Controlled Substance Crimes

Criminal Defense Attorneys, Minneapolis and Saint Paul MN

If you face felony or misdemeanor charges related to the possession or sale of controlled substances (drugs), you should consult a criminal defense attorney immediately. Experienced legal representation can save you from making critical mistakes as your case moves forward. We serve clients in state and federal court cases, and will do everything we can to obtain positive results if and when you face trial.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is crucial that you find an experienced lawyer to represent you. Call 651-455-1555 today to schedule a comprehensive consultation at no charge to you. We will listen to your story carefully and help you determine the appropriate course of action.

Experience in drug-related crimes

Whether you have been accused of drug dealing or drug possession, you need experienced legal counsel at your side. When you arrange a consultation with us, we will defense for specific charges, including:

Minnesota Drug Crimes

First Degree Controlled Substance Crime

Sale: 10 grams crack, 50 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, 200 doses hallucinogen, 50 kilos marijuana.

Possession: 25 grams crack, 500 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, 500 does hallucinogen, 100 kilos marijuana.

Penalty: 0-30 yrs, 4 yr mandatory minimum if prior drug felony; up to $1 million fine.

Second Degree Controlled Substance Crime

Sale: 3 grams crack, 10 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, 50 doses hallucinogen, 25 kilos marijuana, or sale of any Schedule I or II narcotic drug either to a person under 18 or in a school zone or park zone.

Possession: 6 grams crack, 50 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, 100 does hallucinogen, 50 kilos marijuana.

Penalty: 0-25 yrs, 3 yr minimum if prior drug felony; up to $500,000 fine.

Third Degree Controlled Substance Crime

Sale: Crack/cocaine/heroin, 10 doses hallucinogen, 5 kilos marijuana, or sale of any Schedule I, II, or III drug (except a Schedule I or II narcotic drug or marijuana) to a person under 18 or employment of person under 18 to sell same.

Possession: 3 grams crack, 10 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine, 10 kilos marijuana, and any amount of a Schedule I or II narcotic drug in a school zone or park zone.

Penalty: 0-20 yrs, 2 yr mandatory minimum if prior drug felony; up to $250,000 fine.

Fourth Degree Controlled Substance Crime

Sale: Any Schedule I, II, or III drug (except marijuana), or sale of marijuana or any Schedule IV or V drug to person under 18.

Possession: 10 doses hallucinogen.

Penalty: 0-15 yrs, 1 yr mandatory minimum if prior drug felony; up to $100,000 fine.

Fifth Degree Controlled Substance Crime

Sale: Marijuana, or any Schedule IV drug.

Possession: All Schedule I, II, III, or IV drugs except 1.5 ounces (42.4 grams) or less of marijuana.

Penalty: 0-5 yrs, 6 month mandatory minimum if prior drug felony; up to $10,000 fine.

Possession of Small Amount of Marijuana

Sale or possession of 42.5 grams or less of Marijuana.

Penalty:  Petty Misdemeanor-$300 Fine

Possession of Marijuana in Motor Vehicle

Knowingly keeping or allowing to be kept within the area of the vehicle normally occupied by the driver or passengers, more than 1.4 grams of marijuana.

Penalty: 90 days-$1,000 Fine

Possession Drug Paraphernalia

Knowing or intentional use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Penalty: $300 Fine; 90 days jail and $1,000 fine for third violation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Drugs were found in my car does that prove possession?

The drugs do not have to be on your person for you to be in possession. Constructive possession is where the drugs are found in a place under your exclusive control to which other people did not normally have access, or if found in a place to which others had access, you knowingly exercised dominion and control over it. Constructive possession is more difficult to prove especially if you had passengers or it is not your car.

What is a “small amount” of marijuana?

A small amount of marijuana means 42.5 grams or less. In most cases, a person in possession of a small amount of marijuana is only guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Possessing or selling any amount over 42.5 grams is a felony level offense.

The importance of hiring an experienced attorney

Your case may involve one of many common types of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamines, narcotics, prescription drugs and ecstasy. Whatever the substance you have been accused of possessing, we will provide the legal support you need to protect your rights.

Case Victories

2nd Degree Drug Possession and Weapons Charge (Ramsey County)

After a full trial to a Ramsey County judge, our client was found NOT GUILTY of possessing drugs and a firearm.  She was eventually able to get her newborn child back into her custody in a separate proceeding.

Result: NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT

1st, 2nd and 5th Degree Controlled Substance Crimes (Dakota County)

Prior to trial, the judge dismissed the 1st and 2nd degree charges due to insufficient evidence because the State did not properly chemically test and weigh the required quantity. Client went to trial on the 5th degree charge. At trial, the we meticulously discredited and demonstrated the unreliability of the State’s evidence. The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes.

Result: NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT

Get the legal representation you need

Call an attorney before you give a statement to the police. Whether you face state or federal charges, our law office can help you navigate the legal system. We will listen to your story and provide a comprehensive consultation at no charge.

Call for a free consultation to discuss your case.

If you face drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call Sieben & Cotter at 651-455-1555 to arrange your free and comprehensive consultation, or send a request for more information.

The Sieben & Cotter Law office is located in South St. Paul, making it convenient to access attorneys in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area. We also serve greater Minnesota and Wisconsin. We know that criminal defense concerns may require more immediate attention; you can reach an attorney 24/7 – contact Tom Sieben or Patrick Cotter.