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Drug Crimes

St. Paul Drug Crime Lawyer

Representation for Drug Charges in Minnesota

Unfortunately, when accused of drug crimes, many people try to save money because they don’t feel that the charges are serious enough to warrant speaking with a St. Paul drug crime attorney and they attempt to handle their cases on their own. These matters are complex and several variables come into play when working toward a favorable resolution. A drug conviction can have lifelong consequences and making a mistake at any step in the process can substantially affect the outcome of the case.

If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime in St. Paul or the surrounding areas, you need an experienced drug crime attorney on your side to fight your charges. At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, our lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience and have handled tens of thousands of cases, including those involving drug crimes. We are prepared to fight for you and put up a vigorous defense. Employing a strategic approach, we will seek a favorable outcome on your behalf, such as getting charges reduced or dropped or sentences lessened.


Our St. Paul drug crime lawyers are here to discuss your case and help you through this difficult time. Contact us at (651) 413-9004 today.


Charges our St. Paul Drug Crime Attorney Hanles

Minnesota has several laws on the books concerning drug crimes. The offenses fall into different categories called degrees. The degree of charge levied against a person depends on various factors, including the type of drug involved, the quantity of the drug, and any aggravating factors present at the time of the offense.

Prohibited drug-related behaviors include:

  • Manufacturing drugs: In Minnesota, manufacturing drugs includes activities such as cultivating, producing, packing, and labeling.
  • Selling drugs: Selling includes giving away or bartering for drugs. This means that money does not have to exchange hands for the conduct to be considered a crime.
  • Possessing drugs: An offense occurs when someone owns or has in their control drugs.
  • Possessing drug paraphernalia: In Minnesota, it’s a crime to possess drug paraphernalia, as well as manufacture or deliver it.
  • Using recreational marijuana: In recent years, attitudes towards recreational cannabis use have relaxed. However, it is not legal in Minnesota to engage in such conduct. The state does allow for medicinal use of marijuana, but strict laws are in place regulating the possession and use of it.

Depending on the circumstances, a drug crime may fall under federal jurisdiction. When it’s charged as a federal offense, defending against accusations can be more challenging and the conviction penalties can be more severe.

Minnesota Drug Crime Penalties

Depending on the severity of your drug charge, a lot could be at stake. If you’re convicted, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, large fine, or both. Additionally, you’ll have a criminal record, which could impact your future. For instance, you may be ineligible for receiving federal student aid and might have difficulty getting a job, as many employers conduct background checks.

A few other consequences related to drug crimes include:

  • Mandatory minimums: Many people aren’t aware that a judge must impose specific mandatory minimum sentences for drug crime convictions.
  • Three strikes sentencing: If an individual has prior felony convictions, a drug-related offense could result in a life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  • Property forfeiture: If law enforcement officials believe certain pieces of property were used to commit a drug crime or purchased with money gained from such conduct, they can seize the property.
  • Increased penalties for aggravating factors: If aggravating factors were involved, charges and punishments become more severe. Aggravating factors include:
    • Selling to a minor or vulnerable adult;
    • Committing a drug crime in a school zone, park zone, correctional facility, or drug treatment facility;
    • Carrying out the offense for the benefit of a gang; and
    • Bringing drugs into Minnesota from another state or country

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the different degrees of drug crimes in Minnesota?

Drug crimes in Minnesota are categorized into different degrees based on factors such as the type and quantity of the drug involved, as well as any aggravating factors present at the time of the offense.

What activities are considered manufacturing drugs in Minnesota?

Manufacturing drugs in Minnesota includes activities such as cultivating, producing, packing, and labeling.

Is selling drugs a crime in Minnesota?

Yes, selling drugs in Minnesota is considered a crime. It includes giving away or bartering for drugs, and money does not have to exchange hands for the conduct to be illegal.

What is drug possession and when does it become an offense?

Drug possession in Minnesota refers to owning or having drugs in one's control. It becomes an offense when the possession is illegal, such as possessing controlled substances without a valid prescription.

Is possessing drug paraphernalia a crime in Minnesota?

Yes, it is a crime to possess drug paraphernalia in Minnesota. This includes not only possessing it, but also manufacturing or delivering it.

Is recreational marijuana use legal in Minnesota?

No, recreational marijuana use is not legal in Minnesota. While attitudes towards recreational cannabis use have relaxed in recent years, strict laws are in place regulating its possession and use. However, the state does allow for medicinal use of marijuana.

What are the potential penalties for drug crimes in Minnesota?

The penalties for drug crimes in Minnesota depend on the severity of the offense. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, large fines, or both. Additionally, individuals may face other consequences such as a criminal record, ineligibility for federal student aid, and difficulty finding employment.

Are there mandatory minimum sentences for drug crime convictions in Minnesota?

Yes, there are mandatory minimum sentences that judges must impose for drug crime convictions in Minnesota.

What is three strikes sentencing in relation to drug crimes?

Three strikes sentencing refers to a situation where an individual with prior felony convictions can face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of a drug-related offense.

Can law enforcement seize property in drug crime cases?

Yes, law enforcement officials can seize property if they believe it was used to commit a drug crime or purchased with money gained from such conduct.

What factors can result in increased penalties for drug crimes in Minnesota?

Aggravating factors such as selling to a minor or vulnerable adult, committing a drug crime in specific zones (e.g., school zone, park zone, correctional facility, or drug treatment facility), carrying out the offense for the benefit of a gang, or bringing drugs into Minnesota from another state or country can result in increased charges and punishments for drug crimes.

Get Experienced Drug crime Defense for Your Case

At Rogosheske, Rogosheske & Atkins, PLLC, our St. Paul drug crimes lawyers will focus on your best interests as we seek a favorable result on your behalf. We are skilled negotiators and will work toward a resolution outside of court. However, we’re also prepared to take your case to trial should that be necessary.


To learn about your legal options, call our drug crime lawyer in St. Paul at (651) 413-9004 or contact us online.


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