When the police apply pressure, Minneapolis drug crime lawyer Joshua London is ready to fight back and protect your rights! You cannot afford to plead guilty. Let us build an aggressive defense.
Minnesota’s criminal justice system can seem antagonistic and utterly terrifying as we’ve dealt with countless criminal cases in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, we recognize how common it is to suffer from intense emotions following an arrest. The anxiety from the police department and prosecutor’s office investigating your case might cause you to abandon hope and plead guilty.
Don’t be lured into making rushed choices following an arrest. You are entitled to a criminal defense. Uphold your right to legal counsel by contacting London Defense. Our lead attorney, Joshua London, understands how to challenge the case that police and prosecutors are building against you.
Defend Your Freedom With London Defense
The state of Minnesota does not take drug crimes lightly. From the prosecution’s standpoint, assertively prosecuting drug crimes can help make life safer for all those who live or work in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Regrettably, many officers make hasty and even unlawful arrests to keep communities free of drugs.
Types of Drug Crimes in Minnesota
Minnesota law divides drug crimes into five degrees based on the severity of the offense, the type and amount of drug involved, and other circumstances. Standard drug crime charges include:
- Possession: Being found with illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or unauthorized prescription drugs.
- Trafficking and Distribution: Selling, delivering, or intending to distribute controlled substances. These charges carry harsher penalties than possession.
- Manufacturing: Producing drugs, such as growing marijuana or operating a meth lab.
- Paraphernalia Possession: Possessing equipment like pipes, needles, or other tools used in drug consumption or production.
Minnesota also categorizes drugs into five schedules, from Schedule I (the most dangerous substances with no medical use) to Schedule V (low-risk substances with medical uses). The drug schedule and the amount involved often determine the severity of the charge.
Penalties
Drug crimes in Minnesota carry severe penalties that can include fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you are charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, a drug-related conviction can impact every aspect of your life. At London Defense, we specialize in defending individuals against drug crime charges and work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
The penalties connected with a Minnesota drug possession charge will vary depending on the amount and type of illicit drugs an individual is accused of possessing. This list offers a helpful example of what these potential consequences are:
- First Degree – Up to 30 years in prison, $1 million in fines or both
- Second Degree – Up to 25 years in prison, $500,000 in fines or both
- Third Degree – Up to 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines or both
- Fourth Degree – Up to 15 years in prison, $100,000 in fines or both
- Fifth Degree – Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 in fines or both
Legal Defenses Against Drug Charges
At London Defense, we approach every case with a personalized strategy, tailoring our defense to the unique circumstances of your situation. Common defenses in drug crime cases include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: Evidence may be suppressed if law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search or seizure.
- Lack of Knowledge: Demonstrating that you were unaware of the presence of the drugs, such as when someone else left them in your vehicle or property.
- Challenging Evidence: Questioning the chain of custody or the reliability of lab testing to undermine the prosecution’s case.
- Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed.
- Insufficient Evidence: Highlighting gaps in the prosecution’s case to create reasonable doubt.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Minnesota, often to secure harsh penalties. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At London Defense, we fight to protect your rights and explore every possible option to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Our Approach at London Defense
- Thorough Investigation: We carefully review all aspects of your case, from the initial arrest to the handling of evidence, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiation: When appropriate, we work with prosecutors to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing, such as diversion programs or rehabilitation.
- Aggressive Representation: If your case goes to trial, we provide a robust and confident defense to achieve the best possible outcome
Contact a Minneapolis Drug Crime Lawyer Right Away
Facing drug charges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. If you are facing drug crime charges, schedule your free case evaluation with Minneapolis drug crime lawyer Joshua London. You can contact our law firm online, by phone, or in person.
We are looking forward to discussing your case with you and defending your freedom.