Will the Decriminalization of Hard Drugs Spread to Minnesota?

Though Minnesota has harsh penalties for drug-based offenses, recent political trends indicate a nationwide shift toward decriminalization may be on the horizon. In recent months, Oregon became the first state in the country to decriminalize hard drugs and reject criminal charges for drug users with criminal offenses.

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Understanding Drug Decriminalization

While many states are legalizing marijuana use, Oregon recently voted to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs, including heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and other hard drugs. Voters passed a ballot measure to decriminalize these drugs and protect drug users from drug charges and criminal prosecution.

The Oregon measure, which takes effect on February 1st, 2021, is expected to have a significant impact on penalties for drug users in possession of hard substances. Instead of facing possible jail time, offenders will have the option to pay a $100 fine or get help from an addiction recovery center funded by Oregon’s legally regulated marijuana industry.

Oregon’s recent decriminalization measure is meant to keep drug users from getting locked up in jail, as criminal records that can hinder future housing and job opportunities. Drug decriminalization will eliminate criminal penalties for drug use and possession, low-level drug sales, and possession of syringes or other drug paraphernalia. These changes will lead to reduced prison costs, more drug health and safety resources, and increased funding for drug treatment centers. Many advocates and criminal defense drug attorneys are in favor of the measure because current drug laws are not recovery-focused.

Although Oregon is the first U.S. state to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs, other countries including Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Portugal have decriminalized possession of hard drugs in small amounts. In Portugal, drug deaths fell after decriminalization in 2001, and drug addiction treatments stabilized. The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission expects the new measure to result in fewer misdemeanor and felony drug convictions for possession of controlled substances. Officials believe the measure will lead to significant reductions in ethnic and racial disparities for drug arrests and convictions.

Decriminalization for possession of small amounts of marijuana has passed in 26 states and the District of Columbia. In Minnesota, anyone caught with more than 42.5 grams of recreational marijuana faces a felony conviction punishable by fines of $10,000 or more and 5 years or more in jail. Since Minnesota has strong drug laws, it’s difficult to predict if the decriminalization of hard drugs in Oregon will spread to Minnesota.

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

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.