A Minnesota couple got really creative earlier this month by combining recreational vehicles with recreational drugs. They were apprehended in Montana with over 900 pounds of marijuana in their RV. Blazing down the highways without an apparent care in the world, the couple was caught transporting the large haul from California back to Minnesota.
The couple was apprehended in the parking lot of a casino after Montana authorities received a tip from a drug task force located in Minnesota. They both pleaded guilty and are facing a minimum of 5 years in jail.
TRANSPORTING CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
Transporting illegal drugs can result in numerous charges. In addition to local and state charges, the illegal transportation of controlled substances is a federal offense. Violators can be charged with any number of crimes from possession, possession with intent to distribute, and transporting illegal drugs across state lines.
As the couple discussed above have realized, drug-related crimes typically come with mandatory minimum sentences attached to them. So, no matter what “deals” are made or defense what is presented, violators cannot escape prison time.
Under Minnesota law, 152.0261 IMPORTING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACROSS STATE BORDERS, transporting drugs across state lines into Minnesota results in a felony charge and, if found guilty, the guilty party faces a prison sentence of up to 35 years and can face fines up to $1.25 million dollars.
Anyone found guilty of first- or second-degree charges must serve the entire prison sentence and is not eligible for parole, probation, or any other type of early release.
FACTORS AFFECTING SENTENCING
There a few factors that will affect the sentence the judge orders for drug-related crimes. These include things like the type of drug involved and how much of the drug the person was found to be in possession of during the commission of the crime. In this case, because the drug was marijuana, the judge may not order a lengthy sentence (mandated minimums notwithstanding). However, the fact that the couple was found to be in possession of almost 1000 pounds of the substance would potentially motivate him to impose a longer sentence.
A person’s past criminal history may also play a part in the sentencing decision. If someone has been convicted of drug-related offenses in the past, it may increase their sentence for current convictions.
The Anderson Law Firm has extensive experience in defending clients accused of crimes involving drugs in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Each case is evaluated and a customized defense is built based on the facts of the client’s case. We work closely with our clients and assist them with navigating what can be a complicated and confusing legal system.
It can be intimidating to try to understand all the legal terminology and ins and outs of the criminal justice system. We can help with the anxiety and confusion that our clients feel, especially when dealing with felony charges and potential prison sentences. There is no reason to deal with this alone and, in fact, you should absolutely not do this alone. These are serious charges and you need professional and experienced legal help to address the situation. This is no time for inexperienced attorneys, you need an experienced Minneapolis drug crimes lawyer. Our firm has handled many cases such as these and that experience serves our client well.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related crime in Minneapolis, call us now. We can work quickly to take control of the situation for you and counsel you on what to expect and how to prepare for your defense. Understand that there is help available, but you need to take the first step. That means calling us to set up a consultation to discuss your case and available options. Reach out to us today.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.