Drug Crime Lawyer Minnetonka MN | What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Minnesota?
Have you been found in possession of drugs or narcotics and/or accused of selling drugs or narcotics, such as heroin, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, Xanax, Vicodin, or some other type of drugs? Drug charges are extremely serious in Minnesota, and they can come with very serious consequences and penalties for those who are convicted of drug crimes. Here are some of the penalties and consequences that people can face if found guilty of drug charges: Drug Crime Lawyer Minnetonka MN
Drug Crimes of the First Degree
A person charged with a first-degree drug offense faces up to 30 years in jail and fines of up to one million dollars. If a defendant has a prior history of drug offenses on their criminal record, a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 4 years is imposed.
A mandatory minimum of 65 months may be required for larger quantities of drugs. Penalties might also be increased due to aggravating factors as well.
Drug Crimes of a Second Degree Drug Crime Lawyer Minnetonka MN
A person charged with a second-degree drug offense can face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 if convicted. Any prior drug-related offenses on their criminal record might result in a longer prison term, with a mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison.
Drug Crimes of the Third Degree
If convicted of a third-degree narcotics felony, a person could face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Drug Crimes of the Fourth Degree Drug Crime Lawyer Minnetonka MN
A conviction for a fourth-degree narcotics offense can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000.
Drug Crimes of the Fifth Degree
Even the most minor drug offenses can still come with devastating consequences. A fifth-degree drug conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine.
Other Potential Consequences of a Drug Conviction:
Loss of the Right to Vote
Many people value their right to vote greatly. However, if you are convicted of a felony drug charge in Minnesota, then you will lose both your right to vote and your right to serve on a jury. However, the loss is only temporary; after successfully completing a probation period following your conviction, your voting privileges can be restored.
Trouble Finding Employment
A drug conviction on your permanent record can also negatively affect your employment opportunities as well. Any companies that conduct background checks will see the drug conviction on your record, which may limit the types of jobs you can get in the future.
Trouble Finding a Place to Live
Housing searches, similar to job searches, will become more difficult if you have a drug felony conviction on your record. Many places that provide housing conduct background checks, and landlords may refuse to rent to you if you have a criminal charge or conviction on your record.
Loss of the Right to Possess a Firearm
In the United States, you have a constitutional right to own a firearm. However, you won’t be able to do so if you’re convicted of a felony drug offense. If you are convicted of a drug crime in Minnesota, then you will lose your right to own a firearm.
Failure to Meet the Requirements for Student Loans
You may be, or may become, ineligible for federal student loans even if you just have a misdemeanor drug conviction on your permanent record.
Professional License Suspension
If you have a job that requires you to have a professional license, such as a teacher, nurse, or lawyer, a drug conviction might result in your professional license being revoked or suspended.
If you’ve been charged with a drug offense and are in need of legal assistance or a solid legal defense for your case, then feel free to contact Lauren Campoli, the best criminal defense lawyer in Minnetonka Minnesota, today.