Rochester Drug Crimes Lawyer

Types of Drug Crimes Cases Our Lawyers Handle in Rochester

Our Rochester drug crimes lawyers handles many different kinds of drug offenses in Minnesota, including but not limited to the following types of charges and types of drug cases:

• Drug possession;
• Drug distribution;
• Drug manufacture;
• Drug sale or sale of a controlled substance;
• Cocaine cases;
• Heroin cases;
• Methamphetamine cases;
• Marijuana cases; 
• PCP and hallucinogen cases; and
• Amphetamine cases

Minimum Quantity Threshold Laws in Rochester, Minnesota

It is important to know that Minnesota drug laws changed recently to increase a variety of minimum quantity thresholds for certain drug offenses and to reduce the severity of certain types of drug charges. While these laws are now in effect, it is critical for you to know that drug charges in Rochester and elsewhere in Minnesota are still extremely serious, and they can have life-altering consequences if you are convicted. 

Under the increased minimum quantity thresholds, the first-degree sale of cocaine and methamphetamine went from 10g to 17g, but the minimum quantity threshold for first-degree sale charges involving marijuana or THC products actually decreased from 50kg to 25kg. First-degree possession minimum quantity thresholds also changed for the same drugs, with the minimum quantity threshold for first-degree possession charges of cocaine or methamphetamine increasing from 25g to 50g, but the possession threshold for marijuana or THC was reduced from 100kg to 50kg or 500 plants. Minimum thresholds amounts also shifted for other degree charges.

Rochester Drug Crimes Penalties and Degree Charges

Penalties for drug crimes in Rochester will depend upon the type of controlled substance at the center of the charges and the degree of the offenses. In general, drug charges in Minnesota range from first-degree drug crimes (the most serious with the most severe penalties) to fifth-degree drug crimes (the least serious with the least severe penalties). While fifth-degree drug crimes are the least serious, these types of offenses can still involve serious penalties upon conviction. The following information clarifies the potential penalties based on drug class and charge:

• First-degree drug crimes, which can include drug possession and drug sale charges, are felony offenses that can result in penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fine of up to $1 million;
• Second-degree drug crimes can result in penalties of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000;
• Third-degree drug crimes can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000;
• Fourth-degree drug crimes can result in a penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000; and
• Fifth-degree drug crimes can result in a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In arrests and charges where the person has a previous criminal record, mandatory minimum sentences can apply. It is also important to understand that penalties for drug crime convictions extend far beyond the penalties associated with a drug crimes sentence in Minnesota. With a criminal conviction and a criminal record, especially a felony conviction, you can lose your ability to work in certain jobs and to hold certain types of work licenses. You can also lose your ability to obtain certain types of credit. In addition, felony drug crime convictions in Minnesota can result in the loss of voting rights and the loss of the ability to own a firearm.

Defending Against Rochester Drug Charges Against Students

College students in Minnesota can face serious consequences when they are arrested for drug offenses, including seemingly minor drug possession charges. Our Rochester drug crime defense lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. regularly represent students and assist their families with drug crime defenses, and we can speak with you today about options.

Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes Charges in Rochester

Any drug crimes defense will need to be tailored to the specific facts of a person’s case, including the details of the arrest and the particular type of charges they are facing. In general, however, there are a wide range of possible drug crimes defenses that could be applicable to your case. Examples of common drug crime defense strategies include but are not limited to the following:

• Unlawful search under the Fourth Amendment, including cases where the police did not have reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to conduct a search;
• Violation of other constitutional rights, such as your Miranda rights following an arrest or custodial interrogation;
• Unknowing possession;
• Drugs belonged to another person;
• Entrapment; or
• Lawful possession of medical marijuana.

Contact Our Rochester Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Today

If you are facing drug charges in or around Rochester MN, or if your child has been arrested for drug possession or distribution, it is essential to begin working with one of our experienced Rochester drug crimes defense attorneys as soon as possible. Drug crimes in Minnesota are taken extremely seriously, and even with the new minimum quantity threshold laws in the state, drug convictions still carry extremely steep penalties. The best way to avoid the consequences of a drug conviction, and to prevent having a criminal record, is to work with a defense lawyer who has experience handling cases like yours in Minnesota. At Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd., we regularly represent clients in drug crimes cases, and we can talk with you today about options for building a defense. Contact Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Chtd. online or call our Minnesota criminal defense lawyers in Rochester at 507-625-5000 to learn more about how we can assist you.

Testimonial

This law firm is very experienced, very effective, and yet very personable when interacting with me throughout my nerve-wracking legal process. I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I would hire the Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office again without hesitation. And, I have since recommended them to several friends and acquaintances.
– TOM W., CLIENT