Cocaine Charges

Cocaine is one the prevalent and most well-known illegal drugs in the United States. The number of deaths attributed to people using this powerful stimulant made cocaine a focus of the ongoing “War on Drugs,” and prosecutors still seek harsh penalties for alleged offenders accused of possessing or selling this drug.

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Minnesota Statute § 152.02, and any crime involving this drug—no matter how slight the amount—is a felony offense. It is important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction, and there are often a number of defenses that may be raised to possibly get the criminal charges reduced or dismissed.

Lawyer for Cocaine Charges in Apple Valley, MN

Were you recently arrested in or around the Twin Cities for allegedly possessing or selling cocaine? It is in your best interest to contact James Blumberg Law as soon as possible to begin exploring your legal options.

Apple Valley criminal defense attorney James Blumberg is a former prosecutor who represents clients in Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Coon Rapids, Brooklyn Park, Blaine, Woodbury, Plymouth, and many other nearby communities. Call (952) 431-7758 or submit an online contact form to receive a free, confidential consultation that will allow our lawyer to fully review your case.

Overview of Cocaine Charges in Minnesota

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Possession of Cocaine Charges in Dakota County

Under state law in Minnesota, controlled substance crimes are divided up into five degrees. The degree crime that an alleged offender is charged with depends on the amount of cocaine he or she allegedly possessed.

The specific possession offenses are classified as follows:

  • Less than Three Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Fifth Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.025) punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of six months up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000 for a subsequent offense;
  • Less than Three Grams with Intent to Sell — Controlled Substance Crime in the Fourth Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.024) punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of one year up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for a subsequent offense;
  • Three Grams or More, But Less Than Six Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Third Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.023) punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of two years up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for a subsequent offense;
  • Six Grams or More, But Less Than 25 Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Second Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.022) punishable by up to 25 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of three years up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for a subsequent offense; and
  • 25 Grams or More — Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.021) punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million for a first offense, and a minimum of four years up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million for a subsequent offense.

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Sale of Cocaine Charges

The alleged sale of cocaine is an offense that results in more severe penalties than simple possession and is taken more seriously by the courts as well. Prosecutors will typically attempt to portray alleged offenders accused of these crimes as threats to the community who need to be locked up.

Like possession charges, the classifications for crimes involving the alleged sale of cocaine are determined by the amount in question:

  • Less than Three Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Fourth Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.024) punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of one year up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000 for a subsequent offense;
  • Sale of Less than Three Grams to a Person Under the Age of 18 or Conspiring with a Person Under the Age of 18 to Sell Less than Three Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Third Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.023) punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of two years up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 for a subsequent offense;
  • Three Grams or More, But Less Than 10 Grams — Controlled Substance Crime in the Second Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.022) punishable by up to 25 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for a first offense, and a minimum of three years up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 for a subsequent offense; and
  • 10 Grams or More — Controlled Substance Crime in the First Degree (Minnesota Statute § 152.021) punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million for a first offense, and a minimum of four years up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million for a subsequent offense.

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Minnesota Cocaine Arrest Resources

Minnesota Meetings of Cocaine Anonymous (CA) — CA identifies itself as “a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.” On this website, you can read more about CA’s history, steps, and traditions. You can also find a link to the organization’s world service website, upcoming events, and the times and locations of meetings in Minnesota.

Alano Society of Minneapolis
2218-1st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 871-2218

Overview of Drugs and Prison in Minnesota — In August 2001, the National Drug Intelligence Center said, “Cocaine remains the greatest drug threat in Minnesota; its use has steadily increased the last 4 years.” The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) compiled this PowerPoint presentation that found cocaine accounted for 20 percent of drug-crime prison beds in Minnesota in 2014, second only to amphetamines (meth). In this report, you can also read more about the presumptive sentences for cocaine offenses.

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Find a Lawyer for Cocaine Charges in Dakota County

If you were arrested for allegedly possessing or selling cocaine in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, you will want to seek legal representation as soon as possible. James Blumberg Law fights to get the best possible outcomes for clients facing drug charges in Dakota County, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Scott County, Washington County, Anoka County, and Carver County.

Depending on where you were arrested, you may be eligible for a drug court or rehabilitation program in your area. Successful completion of these programs can possibly result in you being able to expunge having the criminal record of your arrest expunged.

James Blumberg is a criminal defense attorney in Apple Valley who aggressively defends residents of and visitors to Eagan, Lakeville, Minnetonka, St. Cloud, Bloomington, Burnsville, and surrounding areas. You can receive a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (952) 431-7758 to set up a free initial consultation.

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