Minnesota Cocaine Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 30, 2024

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Cocaine is a controlled substance that faces scrutiny in all U.S. jurisdictions. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies cocaine as a Schedule II drug. It's prohibited for recreational use and outlawed for almost all other purposes. Federal and state laws provide guidelines and penalties for the possession, sale, and trafficking of cocaine.

While some states have backed away from the enforcement of mandatory minimum sentences, Minnesota imposes mandatory minimum sentences for some drug crimes. These mandatory minimums apply based on whether the defendant has a criminal history. This article will examine Minnesota cocaine laws and the penalties offenders may face.

Minnesota Drug Laws

Minnesota is one of a growing number of states offering alternatives to prison for some non-violent drug offenses. The purpose of Minnesota's drug court is to reduce recidivism by helping those convicted of low-level drug charges avoid jail time and receive treatment.

Details about Minnesota cocaine laws are listed below. For more general information, see FindLaw's Drug Charges section.

Minnesota Cocaine Laws Code Sections

Minnesota Statutes

Chapter 152 - Drugs; Controlled Substances

  • Minn. Stat. §§ 152.021 - 152.025 (controlled substance crime)
  • Minn. Stat. § 152.026 (mandatory sentences)
  • Minn. Stat. § 152.0261 (importing controlled substances across state borders)

Cocaine Possession Penalties Under Minnesota Law

First-degree felony:

  • Possession of over 50 grams of cocaine
  • Possession of over 25 grams of cocaine while possessing a firearm
  • Possession of over 25 grams of cocaine and the offense involves two aggravating factors

Penalties for a first-degree felony controlled substance crime:

  • First conviction: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
  • Subsequent drug conviction: Committed to the commissioner of corrections for between four to 40 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000

Second-degree felony:

  • Possession of over 25 grams of cocaine
  • Possession of over 10 grams of cocaine while possessing a firearm
  • Possession of over 10 grams of cocaine and the offense involves three aggravating factors

Penalties for a second-degree felony controlled substance crime:

  • First conviction: Up to 25 years and a fine of up to $500,000
  • Subsequent conviction: Committed to the commissioner of corrections for between three years to 40 years and a fine of up to $500,000

Third-degree felony:

  • Possession of 10 grams of cocaine
  • Possession of 50 or more dosage units of cocaine
  • Possession of any amount of cocaine in a school zone, park zone, public housing zone, or a drug treatment facility

Penalties for a third-degree felony controlled substance crime:

  • Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000

Fourth-degree felony:

  • Possession of any amount of cocaine with the intent to sell it

Penalties for a fourth-degree felony controlled substance crime:

  • Up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000

Fifth-degree felony:

  • Possession of any amount of cocaine
  • The person procures, attempts to procure, possesses, or has control over a controlled substance, and they obtained possession via fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, subterfuge, using a false name or false credit, falsely assuming the title of, or falsely representing any person to be, a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacist, physician, doctor of osteopathic medicine licensed to practice medicine, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other authorized person to obtain a controlled substance

Penalties for a fifth-degree felony controlled substance crime:

  • Up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
  • Gross misdemeanor if they possessed less than 0.25 grams of cocaine or one dosage unit

Cocaine Sales Penalties Under Minnesota Law

First-degree felony:

  • The unlawful sale of 17 or more grams of cocaine
  • The unlawful sale of 10 or more grams of cocaine while possessing a firearm
  • The unlawful sale of 10 or more grams of cocaine and the offense involved two aggravating factors

Penalties for a first-degree felony:

  • First conviction: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
  • Subsequent drug conviction: Committed to the commissioner of corrections for between four to 40 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000

Second-degree felony:

  • The unlawful sale of 10 or more grams of cocaine
  • The unlawful sale of three or more grams of cocaine while possessing a firearm
  • The unlawful sale of three or more grams of cocaine and the offense involved three aggravating factors
  • The unlawful sale of any amount of a narcotic drug to a person under the age of 18
  • Conspiring with or employing a person under the age of 18 to unlawfully sell a narcotic drug
  • The unlawful sale of any amount of cocaine in a school zone, park zone, public housing zone, or drug treatment facility

Penalties for a second-degree felony:

  • First conviction: Up to 25 years and a fine of up to $500,000
  • Subsequent conviction: Committed to the commissioner of corrections for between three to 40 years and a fine of up to $500,000

Third-degree felony

  • The unlawful sale of one or more mixtures of a narcotic drug
  • The unlawful sale of cocaine to a person under the age of 18

Penalty for third-degree felony:

  • Up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000

Fourth-degree felony

  • The unlawful sale of cocaine

Penalty for fourth-degree felony:

  • Up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000

Fifth-degree felony

  • Not applicable to the sale of cocaine

Minnesota Cocaine Trafficking Offenses and Penalties

Any person who enters Minnesota from another state or Canada while possessing an amount of cocaine that constitutes a first-degree controlled substance crime is guilty of a felony.

Any person who conspires or employs someone under the age of 18 to enter Minnesota with an amount of cocaine constituting a first-degree controlled substance crime is also guilty of a felony.

A conviction carries a penalty of up to 35 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,250,000.

Note: Minnesota state laws are subject to constant change. Contact a Minnesota drug crimes lawyer or conduct your own legal research to verify current Minnesota laws.

Minnesota Cocaine Laws: Related Resources

Browse the following links for more information about Minnesota laws regarding illegal drugs:

For information about other states' drug laws, visit FindLaw's Official State Codes resource.

Facing Cocaine Charges in Minnesota? Talk to an Attorney

Possessing any amount of a Schedule I, II, III, or IV drug can land you in legal trouble. If law enforcement charges you with a controlled substance sale or drug possession crime in the state of Minnesota, contact a criminal defense attorney near you.

An experienced attorney can provide crucial legal advice that could make a difference in your case. They can provide advice about the following topics, along with many others:

A Minnesota criminal drug crime attorney can provide legal advice. They can also represent you in court and help you get the best outcome possible.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
  • Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
  • Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case

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