Minnesota Drug Trafficking Laws

While any drug charge can severely impact your future, the penalties for drug trafficking can be among the most extreme. Drug trafficking is a felony offense, and those convicted often continue to feel the effects long after serving their sentence. You may feel understandably scared, confused, and overwhelmed if you have been charged with drug trafficking in Minnesota. 

Fortunately, you have the right to fight the serious charges you face. Instead of leaving your fate up to chance, contact an experienced drug trafficking lawyer at Knutson + Casey. Our firm has helped thousands of clients in Southern Minnesota achieve favorable outcomes for their cases so that they can get their lives back on track. When you partner with us, you can be confident that your drug crimes attorney will fight tirelessly for your rights and interests. 

What Is Drug Trafficking in Minnesota?

Drug trafficking involves processing, manufacturing, selling, or intending to sell a controlled substance. Drug charges can be escalated from possession with the intent to sell to drug trafficking charges if certain aggravating factors are present. Typically, the amount of the controlled substance in question is the deciding factor in determining which charges you may face. You may be charged with first-degree drug trafficking for the following crimes:

• Possessing 25 grams or more of cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin
• Possessing 100 kilograms or more of marijuana 
• Possessing 500 grams or more of any narcotic
• Selling 200 or more doses of any hallucinogenic drugs
• Selling 50 grams or more of cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin
• Selling 50 grams or more of marijuana
• Manufacturing any amount of methamphetamines

While drug trafficking and possession with the intent to distribute are both first-degree controlled substance crimes, those convicted of drug trafficking often face harsher penalties. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, you may also face federal drug trafficking charges, which could significantly increase your penalties if convicted. 

Penalties for a Drug Trafficking Conviction in Minnesota

The penalties for drug trafficking in Minnesota are severe and could significantly impact the rest of your life. Those convicted of drug trafficking may face up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. You may also be charged with a federal drug trafficking offense if the substances crossed state or international borders. Individuals convicted of drug trafficking at the federal level may face 40 years behind bars and a fine of up to $5 million. In these circumstances, it would be up to the judge to decide whether your sentences will be served consecutively or concurrently.

Drug trafficking is charged as a felony offense in Minnesota. Convicted felons often face many challenges rebuilding their lives, even after serving their time. Those convicted of felonies often have difficulty finding housing and employment as well as maintaining meaningful relationships. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, there is too much at stake to go without quality legal representation. The seasoned criminal defense attorneys at Knutson + Casey understand the severity of these charges and will help you develop the best possible defense for your unique situation. 

Possible Defenses for Drug Trafficking Charges

It is essential to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty and that you have the right to fight for your rights and freedoms vigorously. The skilled Minnesota drug trafficking lawyers at Knutson + Casey have 30 years of experience employing various strategies to defend against trafficking and other severe drug charges. Some of the strategies your lawyer may use in your defense include:

• The police performed an illegal search and seizure of your property.
• The arresting officer failed to read you your Miranda Rights.
• You were enticed into committing a crime you would not have normally. This is also known as entrapment. 
• The substance you possessed was not a controlled substance.
• You had no knowledge of the substance in your possession nor the intent to sell it. 

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to determine which strategies will be most applicable to your situation. When you choose us, you can count on us to leave no stone unturned regarding the details of your case and your legal options. 

Contact a Trusted Drug Trafficking Attorney at Knutson + Casey

If you have been charged with drug trafficking in Minnesota, you need a trusted criminal defense lawyer on your side. The skilled attorneys at Knutson + Casey have decades of experience defending the accused across southern Minnesota. Our lawyers are committed to taking a personalized approach to every case so that we can tailor our services to each of our client’s unique needs. We know the ins and outs of Minnesota criminal law and will use our knowledge to craft the best defense possible for the charges you face. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, call us today at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form.