Minneapolis Drug Crime Attorney
Guidance for Individuals Facing Drug Charges in Minnesota
Being charged with a drug crime can be confusing and having an accomplished Minneapolis drug lawyer can be very helpful. If you or a loved one has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis drug crime lawyers are committed to forming a bond with our clients and are involved in working towards a beneficial result for their client.
No matter what type of drug charge you are facing, don’t hesitate to call our seasoned drug crime attorneys in Minneapolis at (612) 979-1112.
Types of Drug Offenses & Charges Our Drug Attorneys in Minneapolis Handle
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our drug crime attorneys represent clients facing the entire spectrum of drug-related charges in Minneapolis and surrounding areas. Cases we regularly handle include simple drug possession of a controlled substance or marijuana, possession with intent to sell, drug trafficking, manufacturing, and prescription fraud offenses. Our drug crime lawyers defend individuals charged under both Minnesota state and federal crime statutes, always analyzing how state laws and federal regulations interact and impact your particular case. Whether you are confronting your first drug charge or have prior convictions, we investigate every detail surrounding your arrest, challenge the facts of the case, and build a comprehensive defense to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Many drug arrests in Minneapolis present unique challenges, such as charges arising in highly monitored locations (campuses, airports) or connected to the ongoing prescription opioid crisis. Our drug defense attorneys in Minneapolis bring local knowledge to your case, understanding how Minneapolis prosecutors and judges may treat these charges. We inform clients about eligibility for various diversion programs, Minnesota’s drug court options, and alternative sentencing opportunities available for certain drug offenses in the Twin Cities. Addressing your specific circumstances and leveraging our in-depth familiarity with Minneapolis court procedures, our drug arrest lawyers guide you through a difficult time and work diligently to safeguard your future while defending your legal rights under Minnesota law.
Minnesota Controlled Substance Laws & Penalties
In Minnesota, drug sentencing includes five different categories: first through fifth degree controlled substance charges. The penalties for these categories may result in a prison sentence, fines, or both.
The range of controlled substances includes:
- 1st degree controlled substance - up to 30 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
- 2nd degree controlled substance - up to 25 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
- 3rd degree controlled substance - up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
- 4th degree controlled substance - up to 15 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
- 5th degree controlled substance - up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
What Drugs are Controlled Substances?
Under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, controlled substances are monitored by both state and federal law and include the following:
- Ecstasy
- Weed (Marijuana)
- Heroin
- Meth
- Cocaine (crack cocaine)
- Prescription Drugs that are not doctor prescribed
What are Common Legal Defenses to Drug Charges?
The legal defenses when facing criminal charges for a drug crime can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case. An experienced attorney should be consulted immediately to determine what defense(s) might be available in your case and how they could potentially help you fight the charges against you.
Common legal defenses to drug crimes include:
- Wrongful arrest
- Insufficient evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Illegal search and seizure
- Entrapment
- False accusation
- Lack of criminal intent or knowledge
In some cases, those accused of drug crimes may be able to plea bargain with the prosecution and receive a lesser charge or reduced sentence in exchange for admission of guilt. A plea bargain can help you avoid harsher penalties and potential jail time. Additionally, it is possible to have the entire case dismissed if one of these legal defenses applies to your case.
Facing Drug Charges in MN? Call Us.
With a wide range of drug charges that people can face in Minnesota, having a knowledgeable lawyer who is capable of getting results is very important. There are many different defense strategies which can be used to help with your specific questions. Our drug attorneys Minneapolis, MN have been selected to the Super Lawyers® list as the top five percent of lawyers in the state every year since 2011. Attorney Hunter is a combat veteran and can help veterans who have been charged with drug crimes.
Our Minneapolis drug crime attorneys have a track record of getting results for our clients – including having charges reduced, dismissal of cases, and not guilty verdicts. We care about the case results for our clients and want them to have results that are beneficial for them. Whichever drug charges are involved in your case, you can receive bold and aggressive legal counsel from our firm.
Contact us at (612) 979-1112 to learn how an experienced Minneapolis drug crime attorney can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens After a Drug Arrest in Minneapolis?
Following a drug arrest in Minneapolis, an individual is usually taken to a local detention facility for processing and booked on formal charges. This process includes recording personal identification, taking fingerprints, and submitting charge details to the court system. An arraignment occurs promptly, where the accused appears before a judge to hear the criminal drug charges and provide a plea. The judge will determine bail and any conditions of release. The next steps typically involve pre-trial hearings, evidence exchange (discovery), and negotiations with local prosecutors. Depending on the drug arrest and underlying facts, defendants may have access to Minneapolis diversion programs, treatment courts, or plea agreements. With support from a skilled drug attorney in Minneapolis, you can ensure your rights are protected, prepare a thorough defense, and understand the progression of your case in Hennepin County courts.
Can I Avoid Jail If I’m Charged with a Drug Crime in Minnesota?
Jail is not automatic if you are charged with a drug crime in Minnesota. Depending on the severity of your drug charge, criminal history, and the circumstances of your arrest, you may be eligible for alternatives such as probation, diversion, or participation in drug treatment courts. Minneapolis and Hennepin County maintain programs focused on treatment and rehabilitation rather than jail, particularly for first-time offenders and non-violent offenses. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our drug attorneys in Minneapolis explain your options fully, advocate for outcomes that avoid incarceration when appropriate, and build the strongest case possible for your unique situation.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Local Minneapolis Drug Attorney?
Hiring a local drug attorney in Minneapolis can make a real difference if you are facing drug charges. A Minneapolis-based drug crime lawyer is familiar with the processes used by local law enforcement and understands in detail how Hennepin County courts and prosecutors operate. This practical insight enables your attorney to anticipate challenges, present persuasive arguments, and leverage established relationships within the Minneapolis legal community. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our team has years of experience defending clients in Minneapolis, which means we know what to expect from court personnel, judges, and prosecutors—delivering personal, effective defense strategies that protect your best interests from start to finish.
Reach out to us and let us assist you and provide the legal guidance you need.
OUR VICTORIES
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their case might be.
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The Result: Constitutional right to own firearms Gun Right Restoration: Right to Own Firearms Despite Felony Conviction
Our client, P.C. was convicted in the early 1990s for a felony offense which disqualified him from owning a firearm under Minnesota state and federal laws.
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Child Custody Victory Recent Divorce Case: Recouped Over $50,000 Worth of Pre-marital Funds and Assets
In 2014 a young single mother arrived in the law office of Brockton D. Hunter, P.A. desperate to tell her side of the story in a contentious divorce proceeding against her ex-husband.
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Not Guilty State of Minnesota v. Brady Zipoy
Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Illness verdict in State of Minnesota v. Brady Zipoy, a 2nd Degree murder case involving U.S. Marine veteran of the war in Syria, March 25, 2021.
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State of Minnesota v. FB
Stay of Adjudication Pursuant to Veterans Restorative Justice Act
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Not Guilty State of Minnesota v. Mustafa Shabazz
In June and July 2022 we won two back-to-back high profile jury trials, involving the same client, Mustafa Shabazz, a kids wrestling coach, who was falsely accused of sexually touching two of his wrestlers and prosecuted in two separate counties.
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Reduced STATE OF MINNESOTA v. N.J.: Client Charged With Gross Misdemeanor Third Degree Dui Pleads to Reduced Charge of Misdeameanor Four
N. J. Was charged with Third Degree DUI in Hennepin County after a blood test showed his blood alcohol content was .25, more than 3x the legal limit.