In Minnesota, it is illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture controlled substances. Charges for drug crimes can range from a petty misdemeanor to a felony; the charges you face will generally be based upon the drug type and the amount of the drug that was found.
Criminal offenses involving illegal substances will generally involve arrests by law enforcement, in addition to other consequences. Typically, an arrest for possession of an illegal substance in Minnesota is the driving force behind a drug case.
Drug crimes are taken seriously in Minnesota, and, as expected, will carry major consequences that will not only impact an individual’s current life. A drug charge can impact your future as well, as it relates to your education plans, career plans, housing plans, and more. Whether it is a jail sentence, court-ordered community service, court-ordered rehabilitation, a court-ordered drug education program, or hefty fines, being convicted of a drug crime in Minnesota can be life-altering.
If you are arrested for a drug crime in Minnesota, regardless of how minor or major you may think the charge is, you should seek the legal advice of an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer. An experienced Minnesota drug crimes defense lawyer will help you understand the complicated nature of a drug crime and the consequences that will follow.
Your drug crimes defense lawyer will also help you prepare a strong defense that will protect your rights and give you the best possible outcome. Our skilled lawyers at DeVore Criminal Defense handle all drug crimes including:
- Drug Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Sale of Drugs
- Drug Paraphernalia
Understanding the Process of a Drug Arrest
In Minnesota, many drug arrests have transpired after a traffic stop over a violation. During this traffic stop, a law enforcement officer discovered the illegal drugs in the vehicle. Depending on the drug type and the amount that was discovered, it is likely the law enforcement official will make an arrest during the traffic stop. The individual will be taken into custody, the vehicle may be impounded, and the individual may sit in jail for one or multiple days until a bail amount is set.
On the other hand, many drug arrests in Minnesota arise during a search of an individual’s home. While law enforcement officials search an individual’s home(including possessions) and drugs are discovered, the individual will likely be arrested and taken to jail for possession of an illegal substance.
What Factors Can Impact The Severity of a Drug Charge?
The drug type and the amount of the drug will determine the level of the offense, and these factors can impact the severity of the drug charge. For instance, if you are caught with a small amount of marijuana, you can be found guilty of a petty misdemeanor. You may be issued a ticket and the marijuana in your possession will be confiscated. You may also be required to participate in a drug education program.
However, if you have another drug in your possession and the charges are upgraded to a felony, you could be taken into custody. It is important to know drug charges in Minnesota are escalated if you have any prior offenses. For instance, if you are caught with the same amount of an illicit substance more than once, the changes will be more serious each time.
What’s at Stake When You Are Charged with a Drug Crime?
Anyone with no prior criminal record will typically want to avoid being convicted of a drug crime. For anyone facing a long prison or jail sentence, his or her goal will likely be to avoid a long prison or jail sentence or possibly have their potential jail or prison sentence reduced. Any criminal conviction can have a major impact on your life, and this is one of the reasons why you need an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer.
An experienced drug crimes defense lawyer knows what’s at stake for first-time charges and prior convictions, as well as the type of cases and defenses that are needed to give you the best outcome in Minnesota courts.
An arrest for a drug offense in Minnesota can be an emotional, frustrating, and frightening experience, but it is important to know that you do have the right to representation. It is also important to remember your legal rights while you are being detained.
You do have the right to remain silent, and you should refrain from offering any information to the police. You also have the right to refuse a search, even when you know you do not have anything illegal in your possession. If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Minnesota, contact us today at 651-435-6500 to request a consultation.
Posted 26th May 2021 by DeVore Law Office