Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

Re: Drug bust

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I agree with Mr. Gallagher. Based on the facts, it sounds like the "other boy" was either a cop or working for the cops.

Methamphetamines are a serious political hot pottato in Minnesota. that means that prosecuters often seek much longer jail sentences in cases where meth sales are involved.

The actual length of a sentence for a drug charge is determined by the defendant's past criminal record. This is called a criminal history score. As a result, the penalties are far more severe for repeat offenders. A Judge may also consider other factors to increase potential jail sentences. For example, a sentence may be increased if the drug offense took place in a school zone or a park zone

For a first degree offense, the following apply:

First Degree

Sale: 10 grams crack. 50 grams cocaine/heroin/methamphetamine. 200 doses hallucinogen. 50 kilos marijuana.

Possession: 25 grams of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine. 500 grams of other narcotics. 500 doses of hallucinogen. 100 kilos marijuana.

Manufacturing: A person is guilty of controlled substance crime in the first degree if the person manufactures any amount of methamphetamine.

Penalty: A person convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 30 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. If the conviction is a subsequent controlled substance conviction, a person convicted under subdivisions 1 to 2a shall be committed to the commissioner of corrections for not less than four years nor more than 40 years and, in addition, may be sentenced to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000,000.

Guidelines: 86 to 146 months.

Re: Drug bust

It sounds like you are saying this "other boy" was either a cop or working for the cops. The most important thing your son can do now is speak with a good criminal defense lawyer right away, and retain one as soon as possible (public defender or private). In the meantime he should (1) NOT talk to police, but ask for a lawyer first; and (2) NOT consent to any searches!