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Drug Crimes

Minneapolis Drug Crime Attorneys

Facing Drug Charges in Minneapolis? We’re Available 24/7

Even relatively minor offenses involving narcotics, controlled substances, and other drugs like marijuana can carry disproportionately heavy penalties in the state of Minnesota. Because drug crimes violate United States law, you could also face federal prosecution for your alleged offense. In either situation, it is very important to get the trustworthy legal guidance of a Minneapolis drug crime lawyer who can fight for your rights in court.

Tamburino Law Grouphas been defending criminally accused clients throughout Minnesota for more than 100 years combined. We have handled hundreds of criminal jury trials, and we know what it takes to win a difficult case. You can trust that your future is in good hands when you work with our firm.

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Work With Former Prosecutors and Board Certified Criminal Attorneys

With the prosecution and courts against you, it’s important to contact Tamburino Law Groupas soon as possible. As former prosecutors and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist we will do everything in our power to protect you from the harsh, unforgiving hand of the law.

We’ve heard the questions people tend to ask after a drug-related arrest:

  • Is this really a serious charge?
  • What types of penalties am I facing?
  • Could I get prison time for a conviction?
  • Do I need a criminal defense lawyer?
  • What can I do to protect my rights?

Tamburino Law Groupis here to provide the answers you need. Whether your charges involve marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, heroin, LSD, or some other type of controlled substance, we know how to help you.

Types of Drug Crimes We Can Help With

At our law firm, we have experience handling a wide range of drug crime cases in Minneapolis, including:

If you are facing any of these types of drug crimes, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Our experienced drug crime defense attorneys in Minneapolis can help protect your rights, build a strong defense strategy, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Information About Minnesota Drug Crimes

Types of Scheduled Drugs

Minnesota follows the federal government’s list of Scheduled Drugs to criminalize certain substances, with the Schedules arranged from one (I) to five (V). The potential penalties for illegally possessing, selling, distributing, or manufacturing these controlled substances are complex and will depend on many different factors, particularly the amount of the drug and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

  • Schedule I drugs: Considered highly addictive and with no medical uses. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote.
  • Schedule II drugs: Considered highly addictive but with some medical uses. Examples include methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and many prescription painkillers.
  • Schedule III drugs: Considered addictive and may have medical properties. Examples include codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
  • Schedule IV drugs: Considered potentially addictive and may be prescribed by a doctor. Examples include most prescriptions, like Xanax, Soma, Ambien, and Valium.
  • Schedule V drugs: Considered slightly addictive or non-addictive and may be sold over-the-counter. Examples include off-the-shelf medications, such as pain relievers and cough medicines.

Is Marijuana Use and Possession Legal in Minnesota?

Although federal law still considers cannabis a Schedule I drug, Minnesota has made several moves to decriminalize it in certain circumstances and quantities. The state legalized medical marijuana in 2014, but patients can only use it in the form of pills, oils, or vapors from e-cigarettes. Recreational marijuana is still prohibited in Minnesota, but possession of 42.5 grams or less of marijuana is a low-level misdemeanor with no possibility of jail time.

Legislators unsuccessfully attempted to pass multiple bills in 2019 to legalize recreational marijuana, and the governor has said these attempts will continue in 2020. In the meantime, however, you can still be charged with a misdemeanor offense for possessing any amount of marijuana or cannabis for personal use in Minnesota.

Call (612) 444-5020 to set up a time to meet with our Minneapolis drug crime defense lawyers.

Do I Need an Attorney?

If you are facing drug crime charges, hiring an experienced Minneapolis defense attorney can provide numerous benefits and greatly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case.

