In Windom, Minnesota, an effort between several law enforcement agencies to confiscate approximately 100 pounds of marijuana resulted in two drug-related arrests. The arrest occurred when a Minnesota state law enforcement officer was informed by the Worthington Police Department of two vehicles with California license plates that were believed to be engaged in criminal activity.
One of the vehicles was stopped near Windom for inadequate equipment. The driver told the law enforcement officer that she was terminally ill and on the way to visit her grandchild. After the law enforcement official announced that he would use a K-9 unit to smell the car, the woman reported that there were approximately 90 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. Law enforcement then determined that another decoy vehicle was traveling ahead of the woman.
Both the woman with the 90 pounds of marijuana and the driver of the decoy vehicle were pulled over. The female driver now faces charges of felony first-degree sale of drugs and felony second-degree possession of drugs. The decoy driver was charged with felony first-degree sale.
This case highlights a common example of how law enforcement in Minnesota detects and apprehends people who are engaged in felony first-degree sale of drugs. Because this is a serious charge, it is important to understand some important facts about drug offenses in Minnesota.
What Constitutes a Felony First Degree Sale of Drugs Charge?
To be charged with a felony first-degree sale of drugs charge in Minnesota, a person must be found allegedly selling or attempting to sell:
- 50 grams or more of amphetamines, hallucinogens, or PCP.
- 50 kilograms or more of marijuana or THC or a combination of both.
- 10 grams or more of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines.
- 25 kilograms or more of marijuana or THC or a combination of both within a drug treatment facility, public housing zone, or school zone.
What are the Other Types of Drug Sale Charges in Minnesota?
There are several other levels of drug charges besides first-degree sale of drugs. These categories are broken down into the following:
- Second-degree drug sales, which encompasses an alleged sale between 10 kilograms and 50 kilograms of marijuana.
- Third-degree drug sales, which includes sales of 10 kilograms of marijuana.
How a Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Being charged with sale of any amount or type of drug is a serious situation that requires strong legal representation. Many people who are charged with these offenses are confused and uncertain about how to proceed. In addition to facing large fines and potential prison time, a defendant’s motor vehicle or money might be seized by law enforcement because this property might be viewed as having been obtained through the sale of marijuana or other drugs. As a result, if you are charged with a first-degree drug sale charge, do not hesitate to call 701-235-8000 or 877-235-8002 to contact attorney Tatum O’Brien at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys today.
