Category: Drug Crimes

New plan may lessen number of incarcerated drug offenders

For a long time many people in Minneapolis-St. Paul who were arrested and charged with federal drug crimes feared the lengthy, draconian prison sentences that accompanied those charges. The country’s war on drugs has been severe, sending people who were never violent and had very little criminal background away for decades in prison. There has been some pushback over lengthy mandatory prison sentences, however, and now Attorney General Eric Holder, on behalf of the Obama Administration, is announcing a new plan to combat these punishments.

Horrific story young man’s detention grabs national headlines

There are likely many people in St. Paul who have heard the story of a now-25-year-old man who nearly died while in a federal Drug Enforcement Administration cell. The young man had been arrested as part of a drug raid and was questioned before an officer working with the DEA told him he was not going to be charged. The officer put him in a 5-by-10-foot holding cell, assuring him that he would only be a minute. Instead, the young man spent the next 4 1/2 days in the cell and nearly died.

Talking to police without a lawyer makes criminal charges worse

Most people in Roseville know that if they are arrested they have the right to remain silent. Many of them also know that they have the right to an attorney and that one can be appointed for them if they can’t afford one. With the number of police shows on television these days, it is surprising that someone wouldn’t know their Miranda rights. Even if they know and understand them, however, there are a number of people who waive their rights and talk to police without ever thinking about the consequences.

Why the language of the law matters

While Minnesota does not currently have a medical marijuana law in place, nor does it appear that the state is looking to decriminalize it any time soon, people’s attitudes about the substance are constantly changing. With more and more states passing medical marijuana laws, it is only a matter of time before Minnesota will start making marijuana available to the chronically ill. Until that time comes, however, possession of any marijuana will result in a drug charge.

Does THC-laced food fall under the definition of marijuana?

Most people in Minneapolis know that the state does not have a medical marijuana law, which means that if police find marijuana on you, you will likely be facing criminal charges in Hennepin County. If Minnesota ever decides to pass a medical marijuana law, however, the government is going to have to create clear laws and guidlines for what marijuana is legal and exempt under the law and what is not. Failure to do so could lead to confusion and people who thought they were following the law facing drug charges.

Austin woman gets stay of adjudication on drug charge in DWI case

A woman who had been accused of driving while impaired by drugs, felony drug charges and other offenses reportedly agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor DWI and felony drug possession charges in exchange for a probationary sentence that may allow her to avoid having the felony conviction entered onto her permanent criminal record.

How would medical marijuana affect drug crimes in Minnesota?

Many people in Minneapolis and St. Paul may be wondering what changes a new medical marijuana bill could have on the criminal justice system if it becomes law next year, including how drug offenses will be prosecuted. With many states passing medical marijuana laws of their own, there may be concerns about being wrongfully charged with or convicted of drug crimes.

US Supreme Court hears case involving drug charges and legal residents

The individual at the center of the case had lived in the United States since he was just three years old. He came to this country in 1984 with his parents. Throughout the time he lived in the U.S., he was a legal resident. Then, in 2007, the man was stopped by a law enforcement officer in Georgia. The officer conducted a search of his vehicle, which uncovered a small quantity of marijuana. The amount of marijuana found could have made just two to three cigarettes.

Beltrami County deputy arrests 2 on marijuana charges

Two Bemidji residents are in custody after a Beltrami County sheriff’s deputy came to their home to serve one of the residents with civil filings. When the 29-year-old man opened the door to accept services, the deputy claims the smell of marijuana was quite strong. After applying for a search warrant, police officers searched the home and claim to have found 85 marijuana plants.