Here are some of the key benefits of hiring a drug crime defense attorney:

  • Legal expertise: An experienced criminal attorney has in-depth knowledge of drug crime laws and regulations, and can use this knowledge to build a strong defense strategy and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
  • Case assessment: A defense attorney can carefully review the details of your case, including the evidence against you, to identify any weaknesses or flaws in the prosecution's case. This can help them determine the best strategy for your case.
  • Negotiation skills: A skilled defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to potentially reduce your charges, penalties, or even have your case dismissed altogether.
  • Access to resources: A law firm can provide you with access to resources that can help your case, such as expert witnesses or investigators, who can provide additional evidence or testimony to support your defense.
  • Protection of rights: Your defense attorney can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process, including during police questioning, searches, and seizures.
  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Facing drug crime charges can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience. Hiring an attorney can alleviate some of this stress by providing you with guidance and support throughout the legal process.

The Most Important Call You’ll Ever Make

Don’t wait any longer to obtain the advice and representation you need. We serve clients in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the greater Minnesota area. One of our lead attorneys, Joe Tamburino, is board certified by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a legal specialist in criminal law — an achievement only 1 of 50of attorneys can claim. Simply put, we have what it takes to protect you. We are here to help you know where you stand and what to do next.

Most Serious Drug Crimes

Drug crimes are some of the most serious transgressions that a person can commit. They can be life changing experiences for both the individual and their families, not just in terms of physical punishment, but also in terms of hefty fines and legal fees.

Penalties vary greatly based on which drug was used and the quantity being trafficked or sold but could include up to life imprisonment even for first time offenders, especially if other aggravating factors are involved such as involvement with a criminal organization or illegal firearm during commission of the crime. Effective legal counsel is definitely recommended for those facing charges for a serious drug crime.

Drug Possession Crimes

Drug possession crimes exist in a variety of forms, from basic misdemeanors for minor amounts of controlled substances to costly felonies for more serious charges. Depending on the severity and specifics of the crime, anyone caught with a controlled substance may be charged with a criminal act and held responsible under state law. It is essential to understand the local laws regarding drug possession.

Drug Distribution Crimes

Drug distribution charges are a serious legal matter and can have life-altering implications. The penalties associated with these charges vary depending on the jurisdiction and can include fines, jail time, probation, or a combination. Those charged with drug distribution must understand the seriousness of their crime, seek competent legal representation, and take all steps necessary to fight the charge head-on.

Doing so increases the odds of a more favorable outcome in court that could result in a reduction of their sentence or even dismissal of the charge. In any case, it is essential for anyone charged with drug distribution to pursue an aggressive defense strategy as soon as possible to successfully navigate the complicated legal process.

Drug Smuggling Crimes

Drug smuggling charges can be incredibly severe and should not be taken lightly. Those caught illegally transporting drugs, or attempting to do so, are liable for hefty fines, long prison sentences, or even both. To make matters worse, these types of cases are more than likely going to end up in federal court, where punishments are significantly more severe.

Drug Trafficking Crimes

Drug trafficking is the sale and transportation of drugs and is a serious crime with significant consequences. People who are convicted of drug trafficking can face charges that not only include hefty fines, but also have potentially severe sentencing including incarceration and lengthy parole. Depending on the severity of their offenses, some defendants may be liable to serve years in prison or may even receive lifetime sentences without the possibility of parole. As such, it is essential for those accused to seek qualified legal advice to ensure they receive fair representation in court and protect themselves from facing overly harsh punishments.

Controlled Substance Crimes

Controlled substance charges typically involve any crime involving a controlled substance and can have major repercussions for those charged with them, potentially resulting in hefty fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Every case involving controlled substances is unique and requires a deep understanding of the implications of such charges. Furthermore, these types of cases are made more complex due to the intricacies of laws governing controlled substances at both federal and state levels. As such, individuals facing these charges should seek the counsel of a qualified attorney who specializes in drug-related cases to protect their rights and formulate an effective defense.

Controlled Substance Crimes

Controlled substance charges typically involve any crime involving a controlled substance and can have major repercussions for those charged with them, potentially resulting in hefty fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Every case involving controlled substances is unique and requires a deep understanding of the implications of such charges. Furthermore, these types of cases are made more complex due to the intricacies of laws governing controlled substances at both federal and state levels. As such, individuals facing these charges should seek the counsel of a qualified attorney who specializes in drug-related cases to protect their rights and formulate an effective defense.

