal in Minnesota?
- Recreational cannabis became legal for adults 21+ in Minnesota on August 1, 2023, with possession limits and ongoing restrictions on public use and impaired driving.
- What’s the difference between possession and intent to sell?
- Possession charges are based on the amount and presence of the drug; intent-to-sell charges add evidence such as packaging, scales, large cash amounts, or text messages indicating distribution.
- Do I have to answer police questions during a traffic stop?
- You must provide your license, registration, and insurance, but you have the right to remain silent about anything else, including where you’ve been or whether you’ve been drinking.
- Can I get in trouble for prescription drug use?
- It may seem odd that you can earn criminal charges for using a substance that has been professionally prescribed by a doctor, but if their use compromises your ability to drive safely or you sell or distribute your prescription, you could face serious charges.
- When can drug charges be upgraded?
- Drug crimes can be upgraded to a more serious charge based on the quantity of the drugs seized during the arrest, your intentions with the drug and if you were caught in specific drug-free zones, like government buildings or school zones.
Use Our Free Interactive Guide for MN Drug Stops
Use our free interactive guide for Minnesota drug stops on the Ask Appelman App.
Twin Cities Drug Attorneys – Appelman Law Firm
Whatever the offense, it is always a good decision to talk to an experienced drug attorney upon being charged. A defense attorney can stand by your side and defend your interests against police and the prosecution. We’ve successfully challenged countless drug charges in the past, and we can work with you to ensure you get a fair trial and the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you, set up a free case review over the phone in minutes by calling (952) 224-2277. Don’t just ignore the problem and hope it will go away on its own. Contact an attorney, go on the offensive, and earn the best outcome for your case. Give us a call today.
