A Marijuana Offense Can Mean Serious Consequences

With more states legalizing either the recreational and/or medical use of marijuana, it has become easier to assume cases involving marijuana aren’t serious. While various instances of having and using the substance are legal in Minnesota and across the country, the reality is that marijuana can still land someone in severe legal trouble

When Does Marijuana Lead to Felony Charges?

While the possession of a small amount of marijuana (under 42.5 grams) in Minnesota has been reduced to a petty misdemeanor, the state takes cases involving large amounts of the substance more seriously. 

The severity of a drug charge generally intensifies based on the amount of marijuana allegedly found in a person’s possession: 

  • 42.5 grams-10 kilograms: A case involving a quantity of cannabis within this range is a felony drug case. Someone convicted of a drug offense like this could face five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
  • 10-50 kilograms: A case involving a quantity of cannabis within this range is a felony drug case. Someone convicted of a drug offense like this could face 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
  • 50-100 kilograms: A case involving a quantity of cannabis within this range is a felony drug case. Someone convicted of a drug offense like this could face 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
  • 100+ kilograms: A case involving a quantity of cannabis within this range is a felony drug case. Someone convicted of a drug offense like this could face 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

The details above show the major differences the amounts of marijuana a person possesses can make in how they’re treated by the judicial system. Seemingly small differences from one case to another can mean big consequences for someone accused of a marijuana offense.

Age Is a Factor in Marijuana Cases

Generally, our society goes to great lengths to protect minors’ health and safety. If an adult is accused of selling marijuana, the charge will be a felony charge if the person on the other side of the alleged drug transaction is a minor. 

The law further intensifies drug charges if the alleged offense occurs within a designated school zone. Someone convicted of selling marijuana to a minor and/or within a school zone could be sentenced to 20, 25 or even 30 years in prison. The severity of sentencing grows if the alleged incident took place in a school zone and if the quantity of marijuana involved is greater. 

Legal Strategy Can Protect Your Rights in a Drug Case

When looking at the drug laws of Minnesota, you see many specifics. It can all seem pretty black and white when, in reality, the laws are complex. 

A felony drug charge against you doesn’t mean you’re doomed to face a criminal conviction. Law enforcement and the state need to follow certain complex procedures in order to build a legitimate case against a defendant in a drug case.

Did they legally collect the evidence? Did they violate your rights during an arrest? Does the state know the substance is in fact an illegal substance?

Let White & Associates Ask the Crucial Questions in Your Marijuana Case

The criminal defense attorneys of White & Associates understand the role complexities can play in a felony drug case. Contact our office today at 763-241-0477 or send us a message if you’re the target of felony drug allegations in Minnesota. 

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