It’s important to know the law, but it’s hard to know what “the law” is precisely when it changes depending on so many circumstances; however, you should at least be able to identify if charges are different depending on the kind of drug. For this reason, Tamburino Law Group is here to help you determine if all drugs are equal in the eyes of Minnesota law.

Are All Minnesota Drugs Equal in the Eyes of the Law?

In short, the answer is a resounding no! Minnesota, like all states, punishes drug use differently depending on their potency, addictive tendencies, potential health risks, and increased use by the public. Currently, penalties for heroin and opioid possession are much harsher than they used to be because Minnesota authorities witnessed a surge in heroin and opioid-related deaths last year. While acknowledging the opioid crisis, a focus of the prosecutor is to keep the public as safe as possible which includes getting drugs and drug dealers off the streets. An additional consideration is that if drug use results in an overdose, Minnesota prosecutors can charge the dealer with third-degree murder as being the proximate cause of the death of the drug-user.

It’s important to note that amount matters! If you are found in possession of 6 grams of heroin, you could be facing a more serious charge than if you were found possessing 10 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine.

Now that we’ve established that Minnesota views drugs differently, you may wonder to what extent. To answer this question, let’s compare drug charges for marijuana wax and marijuana leaf possession.

Marijuana Wax vs. Marijuana Leaves

How different are drugs in the eyes of Minnesota law? A perfect case study is the difference in charges between marijuana wax and marijuana leaves. Possession of any amount of marijuana wax is always charged as a felony, but possession of marijuana in leaf form can be charged as a misdemeanor (depending on the amount found on the person.)

While there are many arguments as to why possession of marijuana wax is a more serious offense than the possession of marijuana leaves, the reason for the felony charge comes from the statutory definition. Marijuana wax is considered a mixture containing a controlled substance which allows prosecutors to charge as a felony.

Minnesota Drug Laws

As with most laws, those related to drug offenses vary from state to state. In Minnesota, the sale and possession of controlled substances carry stiff penalties. Review these charges to stay informed:

  • First-degree sale: 17+ grams of cocaine, methamphetamine; 10+ grams of heroin; 50+ grams of other narcotic drugs; and 25 kilos of marijuana.
  • First-degree possession: 50+ grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, 25+ grams of heroin, 50 kilos of marijuana, or 500+ marijuana plants.
  • Second-degree sale: 10+ grams of any narcotic drug other than heroin; 3+ grams of heroin; 10 grams or 50+ doses of amphetamine, PCP, or hallucinogen; 10+ kilos of marijuana.
  • Second-degree possession: 25+ grams of cocaine, methamphetamine; 6+ grams of heroin; 50+ grams of other narcotic drugs; 100+ doses of a hallucinogen; 25+ kilos of marijuana or 100+ marijuana plants.
  • Third-degree sale: Any amount of a narcotic drug; 10+ doses of a hallucinogen; 5+ kilos of marijuana.
  • Third-degree possession: 10+ grams of cocaine or methamphetamine; 3+ grams of heroin, 10+ grams of other narcotic drugs, 10+ kilos of marijuana.
  • Fourth-degree sale: Any Schedule I, II, or III drug (except marijuana), or the sale of marijuana in a school zone.
  • Fourth-degree possession: 10 doses of a hallucinogen.
  • Fifth-degree sale: Any amount of marijuana except small amounts for no remuneration.
  • Fifth-degree possession: Any amount of Schedule I, II, III, or IV drugs except 42.5 grams or less of marijuana.

The potential penalties for these charges vary anywhere from less than one year in jail and up to a $10,000 fine, all the way to 30 years in prison and up to a $1 million fine.

Protecting Your Rights After a Drug Charge

If you have been charged with a drug crime, hope is not lost. There are several strategies an experienced defense attorney can take to protect your rights, including the following:

  • Prove that the police stop was unlawful. In order for a police officer to pull you over, he or she must have reasonable suspicion to do so. If it can be proven that the police officer did not have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before pulling you over, evidence may be suppressed and the charges may be dismissed.
  • Prove that the drugs did not belong to you. Oftentimes, it can be determined that drugs were found in your “constructive possession,” which means that something was your possession due to circumstances (such as a friend leaving drugs in your car) rather than you actually owning it.
  • Prove that the substance was not a drug. Your defense attorney can challenge lab reports verifying the substance as a controlled substance. This will require the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it is indeed an illegal substance. Oftentimes, an overworked prosecutor will not want to go through the trouble to do so, and may drop your charges.

