Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

Every person accused of a crime in the United States must be afforded an appropriate opportunity to defend himself from the charges, prior to any action being taken by the state that affects his life, liberty or property. Opportunity to defend does not always mean defense. One can be found guilty by default, without every going to Court. The question will be what occurred ten years ago. Was he properly accused, thereby giving him adequate Notice and an opportunity to defend. You didn't indicate what occurred in your friend's drug trafficking case back then. Perhaps you don't know. He should consult directly with a Missouri licensed criminal defense attorney as soon as is practicable, to see what can be done about the conviction on his record. He might also consult a MN attorney about the appropriateness of the amount being taken from his paychecks. I am not licensed to practice in MN, but over half the check sounds excessive.

Good luck