The use and sale of drugs can have various effects on individuals and society, such as health complications or an increase in other crimes. As such, Minnesota has laws on the books aimed at protecting the safety of its residents by reducing the amount of controlled substances in the state. One of these laws prohibits you, or anyone else, from importing into the state certain controlled substances. If you're charged with and subsequently convicted of this offense, you can face severe penalties that can have a substantial impact on your future, your relationships, and your finances.
Importing Controlled Substances Across State Borders
Minnesota Statute § 152.0261 makes it unlawful for anyone to transport drugs into the state. Doing such is a felony offense.
Even if the drug is legal in another state, bringing it into Minnesota is a crime. For instance, recreational marijuana use is legal in Illinois. Residents of that state can have 30 grams of a cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and 500 milligrams of THC in products infused with that substance. Non-residents can have half those amounts. Whether you are from Illinois or Minnesota, if you try to import marijuana into Minnesota, you're breaking the law.
For you to be charged with importing a controlled substance, you must have been trying to cross state borders with an amount of drugs that is a first-degree crime under Minnesota Statute § 152.021, subdivision 2.
The prohibited drug possession amounts are as follows:
- 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine
- 25 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine if certain aggravating factors are involved in the offense
- 25 grams or more of heroin
- 500 grams or more of a narcotic drug other than cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine
- 50 kilograms or more of marijuana or THC
- 500 more marijuana plants
Using a Minor to Commit the Offense
To try to get around the import of controlled substances law, you might ask or hire someone under 18 years of age to help you, thinking that they are less likely to be stopped by cops. Unfortunately, that's an erroneous thought and one that can result in your being charged with a crime. Using a minor to bring drugs into Minnesota is still a felony offense, and you can face the same punishments for engaging in this type of conduct as you would if you had imported the drugs yourself.
The Steep Penalties for Importing Controlled Substances into Minnesota
As mentioned before, transporting drugs into this state is a felony. The conviction penalties are not light. If you are found guilty, you could be sentenced to up to 35 years in prison. On top of that, you could face a fine of up to $1,250,000. This is why it's crucial to have legal representation on your side to fight your charges.
Have you been accused of a drug crime in Minneapolis? Our seasoned trial attorneys at Brockton D. Hunter P.A. are ready to help. To get started on your case, call us at (612) 979-1112 or contact us online.