3rd Degree Drug Crimes
In Minnesota, drug crimes are divided into five different degrees and the degree will primarily depend on the amount, and whether the drug was being manufactured or offered for sale. 3rd degree controlled substance crimes are always charged as felonies. The charges are for sale and/or possession of drugs, and require the best criminal defense possible to avoid or mitigate penalties and jail time. 3rd degree drug crimes are typically charged for repeat offenders.
Charges
You may be charged with a felony 3rd degree drug crime for:
- The sale of one or more mixtures containing a narcotic drug
- Sale of one or more mixtures containing phencyclidine or hallucinogen, it is packaged in dosage units, and equals ten or more dosage units
- Sale of one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, or III, except a Schedule I or II narcotic drug, to a person under the age of 18
- Employment of a person under the age of 18 to unlawfully sell one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance listed in Schedule I, II, or III, except a Schedule I or II narcotic drug
- Sale of one or more mixtures of a total weight of five kilograms or more containing marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols
- Possession of one or more mixtures of a total weight of ten grams or more containing a narcotic drug other than heroin
- Possession of one or more mixtures of a total weight of three grams or more containing heroin
- Possession of one or more mixtures containing a narcotic drug, it is packaged in dosage units, and equals 50 or more dosage units
- Possession of any amount of a schedule I or II narcotic drug or five or more dosage units of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in a school zone, a park zone, a public housing zone, or a drug treatment facility
- Possession of one or more mixtures of a total weight of ten kilograms or more containing marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinols
- Possession of one or more mixtures containing methamphetamine or amphetamine in a school zone, a park zone, a public housing zone, or a drug treatment facility
Consequences
The potential penalties for felony 3rd degree drug crimes are imprisonment of not more than 20 years or a payment of a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. In addition to this jail time, any property that may have been used to commit the crime may be forfeited. You may lose your car, cash, or any other property associated with the crime.
Long term consequences can be just as harsh. You will find it much more difficult to find employment, housing options may be greatly limited, and it will be nearly impossible to attain any form of financial aid if you would attempt to move on with your life. If you are convicted of felony 3rd degree drug charges you will lose any legal right to possess a firearm and voting privileges.
Methods of Defense Against Drug Charges
North Star Criminal Defense will prepare a defense on your behalf that has the goal of having the charges dismissed or at least reduced to mitigate the penalties. Whether you are a first time offender or have previous drug convictions, we will use the following methods in your defense:
- Analyzing the chain of evidence of the drugs and other items involved in the crime
- Assessing whether the arrest, investigation and acts by law enforcement complied with due process and other Constitutional protections.
- Whether you were directly involved in the possession or sale of the drugs, or simply present in the vicinity with no intent or plan to participate
- Demonstrating your personal and professional credibility to argue for dismissal or reduction of charges
North Star Criminal Defense – Proven Success in Fighting Drug Charges
The Minnesota drug crime lawyers at North Star Criminal Defense have over 30 combined years of successfully defending drug charges of all degrees and throughout multiple jurisdictions, including federal courts in multiple states. We know the law, the defenses, and the strategy necessary in order to obtain resolutions that avoid convictions and jail time. We have helped countless clients overcome these debilitating charges and get back on their feet. If you have been accused of any type of drug crime, you need to contact us right away.