If you have been accused of any drug crime, from possession to trafficking, you are probably worried about how this will impact your future. Drug crimes are associated with any illegal or prescription medication including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin, crack, steroids, ecstasy, methamphetamine and other controlled substance.

Drug crimes include possession, manufacturing, distribution, trafficking and selling illegal prescription medication. If you have been accused of any drug-related crime, then it is important to contact a Minneapolis drug crime attorney to help you out of this legal nightmare.

Drug Crimes Charges and Degrees

Drug crimes are governed under Chapter 152 of the Minnesota statues and come with a variety of different degrees and penalties Furthermore, in some drug crimes, you may be tried in a Federal court if the crime spans across state boundaries, which is often the case in manufacturing and distribution arrests.

The penalties will depend on a number of factors:

• The use of the substance (trafficking, possession, manufacturing)
• The volume of the substance
• The substance in question
• The history of the defendant

Drug Crime Conviction Consequences

The Minnesota drug court system is different than many of the other criminal courts in place. Drug crimes are often met with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony charges and the penalties will often include jail time and hefty fines. However, drug courts with also look to vocational experts, rehabilitation clinics and counseling to help those suffering from a serious addiction. If you are convicted of a drug crime, you may also need to work towards sobriety and recovery though ongoing treatment options, drug testing and mandatory check in appearances with a parole officer or correctional officer.

Drug crimes may also impact your ability to travel overseas, to obtain a passport, to own firearms and to qualify for certain loans in the future. Because a drug crime charge will remain on your permanent record, you may also find it difficult to find employment with some companies.

It is also important to remember that drug crimes are not only associated with those over the age of 21. Many juveniles that are caught with marijuana and other illegal substances will still be tried in a court of law and could still face serious consequences. Just because you are underage or just because this is your first criminal offense does not mean you will be let off the hook.

Drug crimes are not always black and white which is why it is important to speak to a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney about those gray areas. It is within those gray areas that your best defense strategy will be found. Make sure you are completely honest with your lawyer about as much details surrounding the arrest and the events leading up to the accusation as possible. The more information your attorney has to work with, the better it will be for your defense.

Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with any drug crime or related offense, your best defense is to contact Olson Law Firm as soon as possible. There is hope when it comes to drug crime charges and we can provide you with the knowledge, aggression and experience to ensure you the best outcome possible. For a free consultation regarding your case and your options, contact Olson Law Firm today at 612-816-2322.