What aggravates drug possession?
4 years ago by Brian
Being convicted of a drug crime in Minnesota can lead to serious penalties and other consequences – especially if one or more aggravating factors come into play. An experienced Woodbury drug crimes lawyer could assist you with defending against your criminal drug charge and working to minimize those consequences.
Pursuant to the Criminal Code for the State of Minnesota, there are five levels – or degrees – of drug crime charges. A first-degree charge is the most serious and incurs the highest penalties upon conviction, while a fifth-degree charge is the least serious.
The criminal charge that you incur depends upon several factors, including whether you possessed or sold the drug in question, the amount of the drug which you allegedly possessed or sold, and your prior history of criminal convictions (if any). Moreover, these criminal drug charges can be “aggravated” under certain circumstances, which in turn can lead to more serious penalties than you might otherwise have incurred.
If you are currently facing a criminal drug charge, the Woodbury drug crimes lawyers at JS Defense, PA., are ready to assist you with your defense. We can explore your legal options with you and help you decide on the best option for your case. Please give us a call today to find out more about how we could help defend you against your pending criminal drug charge.
Types of Aggravating Factors
Drug possession charges are serious enough, but if one or more aggravating factors exist, you could be facing even more serious penalties, including possible jail time and fines. When it comes to drug crimes, the following serve as aggravating factors:
- Prior criminal convictions – where the accused was convicted of a violent criminal offense or some similar type of offense at some point within the last ten years
- Gang involvement – where the accused committed the drug crime for a gang
- Interstate transport – where the accused transported the drugs from one state to another
- Possessing a substantial amount of the drug – where the amount of the drug that the accused and/or an accomplice allegedly possessed was substantially greater than the smallest amount that is required to commit the drug offense
In order for you to be convicted of a drug crime and any aggravating factors, the prosecuting attorney who is assigned to your case must establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced Woodbury drug crimes lawyer could help you avoid a conviction altogether by formulating and asserting a strong legal defense on your behalf. If you are ultimately found guilty or convicted, your lawyer will do everything possible to minimize any adverse consequences associated with your conviction.
Speak with an Experienced Woodbury Drug Crimes Lawyer about Your Criminal Drug Charge Today
The knowledgeable legal team at JS Defense, PA., is ready to assist you with your drug crime defense. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Woodbury drug crimes attorney, please call us today at (651) 968-9652 or contact us online for more information.
