Minneapolis Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota takes drug crimes very seriously. If you’re facing drug-related charges, you should, too. Upon being charged, your first step should be to find a Minneapolis drug crime lawyer who can provide you with advice and representation throughout your experience with the legal system.

Trust Santana Law, PLLC

If you need a Minneapolis drug crime attorney you can trust, look no further than Santana Law, PLLC. Founding attorney Ronnie Santana has years of experience working with clients facing drug crime charges and knows the drug crime laws inside and out. He has previously worked with the prosecutor’s office, giving him a unique perspective on the legal process and how it could apply to your case.

Why Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer?

In 2024, 1,712 people were arrested for the possession or concealment of controlled substances. Another 205 were arrested for using drugs, and 158 were arrested for selling or distributing them. While the primary drugs being trafficked or used were amphetamines and methamphetamines, at 859 cases, there were also many instances of drug crime arrests for narcotics, marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, and other controlled substances.

If you’re facing any of these charges, you need to hire a drug crime lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can provide you with ongoing information regarding your case and legal representation in plea bargain negotiations—or in court should your case go to trial at the Hennepin County District Court.

Types of Drug Crimes

There are several categories of drug crimes in Minnesota, all of which involve controlled substances. Depending on what activities you have been accused of engaging in, you could be charged with:

• Possession. Possession is the most basic drug charge. It involves having controlled substances on your person or in your control. There is no issue of ownership associated with possession, so holding another person’s drugs for them could still get you charged.
• Trafficking. Drug dealing and trafficking are typically felony offenses, especially if they involve a large amount of drugs or if someone dies as a result of the drug trafficking. Even small-time drug dealing can result in a felony conviction.
• Manufacturing. If you are involved in any step of the production of controlled substances, you could be charged with drug manufacturing. Drug manufacturing charges can range from the production of methamphetamines to illegally growing marijuana or producing marijuana products.

Understanding Drug Schedules in Minnesota

All controlled substances are categorized by schedule. While Minnesota categorizes each drug separately, the US Controlled Substances Act (CSA) is the basis for this categorization. Passed in 1970, the CSA created five drug schedules:

1. Schedule I drugs. This category of controlled substances has a very high risk of abuse. People often become dependent on them, and there is no accepted medical use for them. Common examples include heroin, ecstasy, and LSD. Federally, marijuana is also classified as a Schedule I drug, though Minnesota recently legalized adult use.
2. Schedule II drugs. This category of substances presents a high risk for abuse, but also has accepted medical uses. Common examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain opioid drugs.
3. Schedule III drugs. This category of controlled substances includes drugs like ketamine and Tylenol with Codeine that have accepted medical benefits. There is still a risk of dependency and abuse.
4. Schedule IV. This category of drugs has known medical uses and a relatively low risk of dependency. Examples include Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.
5. Schedule V. Schedule V drugs have a very low potential for abuse. Examples include Robitussin AC and Lyrica.

Potential Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Minneapolis

Because most drug crimes are felonies, there can be serious consequences for a drug crime conviction in Minneapolis. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could face:

• Substantial prison time
• Hefty fines
• A felony record that will follow you for the rest of your life

Working with a drug crime lawyer can help you avoid the worst potential consequences of a conviction. Even if there is no way to get the charges dropped completely, your lawyer may be able to help you get them reduced.

Meet Our Founding Attorney – Roonie Santana Ronnie Santana is the founding attorney at Santana Law PLLC, serving Minneapolis and surrounding areas with focused drug crime defense representation. With extensive experience handling drug possession, distribution, and trafficking cases, he takes a strategic, client-first approach to protecting your rights, challenging unlawful searches, and minimizing penalties. Ronnie is committed to securing the best possible outcome in every drug case he defends. View Profile

FAQs

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for Drug Charges in Minneapolis?

The kind of lawyer in Minneapolis you need for drug charges is a criminal defense lawyer. Some Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers who focus on drug crimes also refer to themselves as drug crime lawyers or drug crime attorneys. Make sure you ask about any lawyer’s experience with drug crime laws and cases before deciding who to trust with your defense.

What Is the 36-Hour Rule in Minnesota?

The 36-hour rule in Minnesota refers to the fact that anyone arrested without a warrant must be brought before a judge within 36 hours of their arrest, excluding the day of the arrest, Sundays, and legal holidays. If the person doesn’t receive a hearing by that point, they must be released.

What Is the New Drug Law in Minnesota?

The new drug law in Minnesota legalizes adult-use cannabis and decriminalizes drug paraphernalia. Made effective on August 1, 2023, the law legalizes recreational use, possession, and home growing of cannabis for any adult over 21. The law also makes provisions for the automatic expungement of people’s criminal records if they have prior low-level cannabis convictions.

What Is a 5th-Degree Drug Charge in MN?

A 5th-degree drug charge in MN is the least serious level of drug offense. However, it is still typically a felony and can carry a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. In Minnesota, 5th-degree drug crimes can include possession, sale, or procurement.

Your Minneapolis Drug Crime Lawyer

Minnesota takes crimes like possession and distribution of controlled substances very seriously, which is why you need a skilled Minneapolis drug crime lawyer on your side. You can trust Santana Law, PLLC, to provide you with a robust defense against your charges. Founding attorney Ronnie Santana has been taking on drug crime cases for years and has additional experience as a prosecutor. He can help. Contact the firm to schedule a consultation.

Minneapolis, MN Drug Crime Legal Resources

• Hennepin County District Court – Criminal Division
• Hennepin County Government Center
• Public Defender Application
• Minneapolis Police Department

Our Minneapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Ronnie was fantastic and got my legal resolved! I highly recommend him if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation. 10/10 service and he genuinely cares about his clients.” – Michael Vailes

About Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota and home to a diverse population, multiple universities, and a busy urban core. With more than 400,000 residents and thousands of commuters traveling in daily, the city sees a wide range of criminal charges—from DUI and drug-related offenses to assault, theft, and felony-level allegations. Criminal matters arising in Minneapolis are typically handled through the Hennepin County District Court, located downtown, with law enforcement actions led by the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit Police, University of Minnesota Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Because Minneapolis includes entertainment districts such as Downtown East, North Loop, Uptown, Dinkytown, and Stadium Village, the city frequently experiences arrests tied to nightlife-related incidents, disorderly conduct, traffic stops, and alcohol-related offenses. The city’s proximity to major highways—including I-94, I-35W, and Hwy 55—also contributes to an increase in traffic and vehicle-based criminal allegations such as reckless driving, DWI, and vehicle-related drug offenses.