St. Paul’s Toughest Drug Crime Lawyer
If you’re already in the public eye, a drug charge can stir up unwanted publicity. Court cases involving celebrities, athletes, and government officials can quickly turn into a media circus. Sometimes even an average, ordinary citizen is involved in a case that attracts state-wide or even national attention. Kevin DeVore has successfully handled several high profile cases in the St. Paul area, and he can do the same for you.
If your case is attracting unwanted attention, Kevin will help you navigate the public relations aspect of your case. He will work with you to ensure the media does not interfere with your rights as a defendant. Your case deserves to be heard in the court of law, and not played out on the evening news.
Even if you consider yourself to be an “average Joe,” drug charges are disruptive to your life. A conviction can have long-lasting consequences for you and your family, including limiting where you can live and what type of future employment you can hold. Kevin DeVore is an experienced drug crime lawyer in St. Paul who can help you. As a defendant, you have rights. He’ll make sure those rights are upheld throughout the entire process. Kevin DeVore has an office in Woodbury, Minnesota and helps clients throughout the metro including surrounding St. Paul, Lake Elmo, and Oakdale.
Drug Crimes in Minnesota
Drug crimes in Minnesota are classified as Controlled Substance Crimes in the First through Fifth Degree. A First Degree drug crime is the most serious charge and carries the highest penalties in terms of maximum prison time and fines. A Fifth Degree drug crime carries the lowest maximum penalties for prison time and fines.
All drug charges in Minnesota involve either the manufacturing, possession or selling of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Drug Manufacturing
Manufacturing is not limited to the actual production of drugs. This charge also includes activities like cultivating, packing and repacking, tableting, encapsulating, and labeling drugs.
Drug Possession
Possession is considered owning or otherwise having drugs within your control.
Sale Of Drugs
It is possible to be charged with selling drugs without money exchanging hands. Selling includes giving away, delivering, exchanging and bartering for drugs. Simply put, selling is the transfer of drugs from one party to another. Selling can also include possessing drugs while having the intent to sell them later on.
Drug Paraphernalia
In Minnesota, it is also a crime to manufacture, deliver, or possess drug paraphernalia.
Drug Crime Factors
Several factors determine whether you are charged with a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth-degree crime. These factors include the type of drugs involved, the quantity of drugs, and whether or not aggravating factors were present.
Aggravating factors are circumstances that may increase the severity of the charges:
- A minor or vulnerable adult was involved
- The alleged crime was conducted in a school zone, park zone, correctional facility, or drug treatment facility, or was carried out for the benefit of a gang
- You brought drugs into Minnesota from another state or country
- You sold or possessed drugs in three or more counties in Minnesota
- There is a reason to believe you hold a “high position in the drug distribution hierarchy“
This is not an exhaustive list of aggravating factors. There may be other circumstances that impact the severity of your drug charges. That is why it’s important to hire a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar with the nuances of Minnesota’s drug laws.
Special Charges Involving Methamphetamine
There are separate laws in place that address methamphetamine-related crimes involving children and vulnerable adults. These laws prohibit the presence of methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia in locations where children and vulnerable adults are, or could be, present. These areas include not just homes, but virtually any structure or outdoor location, including hotel rooms and multi-unit apartment buildings.
Consequences of a Drug Conviction
Depending on the severity of your drug charges, you could face prison time, a fine, or both. There are other long-lasting consequences that have repercussions for not only you but also your family.
A drug conviction stays on your record for several years and can affect where you live. Some landlords and rental companies require a background check and may turn down your application.
If you are a college student, you may lose your eligibility for federal student aid like loans and grants. In addition, you may be required to pay back any financial aid you received during an ineligibility period, further compounding your financial burden. You could lose the ability to finish your degree and start or further your career.
Many job applications ask for your permission to conduct a background check. In Minnesota, certain occupations require background checks. These jobs include teachers and other school employees; school bus drivers; and apartment managers and caretakers. Having a drug conviction on your record will limit your future employment options and your ability to provide for your family.
Cannabis Use in Minnesota
Across the U.S., laws involving recreational cannabis are quickly changing. However, recreational cannabis is illegal in Minnesota.
Minnesota residents with qualifying medical conditions can be prescribed and purchase medical cannabis. Medical cannabis must be dispensed and purchased at a cannabis patient center in Minnesota. Patients who have been prescribed cannabis should familiarize themselves with the current medical cannabis regulations so that they are always acting in accordance with the law.
Contact St. Paul’s Toughest Drug Crimes Lawyer
Being charged with a drug crime is both overwhelming and disruptive to your life. Attorney Kevin DeVore will help you navigate the entire process. In his 20+ year career, Kevin has established solid relationships with prosecutors and judges. He is experienced with going to trial in both in both State and Federal court. In many cases, Kevin can settle outside of court so you can avoid the stress and hassle of going to trial.
Kevin has represented clients in over 5,000 cases. He consistently maintains 5-star reviews on Avvo. If you’re facing drug crimes charges, you need the area’s toughest drug crime lawyer. DeVore Law Office is conveniently located in Woodbury near the 494/I-94 intersection. Kevin serves the entire St. Paul metropolitan area. Please contact us to discuss the specifics of your case.