Practice Areas / Minnesota Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Minnesota Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Facing drug charges in Minnesota can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Criminal defense attorney Charles Gerlach will protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor drug possession charge or a more serious drug trafficking accusation, Attorney Charles Gerlach has the expertise to navigate all Minnesota drug cases.
Let us use our decades of experience to address your legal needs.
Charles Gerlach Handles All Minnesota Drug Charges
- Possession of Controlled Substances: From marijuana to prescription drugs, we defend clients against all types of possession charges.
- Drug Trafficking: Accusations of selling, transporting, or distributing illegal substances can lead to severe penalties.
- Manufacturing and Cultivation: If you’re accused of producing or growing illegal drugs, we investigate every aspect of the case to build a strong defense.
- Prescription Fraud: We defend those accused of obtaining prescription drugs through fraudulent means, whether through forgery, misrepresentation, or doctor shopping.
- Paraphernalia Charges: Possession of drug paraphernalia can result in criminal charges. We’ll fight to minimize the impact on your record.
Meet Charles Gerlach - A Former Minnesota Prosecutor
Charles Gerlach brings a unique perspective to criminal defense, having served as a prosecutor for the State of Minnesota. With firsthand experience in how the prosecution builds its cases, Charles uses this knowledge to craft strategic defenses for his clients. His background gives him an edge in anticipating the prosecution’s tactics and identifying potential weaknesses in their arguments.
Charles’s transition from prosecutor to defense attorney means he understands both sides of the courtroom. His deep understanding of Minnesota’s legal system allows him to navigate complex drug cases with confidence and precision.
Clients trust Charles to provide not only skilled representation but also an empathetic and compassionate approach during challenging times.
What You Need to Know About Minnesota Drug Laws
Minnesota has strict drug laws, and the penalties for drug crimes can be severe. The state categorizes drugs into different schedules, with Schedule I substances like heroin and cocaine carrying the harshest penalties. However, even a small amount of a controlled substance can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
The consequences of a drug conviction can extend beyond legal penalties, affecting your employment, housing, gun rights, and reputation. It’s critical to have an experienced competent defense attorney on your side.
Minnesota Categorizes Drug Crimes Into Five Degrees
1 – First-Degree Drug Crime
- Criteria: Involves the sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine, or 10 grams of heroin. Alternatively, the sale of 10 kilograms or more of marijuana, or possession of 25 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine, or 500 grams of marijuana.
- Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million.
- Criteria: Involves the sale of 10 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine, or 3 grams of heroin. Alternatively, the sale of 50 kilograms or more of marijuana, or possession of 6 grams or more of heroin, 25 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine, or 100 grams of marijuana.
- Penalties: Up to 25 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000.
- Criteria: Involves the sale of 3 grams or more of heroin, or 10 doses of a narcotic drug, or the sale of any amount of cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin within a school zone, park zone, or public housing zone. Alternatively, possession of 10 grams of a narcotic drug or any amount of a narcotic drug in a school zone, park zone, or public housing zone.
- Penalties: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
- Criteria: Involves the sale of any amount of a Schedule I, II, or III controlled substance to a person under 18 years old, or a conspiracy to commit such an offense. Alternatively, possession of 10 or more doses of a hallucinogen.
- Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
- Criteria: Involves the sale of marijuana or a Schedule IV controlled substance, or possession of a small amount of a Schedule I, II, III, or IV controlled substance, including marijuana.
- Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Our Approach to Your Defense
At Gerlach Law, we know every case is unique. We start by thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your arrest, including whether your rights were violated during searches or seizures. We also examine the validity of the evidence and the credibility of witnesses.
Whether through negotiating reduced charges, seeking alternative sentencing options, or taking your case to trial, we are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.