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Over the last two decades, our attorney, Dave Sjoberg, has worked with clients throughout Minnesota to fight drug charges related to marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and other illegal substances. Minnesota has mandatory minimum sentences established by statute, and if you are a repeat drug offender, you will most likely face jail time. Attorney Sjoberg understands how a criminal conviction can ruin your future prospects for employment, housing and education. He will do everything he can to get charges reduced and if possible, get the charges dropped altogether.
If you are a first-time offender, our goal at Sjoberg Law Office, P.A., is to seek out sentencing alternatives to avoid convictions and the long-term restrictions on your freedom related to a guilty verdict. One option is a stay of adjudication. This is a legal process where you essentially admit guilt, but the judge agrees not to accept your plea on the condition that you agree to terms similar to parole for set amount of time. If you meet those conditions for the entire length of the term, the conviction is never entered onto your record.
A second option is the 52.18 diversionary program. With a diversionary program, you agree to perform community service, attend substance abuse counseling or meetings, or participate in other court-ordered activities. If you complete the program as ordered by the court, there will be no conviction on your record.
At Sjoberg Law Office, P.A., our attorneys are proud to serve clients in Cambridge, Isanti, and Anoka, as well as throughout Anoka, Isanti, and Chisago counties from our home office in Ham Lake. We can help you if you’re facing any of the following drug-related charges.
You can face possession charges when you knowingly have a controlled substance on your person or property (including certain prescription drugs without a valid prescription). Penalties vary depending on the specific substance and the amount involved. Prior convictions can also increase the punishment. Simple possession of a small amount of marijuana is usually a misdemeanor, while possessing larger amounts or harder substances such as cocaine or methamphetamine can be a felony.
This charge applies when the state believes you intended to sell or distribute controlled substances. The amount of drugs and the packaging materials used are the main factors that support this charge. Prosecutors and law enforcement will also consider any communications that suggest a sale. If convicted, the punishment often involves mandatory prison terms for felony-level cases.
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug crimes, involving transporting or selling large quantities of controlled substances. Trafficking charges can apply even if you never completed a sale, as long as the prosecution proves you intended to sell or transport the drugs. Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences and long-term restrictions on civil rights.
Growing or producing controlled substances (including marijuana and methamphetamine) is another serious felony. The punishments increase if you’re accused of involving minors or being part of an organized group.
You can be charged just for possessing items intended for using or distributing drugs. This typically includes pipes, syringes, baggies, scales, and related material. While it’s usually a misdemeanor, paraphernalia charges can add complications and longer punishments to an existing drug case.
Drug charges have the potential to derail your life, and you likely have plenty of questions. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
Misdemeanors generally involve smaller quantities of controlled substances and carry lighter penalties—usually shorter jail terms and fines, although alternative sentencing options might be available. Felonies involve larger amounts and harder substances, or intent to sell. These are usually punished by prison sentences and far higher fines. Felony convictions also impact your record and civil rights more than misdemeanors do.
Minnesota prosecutors can charge you for possession only if you had knowledge and control over the drugs. This can include shared residences and other spaces. An experienced drug crime defense lawyer from Ham Lake can review your case and determine whether the evidence truly supports a possession charge.
Possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription is possession of a controlled substance under Minnesota law. Even commonly prescribed medications can lead to felony charges, depending on the amount and your alleged intent. Valid prescriptions and lack of knowledge are two common defenses.
If you’re convicted of a drug-related charge, it can impact everything from your employment and housing opportunities to certain civil rights, including voting and firearm rights. Drug convictions can also affect your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen. A knowledgeable defense lawyer can make the difference between a fair outcome and a permanent record.
Some drug convictions may be eligible for expungement in Minnesota, but it depends on multiple factors. The specific crime and your subsequent behavior can affect eligibility. An attorney from Sjoberg Law Office, P.A. can explain whether you qualify, as well as potential benefits and limitations.
No. Anything you say can be used against you in court. It is best to work with an attorney and wait for them to be present before you answer questions or provide statements.
If you have been charged with a drug offense in Minnesota, it is critical that you hire an experienced attorney to protect your rights. Schedule a consultation by calling our office in Ham Lake at 763-413-1223 or filling out our online contact form.