Get Experienced Defense Against Serious Drug Charges

Last updated on February 5, 2025

Minnesota takes drug crimes seriously – and you should too. If you’ve been charged with possessing, selling or trafficking any controlled substance (including many prescription drugs), you may be facing significant jail time, fines and other long-lasting consequences.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face these charges on your own. At Ed Shaw Law, our criminal defense attorneys represent individuals from all walks of life who are charged with drug crimes, from possession of a small amount of marijuana to distribution of methamphetamine. We’ll work hard to protect your rights and your future, and we will look for options for reduced sentences and treatment wherever possible.

Understanding Common Drug Crimes In Minnesota

Our attorneys work with clients charged with various drug-related offenses under Minnesota law. Here’s what you need to know about common drug charges:

• Drug manufacturing: Creating or producing controlled substances, including operating labs to make methamphetamine or cultivating marijuana. These charges often bring severe penalties, with sentences depending on the type and amount of drugs involved.
• Drug distribution and trafficking: Selling, transporting or importing controlled substances. Minnesota law treats these as serious felonies, with penalties varying based on factors such as the type of drug, amount in possession and location of the alleged crime. Selling drugs near schools or parks can lead to enhanced sentences.
• Sharing prescription medications: Many people don’t realize that giving away prescription drugs – even to family members – is illegal under Minnesota law. These actions can result in distribution charges.
• Possession with intent to sell: Different from simple possession, law enforcement often determines intent through evidence such as digital scales, packaging materials or large amounts of cash. These charges typically carry harsher penalties than possession for personal use.

As your lawyers, we’ll examine every detail of your case, from challenging illegal searches to questioning evidence handling procedures. Our attorney team maintains strong working relationships with local courts in Brainerd, St. Cloud and Grand Rapids, helping us pursue effective strategies for your defense.

Types And Severity Of Brainerd Drug Charges

In Minnesota, drug charges are punished harshly, reflecting the state’s commitment to curbing drug-related crimes. The severity of the charges and penalties depends on the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved and the circumstances surrounding the offense.

Below is a breakdown of state drug charges, their severity and the potential penalties if convicted:

• First-degree controlled substance offenses: These involve the manufacture or sale of large quantities of drugs. They carry severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 30 years and fines reaching $1 million.
• Second-degree drug crimes: In Minnesota, second-degree offenses involve the sale of smaller quantities of drugs. The potential for these crimes includes imprisonment for up to 25 years and fines approaching $500,000.
• Third-degree controlled substance offenses: These drug crimes involve possession with intent to distribute smaller quantities of drugs. The penalties can include imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines up to $300,000.
• Fourth-degree Minnesota drug crimes: Fourth-degree drug offenses involve possession of a controlled substance without intent to distribute. This is punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines up to $200,000.
• Fifth-degree illegal substance offenses: These typically involve the simple possession of small drug quantities. However, the penalties are still severe and may include imprisonment for up five years and fines reaching $10,000.

Certain factors can enhance the legal consequences associated with drug charges. Examples include:

• Drug-free zones: Enhanced penalties for offenses committed within 300 feet of schools, parks, public housing or drug treatment facilities
• Presence of minors: Additional charges or enhanced penalties if minors are present during the offense

Understanding the types and severity of drug charges in Minnesota is crucial for building a sound defense. If you are dealing with drug charges, it is important to seek legal counsel. An experienced lawyer can fight for reduced charges or penalties and defend you in court if necessary.

Is Drug Court An Option?

Drug courts are working well in Brainerd and across Minnesota, reducing the recidivism rate and providing people the treatment they need to get back on track. The state’s drug court programs have grown over the past two decades and proven to be an effective alternative to incarceration. As part of our strategy, we will evaluate your eligibility for drug court as well as other ways to reduce jail time and ensure you receive any treatment you need.

Get Our Experience On Your Side Today

Don’t wait to talk to a lawyer after a drug charge. Call us at 800-507-0352 during regular business hours, or you can call our after-hours line at 507-779-6767 anytime day or night. Your initial consultation with an attorney is always free, and we are committed to making our legal services affordable, with flexible payment plans available.