The penalty for possession of a controlled substance often depends on the particular type of controlled substance and how much of the substance was found in your possession.

A first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree carries a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000.

According to Minnesota Statute 152.021, Subdivision 2, "A person is guilty of a controlled substance crime in the first degree if the person unlawfully possesses:

• One or more mixtures of a total weight of 25 grams or more of cocaine, heroin, and/or methamphetamine;
• One or more mixtures of a total weight of 500 grams or more containing a narcotic drug other than cocaine, heroin, and/or methamphetamine;
• One or more mixtures of a total weight of 500 grams or more containing amphetamine, phencyclidine, or hallucinogen or, if the controlled substance is packaged in dosage units, equaling 500 or more dosage units; or
• One or more mixtures of a total weight of 100 kilograms or more containing marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinols."

If you were found with lesser amounts of the above drugs in your possession, you may be charged with an offense in the second or third degree, which may carry penalties of up to 20 or 25 years in prison and/or fines of up to $250,000 or $500,000.

In addition, unlawful possession of a) any amount of a schedule I or II narcotic drug, b) five or more doses of LSD, or c) one or more mixtures containing methamphetamine or amphetamine in a school zone, park zone, public housing zone, or drug treatment facility is also considered a crime in the third degree.

Subsequent controlled substance convictions often mean the imposition of mandatory sentences, which (depending on the degree) can mean a minimum of four years in prison.

First, second or third degree felony possession charges carry the potential for severe, life-changing consequences. In order to ensure your rights are protected, you need the assistance of a highly qualified, Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

Do not face the complicated legal system alone. For your free initial criminal defense consultation, contact The Law Office of Carolyn Agin Schmidt today.