Most Drug Charges are classified as Felony offenses – all with serious consequences that could negatively impact the rest of your life. What this means is that, if you are accused of any crime related to selling, manufacturing, possessing or purchasing a narcotic, you could be facing a long prison sentence as well as significant fines. And, this says nothing about the consequences to your reputation and to your future. Your first best defense is to contact an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney to discuss your case. 

Degrees of Felony Drug Crimes

There are several different types, or degrees of Drug Crimes, all of which come with serious implications.

First Degree Drug Possession is generally defined as being found with more than 25 grams of cocaine, Meth or Heroin; mixtures of 500 grams or more of a narcotic other than Heroin, Cocaine, or Meth; 500 grams or dosage units of amphetamine, phencyclidine, or a hallucinogen or; 500 grams or more or more than 500 doses of hallucinogens and amphetamines; and/or 100 kilograms or more of Marijuana.

Second Degree Drug Possession is labeled as possession of 6 grams or more of Cocaine, Meth, or Heroin; 50 grams or more of a narcotic other than Cocaine, Meth, or Heroin; 50 grams of – or more  than 100 doses of hallucinogens or amphetamine; and/or 50 kilograms or more of Marijuana.

Third Degree Drug Possession is defined possession of 3 grams or more of Cocaine, Meth or Heroin; 10 grams or more of a narcotic other than Cocaine, Meth or Heroin; 50 or more doses of narcotics; 5 doses of LSD; and/or 10 kilograms or more of marijuana.

Fourth Degree Drug Possession concerns possession of 10 or more doses/units of a hallucinogen.

Manufacturing, Transporting and Selling

In addition to the possession of illegal Drugs, you could also be arrested for making, selling, or intending to sell illegal substances and/or prescription medications. In most cases, these offenses are classified as a First Degree Drug Felonies.

Drug Charge Penalties

Criminal penalties often depend on the severity of the charge, the evidence gathered against you and various other factors – including any prior criminal record you might have. If you’re convicted of one of the most serious level offenses, you could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Other Drug Crime convictions could result in you being sentenced to serve 5 years in prison and pay a $10,000 fine.

In addition to the jail time and the fines you might face, you could also face additional consequences like: community service, required drug rehab and counseling, periodic testing, as well as damage to your reputation, the loss of your freedom to travel, to vote, to own firearms and – not to mention – problems getting work, attending college and finding a place to live.

Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

Possession of simulated controlled substances (when some one takes legal substances and tries to pass them off as illegal drugs – like trying to sell aspirin as ecstasy) and possession of drug paraphernalia (such as a pipes),and small amounts of Marijuana maybe be classified as Misdemeanors – but don’t be mislead, they too can have the same sorts of serious consequences that Felony convictions often do. In addition, Drug Crimes – like those discussed above – when committed by Juveniles might be labeled Misdemeanors; however, those same offenses, perpetrated by individuals under the age of 18, may also be handled in adult court.

Free Criminal Case Consultation

I represent individuals accused of Drug Crimes – in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. If you’ve been charged with a crime, don’t wait. Call me today at 612.234.1165 or fill out the form below. Then, we’ll take the time to discuss your case and determine how I can help to defend your rights and fight for you in court – all at a cost that won’t break the bank.