Aggressive Defense Against Drug Distribution Charges
In Minnesota and across the country, distributing or selling illegal drugs is a serious crime that can have harsh consequences. If convicted of selling drugs, you could face decades in prison and large fines. If you face a drug distribution charge, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case.
At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, we defend clients throughout Minnesota against state and federal drug distribution charges. For decades, clients have trusted our firm to provide aggressive defense representation in the Twin Cities. We will work tirelessly to pursue every avenue possible to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Helping You Avoid Lifelong Consequences
Drug distribution crimes can include actual transactions or conspiracy to distribute. Some of the cases involve alleged sales to an undercover law enforcement agent or an informant. Others involve large quantities of drugs found during a search warrant. In a conspiracy crime, evidence of an actual transaction is not necessary to establish criminal liability. Simply planning to sell or exchange drugs can result in harsh punishments and a permanent criminal record. In Minnesota and under federal law, penalties and severity of charges depend on the type and quantity of drug involved.
When determining the severity of the charge and types of penalties, prosecutors will consider:
- The type of drug
- The quantity or amount
- Prior history of drug-related criminal charges
- Whether any firearms were present
- Whether you are accused of merely possessing or if they believe you are in the business of selling drugs
- Aggravating factors, such as selling near a school or to a minor
Mandatory minimum sentences can happen as well, especially in federal court. There are some ways to avoid mandatory minimums, and at Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, we have succeeded in avoiding mandatory minimums for many clients.
There are also defenses to the federal Conspiracy to Distribute statute 21 U.S.C. 841 as well as defenses to state drug possession or sale charges found in chapter 152 of the Minnesota Statutes.
Some drug crimes carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to one million dollars. Even lesser felonies may result in years behind bars, expensive fines and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
If law enforcement arrests you for drug distribution, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense, our experienced lawyers will consider all the evidence against you and every defense possible to build a strong case on your behalf. We will also ensure that prosecutors and law enforcement do not infringe on your constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process. From police questioning to defending you in court, we will be there for you every step of the way. With deep ties to the community, we can also help you find resources beyond legal assistance to help you move forward.
Let’s Get Started On Your Drug Distribution Defense
After an arrest, you don’t have time to waste. Prosecutors have already gathered evidence against you and will work to build a strong case that will leave you behind bars. Contact the drug distribution defense attorneys at Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense as soon as possible to get started on your case. Call us at 612-474-5420 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation at our Twin Cities office. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.