Minneapolis Drug Distribution Lawyer

Defending Clients Facing Drug Distribution Charges in Minnesota

Distributing, or selling, controlled substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy is illegal in the U.S. In Minnesota, if you are charged with selling drugs, you could face anywhere from 6 months to 30 years in prison and fines ranging from $10,000 to a million dollars.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Minnesota drug distribution defense attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience and have handled hundreds of jury trials. We have in-depth knowledge of criminal courts and a successful track record of putting in your corner.

If you enlist our legal guidance, we can investigate the facts of your case, the circumstances surrounding your arrest, and any signs that your rights were violated during a search of your home, car, or person.

Have you been charged with drug distribution in Minnesota? Call Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today at (612) 444-5020 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Minneapolis drug distribution attorney! 

Drug Classifications in Minnesota

A charge of distribution reflects the type and quantity of the controlled substance; the more drugs you have and the more dangerous they are, the more severe the consequences. Let’s take a look at how drugs are classified:

• Schedule I: Drugs with no currently accepted medical use, a high potential for abuse, and considered the most dangerous. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, and meth.
• Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, such as cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall and Vicodin.
• Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, such as ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone.
• Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Examples include Xanax, Soma, Valium and Ambien.
• Schedule V: Drugs with the lowest potential for abuse, such as cough preparations, Lyrica and Lomotil.

What are the Penalties for Drug Distribution?

In addition to the type of drug you’re arrested with, the amount also impacts penalties. If you have only a “personal use” amount, you may be charged with possession, but if you’ve got a larger quantity, you’ll likely be charged with distribution. Below is a list of the different felony charges and their penalties.

• Fifth-degree felony: Sale of any amount of marijuana over 42.5 grams or any amount of a Schedule IV drug. Punishment is a minimum probation period of 1 year and a fine up to $10,000. A judge also can give a sentence of up to five years in prison, but there is no mandatory minimum.
• Fourth-degree felony: Sale of any Schedule I – III drug, except marijuana. The sale of marijuana can bring this charge only if conducted in a school, park, or public housing zone or sold to a minor. Charges carry a minimum probation period of 12 months, a fine of up to $10,000, and a potential sentence of 15 years in prison, although there is no mandatory minimum (unless you have priors).
• Third-degree felony: Sale of any amount of narcotics, 10+ doses of hallucinogens, 5+ kilos of marijuana, or Schedule I or II drugs to a minor or anyone in a protected zone. Penalties include up to 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $250,000.
• Second-degree felony: Sale of 10+ grams of any narcotic drug other than heroin, 3+ grams of heroin, 50+ doses of hallucinogens, 10+ kilos of marijuana, or Schedule I or II narcotic drugs to a minor or to anyone in a protected zone. Penalties at this level escalate to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. If you have a previous drug felony, you face a mandatory minimum of 3 years imprisonment.
• First-degree felony: Sale of 17+ grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, 10+ grams of heroin, 50+ grams of other narcotic drugs, 200+ doses of hallucinogens, or 25 kilos of marijuana. The highest penalties are assessed at this level—up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. There will be a 4-year mandatory minimum sentence with a previous drug conviction.

Contact Our Drug Distribution Attorney Today

A drug distribution conviction can result in some serious penalties. If you have been charged with a drug felony, contact our Minneapolis drug crimes lawyers at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., immediately. 

Contact Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug distribution lawyer in Minneapolis!