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Don’t Get Caught with these Drugs in Minnesota

Drugs with the highest potential for harm and abuse carry the harshest penalties in Minnesota. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has established penalties for drug possession based on a drug’s classification under a schedule for controlled substances. Drugs are evaluated and assigned to the schedule based on their medical value and potential for abuse.

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Drug Possession Laws

In Minnesota, drug crimes are one of the highest number of charged offenses, and penalties are harsh. Both federal and state Minnesota prisons are filled with inmates serving sentences for drug-related offenses. Minnesota has five degrees of drug possession depending on the type and amount of drugs found in a person’s possession.

First-Degree

25 grams or more of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or a combination; 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; 500 grams or more of amphetamine, phencyclidine, or hallucinogenic drugs; and over 500 grams of other narcotics can result in penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million for first-time offenders. Up to 40 years in prison is possible for a second offense.

Second-Degree

6 grams of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or a combination; 10-99 kilograms of marijuana; 50-499 grams of amphetamine, phencyclidine, or hallucinogenic drugs; and 10-499 grams of other narcotics can mean up to 25 years in prison, $500,000 in fines, and up to 40 years in prison for subsequent offenses.

Third-Degree

Under six grams of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or a combination; 10 kilograms of marijuana; 10-50 grams of amphetamine, phencyclidine, or hallucinogenic drugs; and under 10 grams of other narcotics can result in up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for first-time offenders, and up to 30 years in prison for subsequent offenses.

Fourth-Degree

10 or more dosage units of phencyclidine or other hallucinogens; possession of a controlled substance in Schedule I, II, or III (except marijuana) with intent to sell can mean up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.

Fifth-Degree

Illegal possession of a controlled substance in Schedule I, II, III or IV, (except under 42.5 grams of marijuana) or procuring or attempting to procure a controlled substance through false identity, fraud, deceit, or posing as a medical caregiver can result in up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Senior truck driver holding a wheel and looking through the window. DWI Affects CDL Holders

How a DWI Affects CDL Holders in Minnesota

Commercial motor vehicle drivers arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) may need to know how a DWI affects CDL holders in Minnesota. You will lose your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for at least a year if you are convicted of DWI for the first time, and forever after a second conviction. The consequences go beyond the immediate legal implications of a DWI conviction. A CDL suspension or revocation will lead to job loss, difficulty finding employment, and serious financial challenges.
Passenger is sitting on the back seat of the car and using smart phone app to rate a driver. DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers

How a DWI Affects Rideshare Drivers in Minnesota

Knowing how a DWI affects rideshare drivers in Minnesota allows you to take the right steps to protect your license and livelihood. A DWI conviction will lead to suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license. Once you lose your license, you will be ineligible for a work permit required to work for rideshare companies as a driver. You may also face jail time, fines, or ignition interlock device (IID) installation, depending on the seriousness and number of related offenses on your record.
Two policemen are standing in front of the building's entrance door. Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant

Can Police Search Your Phone Without a Warrant in Minnesota?

People under criminal investigation or whose phones have been seized by law enforcement officers may ask, “Can police search your phone without a warrant in Minnesota?” It’s illegal for police to search your phone without a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement. These exceptions include when you consent to the search, someone’s life is in danger, or there is an immediate risk of evidence destruction.