Drug Trafficking

Although the general public assumes drug trafficking is an exclusive criminal offense for drug dealers, the laws that encompass drug trafficking are far broader. Though these laws differ state by state, all states have laws that impose rather stiff punishments for drug trafficking activity.

When faced with allegations of drug trafficking, it is vital to have a Dakota County criminal defense attorney that is well-versed in drug trafficking laws in order for you to receive the strongest defense possible.

Lawyer for Drug Trafficking in Dakota County, Minnesota

James Blumberg of James Blumberg Lawis a well-versed Apple Valley criminal defense attorney that has zealously represented clients faced with both state and federal drug charges.

With his office conveniently located in Apple Valley, Attorney Blumberg provides excellent representation to Minnesotans in Eagan, St. Paul, Burnsville, and the remainder of Dakota County, Minnesota.

Contact James Blumberg Law today at (952) 431-7758 to schedule your free initial consultation with a trial-proven Dakota County drug trafficking criminal defense attorney.


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Drug Trafficking Laws Minnesota

Under Minnesota Statute 152.021, an individual can be charged with first-degree drug trafficking when they are in possession of a controlled substance in the following quantities:

  • Possessing 25 grams or more of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine,
  • Possessing 100 grams or more of marijuana,
  • Possessing 500 grams or more any narcotic other than cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine,
  • Selling 200 doses of hallucinogen,
  • Selling 50 grams of heroin, cocaine, meth, or a hallucinogen,
  • Selling 50 kilograms of marijuana or more,
  • Manufacturing methamphetamine in any amount

Selling a controlled substance in violation of Minnesota Statute 152.021 is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.


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Importing Controlled Substances into Minnesota

Under Minnesota Statute 152.0261, an individual may be charged with importing a controlled substance when he or she crosses a border into the state of Minnesota while in possession of an amount of a controlled substance that constitutes a first-degree controlled substance crime.

Importing a controlled substance into the state of Minnesota, in accordance with Minnesota Statute 152.021, subdivision 2, is a felony offense punishable by up to 35 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000.


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Other Drug Related Offenses in Apple Valley, MN

Drug possession crimes vary vastly by the type of drug and the amount of drug a person allegedly had in their possession. Minnesota drug crimes are codified in the following categories:

  • Second-degree drug possession is punishable by up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
  • Third-degree drug possession is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
  • Fourth-degree drug possession is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
  • Fifth-degree drug possession is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

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Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Federal drug statutes explicitly establish minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment based on the type of drug and the quantity of that drug involved.

In addition, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines factor in certain factors surrounding a person’s criminal offense, including the following:

  • The offender causing injury to another person,
  • The offender possessing or using a dangerous weapon during the commission of the offense,
  • The offense occurred in a school zone or other protected area, and
  • The offender’s prior criminal history

Although judges have a certain level of discretion when sentencing, they must still stay within the mandatory minimum and maximum terms set forth by the statute.


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Minnesota Resources for Drug Trafficking

DEA: Federal Trafficking Penalties – Visit the official website of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to access more information regarding federal drug trafficking laws, including, the classification of each drug and the penalties associated with high volume possession.

The United States Department of Justice – Visit the official website of the DOJ to learn more about the federal government’s initiative and diligent efforts to access to drugs within our borders through the aggressive prosecution of drug traffickers and individuals involved in criminal organizations.


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Lawyer for Drug Trafficking in Minnesota

Being arrested or accused of drug trafficking can result in costly penalties that could permanently alter a person’s life and result in a person wasting valuable years incarcerated.

James Blumberg of James Blumberg Law is a well-versed Apple Valley criminal defense attorney that has successfully represented clients faced with a wide range of drug-related offenses, including drug trafficking, drug possession, sale of a controlled substance, and more.

Contact James Blumberg Law today at (952) 431-7758 to schedule your free initial consultation with a trial-proven Dakota County drug trafficking criminal defense attorney.


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