Marijuana use on the rise, prescription drug use falling

Minnesotans may be interested to learn that the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has released its results from 2011 and the number of people abusing prescription drugs is the lowest it has been since 2002. Marijuana use, however, is on the rise, with young people. The question is, why is one falling while one is rising? One man believes it is because of a lack of alternative sentencing programs for people arrested of marijuana use.

Programs that focus more on public health and treatment are more likely to reduce marijuana use, says the executive director of Drug Policy Alliance. The organization is vocal in its support of treatment instead of locking people up and giving them criminal records. And, other sources report that alternative sentencing programs are more likely to reduce recidivism among young drug users.

Instead, many police and prosecutors in Minneapolis-St. Paul focus on criminalizing and incarcerating anyone arrested for marijuana possession.

The survey also found that the number of people between the ages 18 and 25 were 14 percent less likely to abuse prescription medicines than the year before. There are only 1.7 million young people who abused prescription medication, or only 3.6 percent of the country. Much of this decline is likely linked to the increasingly visible public health campaigns and cutting off drugs at the source.

Being charged with drug possession in Minnesota is dangerous and there are real risks associated with having a criminal record, spending time in prison and paying heavy fines. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help protect people accused of using drugs.

Source: USA Today, “Prescription drug abuse drops among young people,” Donna Leinwand Leger, Sept. 25, 2012

Visit our drug possession page to learn about the dangers associated with drug charges in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

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

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.