If you are under investigation or have been arrested for drug offenses, it is important to understand several things about how the criminal process works in Bloomington. These types of charges are prosecuted rigorously in this county, and local law enforcement often works with federal agencies such as the DEA and FBI to crack down on drug cases.

To effectively defend against substance-related charges, it is recommended that you speak with an experienced drug lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney could advise you on what you should know about Bloomington drug cases and provide valuable support throughout the legal proceedings.

Common Drug Crimes in Bloomington

One of the most common drug charges in the county is possession of marijuana. Under Minnesota laws, there are different drug statutes for smaller and larger quantities. A lesser-known aspect of drug law is that there are separate charges for having marijuana in a vehicle.

Outside of possessing small amounts of marijuana, most drug offenses are at the felony level. For example, drug trafficking is another commonly prosecuted crime in Bloomington. Traffickers often use the major interstate highways in the area to move illegal substances.

Local Crackdowns on Drug-Related Offenses

In Bloomington, the main targets for local drug taskforces are meth and cocaine, and to a lesser extent heroin. Additionally, law enforcement is trying to crack down on drug traffickers and dealers using Bloomington hotels to conduct illegal activities. Police may check in on individuals who they deem as suspicious, such as those who show up without a previous reservation, stay for only one night, or pay in cash. If the officers witness a steady stream of people going in and out of the room, or smell illegal substances, they may use that as a basis for a search warrant.

Unique Aspects of Drug Courts in Bloomington

The prosecution and court proceedings for drug cases can vary in different jurisdictions. Significantly, defendants in Bloomington should know about the specific drug court system around the Twin Cities areas. These courts generally apply to repeat offenders with clear addiction issues.

Drug courts in Bloomington allow those who plead guilty and accept responsibility for their charges to avoid prison. Instead, alternative sentencing could include the following:

  • Enrollment in an intensive treatment program
  • Regular court appearances
  • Writing a journal or other documentation of rehabilitation progress

It is important to note that these local courts are not way of avoiding a drug conviction. However, drug courts in Bloomington aim to solve underlying addiction issues rather than repeatedly punishing a person for substance abuse offenses. A well-informed lawyer in the area could advise someone facing trial in drug court on what they should know about the process.

Ask an Attorney What You Should Know about Bloomington Drug Cases

Unfortunately, some people make the mistake of thinking that they do not need legal help for drug charges. However, experienced lawyers have handled many of these types of cases and are better equipped to protect the rights of accused individuals. It is always recommended that you seek immediate legal counsel when facing drug-related offenses.

A skilled attorney could explain what you should know about Bloomington drug cases and help you prepare a strong defense for the specific circumstances. For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation with a member of our team, call today.