Fifth degree drug charges. A serious offense.
While fifth degree drug crime charges are the least serious, they are still felony charges. You could face stiff consequences, including severe fines and prison sentences if charged with a fifth degree drug crime. Below is a detailed account outlining the illegal behavior and the related penalties.
Charged with a drug crime? Contact Olson Defense today for a free case consultation at 952.835.1088.
Sale crimes.
A person is guilty of a controlled substance crime in the fifth degree and if convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both if:
- the person unlawfully sells one or more mixtures containing marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), except a small amount of marijuana for no remuneration; or
- the person unlawfully sells one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV.
Except as provided in paragraph (c), if a person is guilty of a controlled substance crime in the fifth degree and the conviction is a subsequent controlled substance conviction, the person convicted shall be committed to the commissioner of corrections or to a local correctional authority for not less than six months nor more than ten years and, in addition, may be sentenced to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000 if:
- the person unlawfully sells one or more mixtures containing marijuana or tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), except a small amount of marijuana for no remuneration; or
- the person unlawfully sells one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV.
Prior to the time of sentencing, the prosecutor may file a motion to have the person sentenced without regard to the mandatory minimum sentence established by paragraph (b). The motion must be accompanied by a statement on the record of the reasons for it. When presented with the motion, or on its own motion, the court may sentence the person without regard to the mandatory minimum sentence if the court finds, on the record, substantial and compelling reasons to do so.
Possession and other crimes.
- (a) A person is guilty of controlled substance crime in the fifth degree and if convicted may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both if:
- the person unlawfully possesses one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, III, or IV, except a small amount of marijuana; or
- the person procures, attempts to procure, possesses, or has control over a controlled substance by any of the following means:
- (i) fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge;
- (ii) using a false name or giving false credit; or
- (iii) falsely assuming the title of, or falsely representing any person to be, a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacist, physician, doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other authorized person for the purpose of obtaining a controlled substance.
- (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), if a person is guilty of a controlled substance crime in the fifth degree and the conviction is a subsequent controlled substance conviction, the person convicted shall be committed to the commissioner of corrections or to a local correctional authority for not less than six months nor more than ten years and, in addition, may be sentenced to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000 if:
- the person unlawfully possesses one or more mixtures containing a controlled substance classified in Schedule I, II, III, or IV, except a small amount of marijuana; or
- the person procures, attempts to procure, possesses, or has control over a controlled substance by any of the following means:
- (i) fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge;
- (ii) using a false name or giving false credit; or
- (iii) falsely assuming the title of, or falsely representing any person to be, a manufacturer, wholesaler, pharmacist, physician, doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other authorized person for the purpose of obtaining a controlled substance.
- (c) Prior to the time of sentencing, the prosecutor may file a motion to have the person sentenced without regard to the mandatory minimum sentence established by paragraph (b). The motion must be accompanied by a statement on the record of the reasons for it. When presented with the motion, or on its own motion, the court may sentence the person without regard to the mandatory minimum sentence if the court finds, on the record, substantial and compelling reasons to do so.
Contact Olson Defense and learn about your rights involving 5th degree drug crime charges.