Minneapolis Drug Crimes Lawyer

There are a variety of drug crimes in Minnesota and many charges that come with them. Drug possession charges in Minnesota are classified in degrees. Each degree is specific to a particular crime or group of crimes and dictates what the penalty will be.

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If you have been charged with drug possession, then you need the proper representation. Getting caught with drugs or being accused of being in possession of drugs can be a very frightening experience.

A dedicated and experienced drug crimes lawyer can walk you through the legal process and put your mind at ease. You will have an understanding of what is going on and what to expect next so that thee are not any surprises.

As for how the charge is classified, the state of Minnesota states that:

A First Degree Drug Possession charge is for anyone carrying more than 25 grams of cocaine, Methamphetamine, or heroin; 500 grams or more of a narcotic such as heroin, cocaine, or meth; 500 grams or more or more than 500 doses of hallucinogens and methamphetamines; 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The sentence involves up to 30 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
Second Degree Drug Possession can yield up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines when in possession of 6 grams or more of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, or heroin; 50 grams or more of a narcotic other than heroin, meth, or cocaine; 50 grams or more or more than 100 doses of hallucinogens or amphetamine; and 50 kilograms or more of marijuana
Third Degree Drug Possession can yield up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. If in possession of 3 grams or more of cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin; 10 grams or more of a narcotic other than meth, cocaine, or heroin; 50 or more doses of narcotics; 5 doses of LSD; and 10 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Fourth Degree Drug Possession is a felony that can carry up to 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. This is the charge when caught with 10 or more dosage units of a hallucinogen.
Fifth Degree Drug Possession is the least severe of all charges. However, the sentence can still be up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

Drug Crimes Defense in Minnesota

Drug-related charges in Minnesota vary from drug trafficking, possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled and illicit substances and all related drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement does not take it lightly when it comes to its consequences.

Although there are several classes of offenses, and the consequences to the individual could vary from fines to jail time, the Minnesota Statute, Chapter 152, is the one that constitutes all the drug-related statutes.

Drug laws in Minnesota include statutes criminalizing the possession and sale of some drugs. And a crime is intentional conduct, prohibited by law, with a specific penalty.

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Possession and Sales of Drugs Classifications in Minnesota

There are five different levels of drug crimes in Minnesota, ranging from first to fifth degree, with first-degree being the most severe and fifth-degree being the least. Drug possession offenses are classified based on the type of drug and amount in possession at the time of the arrest.

First-degree

It is the most severe charge, and it carries with it up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million.

Charges for possessing include a minimum amount of Cocaine/Methamphetamine (50 grams), Heroin (25 grams), Amphetamine, PCP, Hallucinogens (500 dosage units or 500 grams), Marijuana / THC – 50 kg (110 pounds), or other controlled substance narcotics (500 grams).

Changes for sales of drugs include a minimum amount of selling Cocaine / Methamphetamine (17 grams), Heroin (10 grams), Amphetamine, PCP, Hallucinogens (200 dosage units or 50 grams), Marijuana / THC – 25 kg (55 pounds), or other controlled substance narcotics (50 grams).

Second-degree

It carries up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.

Charges for possessing include a minimum amount of Cocaine / Methamphetamine (25 grams),

Heroin (6 grams), Amphetamine, PCP, Hallucinogens (100 dosage units), Marijuana / THC – 25 kg (55 pounds) or 100 cannabis plants, or other controlled substance narcotics (50 grams).

Changes for sales of drugs include a minimum amount of selling Cocaine / Methamphetamine (17 grams); or 3 grams with use of a firearm or three aggravating factors, Heroin (3 grams), Amphetamine, PCP, Hallucinogens (50 doses), Marijuana / THC – 10 kg (22 pounds), or other controlled substance narcotics (10 grams). It also includes selling Schedules I or II narcotics to minors or in a park, school zone, public housing, or drug treatment facility.

Third-degree

It carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Charges for possessing include a minimum amount of Heroin (3 grams), Marijuana / THC – 15 kg (22 pounds), or other controlled substance narcotics (10 grams or 50 doses). It also includes any amount of Schedule I or II narcotic, five doses of LSD, MDA, MDMA in a school, park, public housing, or drug treatment facility

Changes for sales of drugs include a minimum amount of selling Cocaine / Methamphetamine (any amount), Heroin (any amount), Amphetamine, PCP, Hallucinogens (10 dosage units), Marijuana / THC – 5 kg (11 pounds), or other controlled substance narcotics (any amount). It also includes selling Schedules I, II, or III drugs (except Schedule I or II narcotics) to minors or employing a minor to sell.

Fourth-degree

It carries up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.

Charges for possessing include a minimum amount of PCP or Hallucinogen (10 doses) or Schedules I, II, or III drugs (any amount) with intent to sell.

Changes for sales of drugs include a minimum amount of selling Schedules I, II, or III drugs (any amount), sale of Schedules IV or V drug to minor, or sale of Marijuana in a school, park, public housing, or drug treatment facility (any amount).

Fifth-degree

It carries up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Charges for possessing include a minimum amount of Schedule I, II, III, or IV drugs (any amount), except 42.5 grams or less of Marijuana, the attempt to acquire, possession, or control through fraud or misrepresentation, using a false name, or falsely representing a physician.

Changes for sales of drugs include a minimum amount of selling Marijuana (any amount), except for small amounts for no remuneration or Schedule IV drugs (any amount).

Aggravating Factors for Drug Crimes in Minnesota

Certain aggravating factors exist which have the potential to increase criminal penalties. As with many offenses, a prior conviction will increase the sentence.

Prior drug history
Prior drug-related charges
Drug trafficking
Use or in possession of a firearm
Other factors

Drug Crimes Defense in Minnesota

The experienced team at the Law Office of Judith Samson is ready to help anyone in need of legal assistance and criminal defense in charges related to drug crimes in Minnesota.

No matter if you need help to defend yourself on drug possession or drug sales charges, our experienced team is ready to assist you with your case.

Minneapolis Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Judith Samson

With over 20 years of experience, Judith Samson and her team work tirelessly to provide a welcoming and trustworthy environment while preparing the defense case for her clients, always providing honest and straightforward options with realistic outcomes.

Call (612) 333-8001, email us at [email protected] or complete the online form. Our phones are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Judith Samson represents people throughout the State of Minnesota and can meet you anywhere, anytime.

Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer

In Minnesota, drug distribution is a very serious crime and can carry a very long prison sentence. The charges can be considered a First Degree Felony and carry the same penalties. The Possession of Drugs with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamines carries a prison term of up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

In many cases, despite the drug charge, the driver’s license may be revoked. If a license is already suspended or revoked, it will be suspended for an additional 30 days.

Some of the types of drug cases include:

Contact Attorney Judith Samson Today

Contact Judith A. Samson Attorney at Law for your free initial consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 612-333-8001.

Drug Crimes Lawyer & Attorney

612-333-8001