Drug Crimes

Southern Minnesota Drug Crimes Attorney

If you are facing a drug crime conviction, it is imperative that you act as fast as possible so you can protect your reputation, your rights, and your future. In Minnesota, drug offenses are taken very seriously because they impact society as a whole. Furthermore, drug offenses are typically heard in a separate drug court in the state or they are heard in federal court when the drug offense violates federal law. What this means is that a person who is charged with a drug crime can face both the state and federal court systems and a conviction could lead to a long prison sentence in a federal prison, as well as significant fines.

If you have been charged with a Drug Crime, Birkholz Law, LLC can help you. Through a thorough knowledge of both state and federal law, you receive a comprehensive and skillful defense  by an experienced Mankato drug crimes attorney so that you can receive the best outcome. This means negotiating reduced charges or proving that you were someone in the wrong place at the wrong time. You can also receive any help needed in regards to drug addiction.

Types Of Drug Crime Cases

There are five degrees of drug offenses. They are First Degree, Second Degree, Third Degree, and Fifth Degree Controlled Substance. However, other types of cases include:

  • Possession of substances designed to manufacture Methamphetamine
  • Importing controlled substances
  • Manufacturing with the intent to sell
  • Illegal prescription drug possession or sale (includes Vicodin, Celexa, Valium, Ritalin, etc.)
  • Trafficking and transporting narcotics
  • Growing marijuana
  • Methamphetamine crime involving vulnerable adults and/or children
  • Simulated controlled substances
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Prohibited conduct involving Anhydrous Ammonia

If you have been accused of any of these, the need for a knowledgeable Southern Minnesota drug crimes lawyer is a substantial one so that you can be properly defended.

Drug Crimes Penalties

If convicted of a drug crime, the penalties are harsh. A First Degree Controlled Substance conviction can have a prison sentence of up to 30 years and a fine of $1 million. Even if the charge is lowered to a Fifth Degree Controlled Substance charge, the prison time is still 5 years and the fine is $100,000. If a controlled substance is imported, the prison sentence is up to 35 years and a fine of $1.2 million.

Each individual offense has its own set of sentencing guidelines and all involve prison time. The charges can be aggravated and the penalties more severe if the controlled substance was distributed to individuals under the age of 21, if the drugs were distributed near a school, or the drugs were distributed to people under the age of 18.

Contact A Mankato Drug Crimes Lawyer

If you have been accused of a drug crime, you need a knowledgeable and experienced attorney to work with you every step of the way. You do not have to accept the charges and take the maximum penalties. Because such a case can be tried at both the state and federal levels, it is important to fight so you can have a brighter future. To learn more about how Birkholz Law, LLC can help you and to schedule a free case evaluation, call the St. James office at 507-375-3374, the Westbrook office at 507-274-6501, or the Mankato office at 507-389-2100.