Facing a Minnesota Drug Charge? Contact Us Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Minnesota, do not wait any longer in retaining an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights. At Tamburino Law Group, our lawyer is a board-certified specialist by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, an achievement only 3% of attorneys can claim.

We’re here to build a case crafted to your unique situation, and we won’t rest until your rights are protected in the eyes of the law.

Contact Tamburino Law Group , P.A. at (612) 444-5020 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Have Questions?

  • 1. Don’t Talk to the Police!

    It’s crucial to know that while you should remain respectful with authorities, you have the right to remain silent. This a right protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which makes it clear individuals are protected from being compelled to be a witness against him / herself in criminal matters.

    It’s important to note that:

    • Talking will not help you avoid an arrest. If law enforcement has probable cause to arrest you, then they will arrest you.
    • By speaking, you risk making a confession or providing information that can be used to indict you, even unknowingly.
    • Even if you feel that information being discussed is “harmless,” it is still in your best interest to invoke your Fifth Amendment right.
  • 2. Ask for a Lawyer!
    As soon as you can you should elect your right to have a defense attorney present. A Minnesota criminal defense lawyer or public defender can ensure the police do not violate your rights and help you avoid saying anything incriminating during questioning. Tamburino Law Group is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that we can be by your side whenever you need us. Call now!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR CLIENTS

  • “I don’t know where I’d be without his help”
    “I would like to outwardly thank Tyler Dahlen for helping me get through my situation”
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  • “I'm deeply thankful for the team at Tamburino Law Group”
    “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Hannah for her expert guidance and representation throughout the case.”
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  • “Thank you and your law firm, Mr. Tamburino.”
    “If ever I have anyone who needs a lawyer I will most definitely recommend you and your firm.”
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  • “Outstanding and professional”
    “Thank you for everything you have done to help me with this court case.”
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  • “Great care and compassion.”
    I don't know any lawyers who would do what Tamburino Law Group did for their client. Their care and concern show a great deal about their heart and compassion for others. Thank you for being so supportive.
    - R.H.
  • “This settlement changed my life.”
    I came to Tamburino Law Group in 2018 after a severe accident left me unable to work and in constant pain. The firm helped me secure a $700,000 award, far exceeding my expectations. Their tireless efforts have completely changed my life, covering medical bills and future wage loss.
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  • “I cannot thank you enough for your help!”
    “Your patience, knowledge and especially your attention to detail was admirable.”
  • “This settlement has completely changed my life.”
    “This settlement has completely changed my life. I appreciate Joe and Hannah’s tireless effort.”
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  • Case Dismissal Assault Charges

    Attorney Joe Tamburino represented a client in Anoka County on multiple assault charges involving multiple alleged victims. Joe litigated the matter for almost a year, and on the day of trial he got the case dismissed. His client was very happy.

  • Case Resolved Dog Bite

    Jason hired Tamburino Law Group and after some months of investigation and litigation, they were able to get him a settlement of more than 10x what he originally would have settled for. He was extremely happy.

  • Reduction of Charges Felony Theft
  • Case Dismissed Assault Charge

    Attorney Joe Tamburino was retained on an assault charge in Dakota County on a Thursday, and the case was set for trial the following Monday.

  • No Executed Jail Time Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree

Real People.
Real Results.

  • Assault Charges
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Tamburino Law Group
  • We’ll start your case with a FREE, no-obligation consultation
  • Attorney Joe Tamburino is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, 1 of 50 in the state
  • We have represented thousands of clients and we have handled hundreds of jury trials
  • Our attorneys have worked as prosecutors and public defenders throughout the state
  • Our team is available 24/7 – when our clients need us, we’re there for them

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