Abuse of controlled substances is a very serious and often deadly public health issue in the United States. The federal government and drug control agencies spend over $47 billion annually in the “war on drugs.” It is estimated that the societal cost of substance abuse is over $400 billion annually.
With the enormous monetary investment and government resources devoted to this, in addition to the devastating tolls it takes on the lives of individuals, their families and society in general, it does not come as a surprise that violation of many state drug laws carries harsh penalties. Being convicted of drug crimes can carry penalties ranging from small fines to fines up to $1 million, and incarceration for 30-40 years. You may also face a federal charge in addition to state charges.
If you are charged with a felony drug crime in St. Paul-Minneapolis, contact Kevin DeVore, St. Paul’s toughest drug crimes lawyer, for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
BEING CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING IN MINNESOTA
One of the most serious drug crimes you can be charged with is drug trafficking. In Minnesota, it is considered a controlled substance felony crime.
You can be charged with drug trafficking for manufacturing or distributing an illegal controlled substance. You can also be charged with drug trafficking if you are in possession of a large amount of an illegal controlled substance that is considered to be more than what you would possess for strictly personal use.
Under section 152.021 of the Minnesota Statutes, there are basically five categories of drug trafficking charges, from a controlled substance crime of the Fifth Degree (the least serious) to a controlled substance crime of the First Degree (the most serious). The degree is determined by the type of drug, the amount of the drug in your possession, and certain other circumstances. All of them carry harsh penalties.
- First Degree: up to a thirty year sentence and a million dollar fine
- Second Degree: up to a 25 year sentence and a $500,000 dollar fine
- Third Degree: up to 20 years and a quarter-million dollar fine
- Fourth Degree: up to 15 years and a hundred thousand dollar fine
- Fifth Degree: up to 5 years and a $10,000 dollar fine
Contact criminal defense attorney Kevin DeVore if you are charged with drug trafficking in Minnesota. Do not make the mistake of attempting to go through the criminal process on your own. Kevin will craft an individualized defense strategy for you to provide the best resolution of your case, and will be with you every step of the way.
COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG CONVICTIONS
Collateral consequences are sometimes called “invisible consequences.” These are consequences you will face in addition to possible incarceration and fines.
A conviction for a felony drug offense such as drug trafficking carries serious collateral consequences that will affect your life for years. Your reputation in the community will be tarnished. Your opportunities will be restricted based on your criminal history. You may lose your job and have any professional licenses revoked. It can be difficult to find another job, since your criminal record will show up on a background check. You might lose your driver’s license. Your right to vote will be revoked. A felony drug conviction can even impact your ability to obtain a mortgage to buy a home, and make you ineligible to receive certain types of aid and student loans.
There is a somewhat similar illegal controlled substance charge called “possession with intent to distribute.” The determining factor in which offense you are charged with is generally the amount of the drug(s) allegedly in your possession. Both drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute are considered a controlled substance crime of the First Degree. Of the two, drug trafficking is considered the more serious charge.
If the prosecution believes they will not be able to convict you of drug trafficking charges, they may offer to reduce the charge to possession with intent to distribute in exchange for a guilty plea. This is one of the situations where having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is important; it can mean the difference in thousands of dollars in fines and years of incarceration.
Being charged with drug trafficking can completely change your life. With over 20 years of experience and extensive contacts within the St. Paul criminal court system, you want Attorney Kevin DeVore on your side. Call now.
Posted 21st January 2021 by DeVore Law Office