Drug Crime Attorneys in St. Paul, Minnesota
Practice Areas
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, it’s common to experience fear and uncertainty about the long-term consequences of a conviction. In Minnesota, you can be charged with a drug crime for a wide range of conduct, from possession of small amounts of substances to allegations involving manufacturing or distribution.
Many people assume drug cases are straightforward. However, drug cases can be challenging depending on the type of substance in your possession, the quantity, and your prior criminal history. When your future is on the line, you need an attorney who will work for you and stand up for your rights.
At Amicus Law, we approach drug defense with the understanding that a single charge can disrupt your employment, family stability, and future opportunities. Our attorneys are committed to building a strong defense on your behalf to respond to the accusations and protect your constitutional rights.
Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, our attorneys serve clients throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. If you are facing a drug charge, contact our firm today for experienced representation and dedicated defense.
Minnesota Drug Laws and Controlled Substances
Similar to federal law, Minnesota classifies controlled substances into schedules. These schedules reflect the perceived risk, accepted medical use, and potential for abuse, with Schedule I drugs having the highest potential for abuse and Schedule V drugs having the lowest potential for abuse.
Schedule I: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use, such as heroin, LSD, or ecstasy (MDMA).
Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, but some accepted medical use with restrictions, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or oxycodone.
Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical dependence and an accepted medical use, such as ketamine, anabolic steroids, or codeine.
Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and an accepted medical use, such as Xanax, Valium, or Tramadol.
Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and a large-scale accepted medical use, such as cough syrups with low codeine (e.g., Robitussin).
Building a defense for a drug crime often begins by identifying which schedule drug was found in your possession. That classification will impact both the level of the offense and sentencing options. For example, possession of a small amount of a Schedule V substance may be charged differently than possession of a Schedule I drug.
Minnesota law also treats certain substances, such as marijuana, differently, though the penalties can still be serious. Therefore, defending against a drug charge requires careful attention to how prosecutors interpret these statutes and how the evidence is presented to support the charge.
Facing Drug Crime Charges?
Types of Drug Charges We Handle
Drug cases in Minnesota fall into several broad categories. While every drug case is unique, our attorneys are experienced in representing clients for the following types of charges:
Simple possession of a controlled substance
Possession with intent to sell or distribute
Sale or distribution of controlled substances
Manufacturing or cultivation of drugs
Prescription drug offenses
Each type of charge typically requires a different defense. For example, possession with the intent to sell often relies on circumstantial evidence, such as packaging or communications, whereas manufacturing charges may require physical evidence from property searches and material seizures. By understanding what you are being charged for, our attorneys can help you build a stronger, more effective defense.
Potential Penalties for Drug Crimes in Minnesota
The penalties associated with Minnesota drug convictions can be severe. They may include incarceration, probation, fines, and mandatory treatment programs. Beyond sentencing, a conviction can affect your housing, education, and employment opportunities.
Felony drug convictions carry the most serious penalties, but misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges can still have lasting effects. Minnesota will consider prior convictions when determining sentencing, underscoring the importance of building a defense early, especially for individuals with a criminal history.
You may also face collateral consequences following a drug conviction, such as the revocation of professional licenses, driving privileges, or immigration status. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will consider the penalties when assessing your options and discussing potential sentencing outcomes.
Drug Defense Strategies We Can Use
The defense strategy you use for a drug crime will depend on the facts of your case. However, there are specific strategies that we can focus on that highlight the evidence, procedures, and statutory requirements that led to the charge rather than assumptions about your guilt or innocence.
Search and seizure issues: If drugs were found during an illegal stop or a search without a warrant, we may be able to call the legality of the evidence into question.
Chain of custody and testing procedures: We may be able to question whether the substances found in your possession were properly handled or accurately identified.
Intent: In cases alleging an intent to sell, we may be able to challenge whether the evidence truly supports that conclusion.
Interpretation of evidence: Quantities of drugs, packaging, and communications are all subject to interpretation, and those interpretations can be disputed.
Contact an Experienced Drug Crime Attorney in St. Paul, Minnesota, Today
Being charged with a drug crime is stressful. However, taking the steps to build a defense as soon as possible can preserve evidence and increase the strength of your case. A drug defense that begins promptly often has greater flexibility than one that starts later.
At Amicus Law, we have experience representing clients charged with drug crimes. Minnesota law is strict when it comes to drug crimes, and our attorneys are committed to building a strong defense on your behalf.
Drug defense is not only about addressing a single allegation. It is about protecting rights, assessing consequences, and planning for life beyond the case. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, we serve clients throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.