Making the decision to plead guilty to a criminal charge is very serious and should only be considered after speaking with a criminal defense attorney. Being picked up by police and accused of a crime, especially a federal crime, is frightening and stressful, pleading guilty in that environment or even talking to police may initially seem like a good idea. But, after some time, many people in Minnesota may realize that it is a wiser decision to fight the criminal charges.
It is true, however, that there are many Minneapolis residents who will still choose to plead guilty after talking with a criminal defense attorney, but that is a decision that only they can make. Talking with an attorney gives a suspect a better understanding of what he or she must do to defend against the charges, as well as what punishments he or she may face if he or she pleads guilty.
In this case, it is unclear if a 30-year-old Bloomington man took the time to work with an attorney before he pled guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. For that single count he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and since he will be serving time in federal prison, he will not be eligible for parole. The man admitted to selling 180 grams of meth and planning to distribute another 162 grams.
There are certainly situations in which it makes sense to plead guilty to a drug charge, but only a criminal defense lawyer can really give a suspect enough information to make an informed and rational decision.
Source: KARE 11, “Bloomington meth dealer gets 10 years,” Nov. 20, 2012
Federal drug crimes are extremely serious and can come with a lengthy sentence, but we have worked with individuals to defend against methamphetamine charges. Find out more by visiting our website.
