Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Garrison resident sentenced to over 3 years for drug crimes

A Crow Wing district court sentenced a central Minnesota man to 44 months in prison for possessing over three grams of a controlled substance. He received a second sentence of 39 months for selling narcotics, but the sentences will be served concurrently in the St. Cloud correctional facility, meaning that he will only serve a total of 44 months for both drug charges. During the sentencing, the 26-year-old man received credit for previous time spent in prison.

In addition to the third-degree possession charge, the 44-month sentence was a result of nine other counts, including selling a marijuana mixture. All of the nine counts were dismissed, however.

The man was caught while officers were on patrol at the public access point for Bass Lake. Police decided to investigate a suspicious-looking vehicle containing three male passengers. When officers learned that there was a warrant out for the man’s arrest, they conducted a search and discovered a pill bottle containing gabapentin. The bottle’s label was torn off. Officers also found a large stash of cash and a paper appearing to contain drug notes.

Police discovered even more in the man’s vehicle. Several small bags of marijuana were found, totaling about 5.1 grams. Officers eventually found several empty baggies, two scales and pills such as alprazolam and Seroquel. Even more marijuana was found in a hidden compartment inside of a bottle of RockStar energy drink.

This is not the man’s first drug conviction. In 2011, he was charged with the sale of narcotics when he sold meth to an undercover informant in Brainerd.

The man has definitely benefited from a good defense. The decision to have both of his sentences served concurrently has nearly cut his jail time in half. It’s not unreasonable for a judge to sentence a repeat offender as harshly as possible. Also, having nine out of the 10 possible charges dropped is a big advantage for the man. Defense attorneys can help anyone in these situations negotiate for a lighter possible sentence.

Source: brainerddispatch.com, “Garrison man to serve prison time for drug charges” Jennifer Stockinger, Nov. 27, 2013

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Handcuffed person sitting behind small bags of illegal drugs. Drug Possession if the Drugs Aren’t Yours

Can You Be Charged With Drug Possession if the Drugs Aren’t Yours in Minnesota?

You can be charged with drug possession if the drugs aren’t yours in Minnesota. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of criminal law. Many people assume that if they did not own or physically hold the drugs, they cannot be charged. In reality, Minnesota law allows prosecutors to pursue charges based on something called constructive possession.
Man on a phone call while using a laptop. Contact the Alleged Victim After Charges

What Happens if You Contact the Alleged Victim After Charges Are Filed in Minnesota?

If you contact the alleged victim after charges are filed in Minnesota, you may be putting your case, your freedom, and your future at risk. Once criminal charges are filed, courts often impose strict no-contact conditions, either through bail conditions, release orders, or protective orders. Violating those conditions can lead to additional criminal charges, even if your intent was harmless.
A young man with bruises posing for a mugshot. Accused of Sharing Intimate Images

Accused of Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent in Minnesota? What to Know

Being accused of sharing intimate images without consent in Minnesota can have consequences that go far beyond the criminal justice system. These cases often involve allegations tied to digital communication, private relationships, and intent, which makes them both legally complex and highly sensitive.