Possession of Controlled Substances

Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer & Controlled Substances Attorney Serving Minnesota

Minnesota, like all other states, regulates its own laws regarding the possession of controlled substances and the penalties. Minnesota not only charges for the possession of the actual drugs, but also for the compounds that are used to create them. If you have been charged with the possession of any of these substances, it is important to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. With a Minnesota drug crime defense lawyer in your corner, you increase the chances of having a better future than you would otherwise.

Charles Segal is a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer who has helped clients throughout the Twin Cities metro and surrounding Minnesota counties secure the best possible outcomes in their cases

Fighting The Penalties For Drug Possession

Controlled substance convictions can result in penalties of up to $1 million, up to 30 years in prison, or both. That's if the conviction is for first-degree possession, which is a felony. If there have been previous convictions, the penalty can involve up to 40 years in prison, according to Minnesota Statute Ann. §152.021.

It's a felony if there is 25 grams or more of meth, heroin, or cocaine or a mixture of any of these. Narcotic drugs can't exceed 500 grams in weight. Amphetamine, Hallucinogens, and phencyclidine also can't weigh more than 500 grams or exceed 500 dosage units.

A second-degree drug possession charge also comes with hefty fines of up to $500,000 and up to 25 years in prison. Previous convictions can aggravate this charge as well, increasing the prison time if convicted.

There is a total of five degrees of possession charges. Which charge is issued depends on the drug type and how much is in possession. Fifth-degree possession is the least serious of the five with fines being up to $10,000 and prison time up to five years.   In some instances the charge can be reduced to a gross misdemeanor instead of a felony.

No matter what charge is filed against you, the penalties are very serious. Having a drug offense on your criminal record can result in difficulty finding a place to live, getting a job, going to school, or obtaining a professional license. There is also a stigma attached to being convicted of a drug crime. This is why you need a Minnesota drug crimes defense lawyer to fight on your behalf.

A Skilled Attorney In Your Corner

When you have a skilled controlled substances attorney advocating for you, you increase the chances that you will receive a fair outcome in the case. Simply accepting the charges and letting the legal system do what they want with you is how penalties become harsher than they need to be. There may be elements in your case that show you shouldn't have to pay the maximum penalties. Charles Segal will identify all facts that will help your case and build a strong and strategic case meant to help you get on with your life as soon as possible.

Contact A Minnesota Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you've been charged with the possession of a controlled substance, you don't have to face the charges alone. You can defend yourself against the accusation with the help of an experienced defense attorney to secure the best possible outcome and future. To learn more about how Charles Segal can help you, call Segal Defense, P.A. at 612-299-1110 to request a free consultation.