Protecting Your Rights, Freedom, and Future

Drug-related charges in Minnesota can carry life-changing consequences. A conviction can lead to prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects your career, housing, and reputation. Whether you’re accused of simple possession or high-level trafficking, you deserve an attorney who knows the law, the courts, and how to fight for your rights.

Barry Hogen has more than 34 years of criminal defense experience in Minnesota. He defends clients in state and federal court against every type of drug charge, providing strategic, aggressive representation aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.

Types of Drug Charges in Minnesota

Barry represents clients facing a full range of drug-related offenses, including:

• Drug Possession – Possessing illegal drugs or controlled substances without authorization.

• Possession with Intent to Sell – Holding drugs in a quantity, packaging, or circumstances suggesting distribution.

• Drug Trafficking & Sales – Accusations of manufacturing, transporting, or selling controlled substances.

• Prescription Drug Crimes – Unlawful possession, distribution, or forgery involving prescription medications.

• Drug Manufacturing – Producing controlled substances, including methamphetamine or other illicit drugs.

• Conspiracy Charges – Allegations of participating in a plan to distribute or traffic drugs.

Minnesota Drug Schedules & Classifications

Minnesota classifies drugs into five “schedules” based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use:

• Schedule I – Highest potential for abuse; no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD, MDMA).

• Schedule II – High potential for abuse; some accepted medical use (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone).

• Schedule III – Lower potential for abuse; accepted medical use (e.g., anabolic steroids, ketamine).

• Schedule IV – Low potential for abuse; accepted medical use (e.g., Xanax, Valium).

• Schedule V – Lowest potential for abuse; primarily medications with limited narcotic content.

The classification of the drug involved in your case plays a major role in determining the severity of charges and penalties.

Degrees of Drug Crimes & Potential Penalties

Minnesota drug crimes are charged in first through fifth degrees, with first-degree offenses carrying the harshest penalties. Factors affecting the charge level include:

• The type of drug

• The amount in possession

• Whether sales occurred (and to whom)

• Location of the offense (e.g., near a school or park)

• Prior convictions

Examples of Penalties:

• First-Degree Drug Crime – Up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million.

• Second-Degree Drug Crime – Up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.

• Lower-Degree Drug Crimes – Shorter prison terms, possible probation, and fines — but still carry serious long-term consequences.

Even “simple possession” can result in jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.

How Barry Hogen Defends Drug Charges

Barry examines every aspect of your case to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, including:

• Illegal Searches & Seizures – Challenging police actions that violated your constitutional rights.

• Questionable Informants – Exposing unreliable or biased witness testimony.

• Faulty Testing Procedures – Investigating whether drug evidence was mishandled or contaminated.

• Entrapment – Showing that law enforcement induced an offense that wouldn’t have occurred otherwise.

• Insufficient Evidence – Arguing for dismissal when proof is lacking or circumstantial.

Why Experience Matters in Drug Cases

Drug laws in Minnesota are complex, and prosecutors often seek the harshest penalties allowed. Barry’s decades in criminal defense mean he understands how to negotiate with prosecutors, argue effectively before judges, and, when necessary, take cases to trial. His goal is always to reduce charges, minimize penalties, or get cases dismissed entirely.

Take Action Today

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Minnesota — possession, sales, trafficking, or manufacturing — don’t wait to get legal help. Every day that passes without an experienced defense lawyer gives the prosecution more time to build its case against you.

📞 Call Barry Hogen today for a free, confidential consultation and start protecting your future.