Although generally not as harsh as federal drug crimes, state drug crimes can also carry severe penalties.   In general, the seriousness of the crime  depends  type of controlled substance, the quanitity of the substance, and the defendant’s history.  Sale of drugs is more serious than personsal possession.  Sometimes the amount possessed by an a defendant convinces the prosecutor that it was possessed with intent to sell, not for personal use.   Additionally, the more drugs one possesses, the more serious the crime, regardless of whether there is intent to distribute.

Minnesota law prohibits possession or sale of numerous controlled substances, such as cocaine, methampetamine, heroin, and  marijuana, as well as numerous other substances.  It is also a controlled substance crime to obtain a controlled substance by fraud or misrepresentation, including using a false name.

You will need a Minnesota drug crimes attorney to represent you if you are charged with any of the following state drug crimes:

• First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Degree Controlled Substance Crime
• Importing controlled substances
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of substances with the intent to manufacture
• Simulated controlled substances
• Aiding and abetting a controlled substance offense

Minnesota Drug Courts and Rehabilitation

Some counties have drug courts in which the judges and prosecutors handle only drug crimes.  In Minnesota drug courts, the cases that are handled involve non-violent individuals who are drug users.   Regardless of whether there is a specialty court in your county, if you possess illegal drugs because you use them, the goal of the judicial system can be to rehabilitate you.  In Minnesota, drug use is not only viewed as a criminal justice or law enforcement problem, but a public health problem as well.   When rehabilitation is the goal, all parties work together to monitor the defendant’s journey toward sobriety.   Through drug testing, and effective treatment with incentives to award drug-free behavior, a person can be become sober, and in many cases avoid jail or prison time.

Drug Crimes Defense

Even when guilty of a drug crime, it is important to seek out adequate representation. You do not want to face the legal system on your own.

A Twin Cities drug crimes defense attorney will look at your case methodically and use any and every defense that is available to you.  Drug cases can be complex, so it is important that you any attorny working for you who can navigate you through the court process.

Twin Cities Criminal Lawyer

It is important to call your Minnesota defense attorney as soon as possible so that you can have a much stronger defense.  Call James B. Sheehy 612-341-1011 for your free initial consultation and learn about your rights.