Minneapolis Drug Crime Attorneys
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Are Available 24/7
Even relatively minor offenses involving controlled substances can carry disproportionately heavy penalties in the state of Minnesota. Because drug crimes violate United States law, you could also face federal prosecution for your alleged offense. In either situation, it is very important to get the trustworthy legal guidance of a Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer who can fight for your rights in court.
The team at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. has been defending criminally accused clients throughout Minnesota for more than 100 years combined. In this time, we have handled hundreds of jury trials. We know what it takes to win a difficult case, so you can trust that your future will be in good hands when you turn to our criminal attorneys for help with your drug crime case.
Types of Drug Crime Cases We Represent
We've heard the questions people tend to ask after a drug-related arrest:
- Is this really a serious charge?
- What types of penalties am I facing?
- Could I get prison time for a conviction?
- Do I need a criminal defense lawyer?
- What can I do to protect my rights?
Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. is here to provide the answers you need. Whether your charges involve marijuana, cocaine, prescription drugs, heroin, LSD, or some other controlled substance, we know how to help you. Our criminal lawyers have defended clients facing a variety of drug-related charges, such as those listed below.
Don’t wait to contact our firm if you have been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Drug trafficking or distribution
- Cultivation / manufacturing
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Sale of a controlled substance
- CDS possession without a prescription
- Importing controlled substances
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Minnesota
Drug laws are incredibly complex and differ by location. This area of criminal law can be particularly confusing because state laws may contradict federal laws. As a highly experienced legal team, we work to inform our clients about the subtle nuances between each type of drug crime. Here are the answers to a few common questions we receive as we counsel and represent our Minneapolis clients.
What is a controlled substance?
A controlled substance is any drug or chemical regulated by a local, state, or federal government. The way a government regulates any given controlled substance depends on its “schedule.” For example, medical or recreational use of any Schedule I drug, such as heroin, is federally illegal. Schedule IV drugs, on the other hand, include drugs like Xanax that people can use legally if it is prescribed by a doctor.
Is marijuana legal in Minnesota?
Although federal law still considers cannabis a Schedule I drug, Minnesota has made several moves to decriminalize it in certain circumstances and quantities. The state legalized medical cannabis in 2014, but patients can only use it in the form of pills, oils, or vapors from e-cigarettes. Recreational marijuana, however, is still prohibited in Minnesota, but possession or transfer of 42.5 grams or less of marijuana is a low-level misdemeanor with no possibility of jail time. Legislators unsuccessfully attempted to pass multiple bills in 2019 to legalize recreational marijuana, and the governor has said these attempts will continue in 2020.
What are the different types of drug charges in Minnesota?
Minnesota recognizes 5 degrees of drug crimes. Each category differs in terms of drug type, purpose of or possession or transfer, severity of penalties, and more. A first-degree drug crime, for example, may incur a 30-year prison sentence, while a fifth-degree drug crime will generally mandate a sentence of fewer than 6 years in prison.
The Most Important Call You'll Ever Make
Don't wait any longer to obtain the advice and representation you need. We serve clients in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the greater Minnesota area. Our lawyer is a board-certified specialist by State Bar Board of Legal Specialization — an achievement only 3% of attorneys can claim. Simply put, we have what it takes to protect you. We're here to help you know where you stand and what to do next.
Call Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today at (612) 444-5020 to set up a time to meet with our Minneapolis drug crime lawyers in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.