Methamphetamine Crimes in Minnesota – St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney

While much of the United States is focusing on the opioid epidemic, another drug is wreaking havoc across Minnesota – methamphetamine. Recent reports indicate that meth is the drug of choice for many across Minnesota, and criminal courts hear many meth-related cases on a regular basis. Take the following reports, for example:

• In September, police seized over 170 pounds of meth from a home, worth more than $7.7 million. Officers arrested four men in connection with the seizure, which was considered the largest meth bust in Minnesota.
• One man was recently charged with seven felonies related to making, selling, and possessing meth.
• After a past meth bust, a young woman from Brooklyn Center, MN is accused of being the “CEO” of a large meth operation that trafficked meth from Mexico into Minnesota.

In addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has cited the environmental problems that regularly occur because of meth labs and waste throughout the state. Because of growing and persisting concerns, it should be no surprise that authorities are aggressively pursuing meth-related arrests, charges, and convictions.

Charges for Meth-Related Offenses

There are different charges you can face related to meth, each with its own elements and potential penalties. These charges include:

• 4th-degree possession, which you can face for possessing any amount of methamphetamine substance. A conviction can mean up to 15 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. These penalties can be enhanced if you have previous drug convictions.
• 3rd-degree sale and possession, which can apply if you have three to six grams of meth or sell any amount of meth. The maximum sentence is 20 years of incarceration and up to $250,000 in fines. With a prior conviction, you can face a minimum prison sentence of two years and up to 30 years.
• 2nd-degree sale and possession, which prosecutors can charge for possessing six to 25 grams or selling three to ten grams. This conviction can mean up to $500,000 in fines and/or 25 years in prison, with possible enhancements for prior criminal convictions.
• 1st-degree sale and possession, which you may face for possessing more than 25 grams or selling more than ten grams of meth. The maximum penalties for this offense include a $1 million fine and up to 30 years in prison. There is a mandatory minimum of four years behind bars if you have previous drug-related convictions.

In addition to possessing or selling meth, Minnesota authorities often regularly arrest and charge people for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Meth is relatively easy and cheap to manufacture, so many people make meth for themselves or to sell to others. However, the process is extremely toxic, so the law allows for harsh penalties for people who are manufacturing meth.

You can be charged with a first-degree controlled substance offense for meth manufacturing. This charge can apply no matter how much meth you are accused of making or whether the prosecutor alleges you planned to sell it or not. This means that you may face the most serious type of drug charges if you manufactured a tiny amount of meth for your own personal use.

The penalties for meth manufacture convictions in Minnesota include up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. If you have a prior drug-related conviction on your record, the sentence will include a mandatory minimum of four years in prison and the maximum sentence is extended to 40 years. While most people do not spend 30 to 40 years behind bars for manufacturing some meth for personal use, the recommended sentence under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines for someone with no prior convictions is 86 months. Courts order many people to pay restitution to any property owners or emergency workers who incurred costs due to the clean up of a meth manufacturing enterprise. Having a St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney can help make sure the restitution is justified.

Lasting Consequences

Drug convictions can plague you for much longer than a prison sentence or a term of probation. Long after you complete a court-ordered sentence, you can face some or all of the following  because of your criminal record:

• Loss of a job or job opportunities
• Loss of child custody
• Denial of rental housing
• Denial of a security clearance
• Revocation of a professional license
• Immigration problems

Many people face meth charges and the above consequences on a regular basis in Minnesota. You should always have the right criminal defense lawyer helping to minimize the consequences in your case.

Consult with a St. Paul Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

At Capitol City Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers handle all types of cases, including serious felony drug crimes. We can evaluate your options and help you fight against your charges. Please call 651-212-4073 or contact us online to discuss your situation with