The Legal Implications of Minnesota’s Increasing Opioid Crisis for Criminal Defense
Like many other states in the United States, Minnesota has been grappling with a surge in opioid use and overdose deaths in recent years. This crisis has been fueled by overprescribing opioid painkillers, the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and the availability of cheap and potent heroin. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Health, there were 422 opioid-related deaths in the state in 2017, and the numbers have only increased since then. This crisis not only has public health implications but also has significant legal implications for criminal defense. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on the illegal distribution and possession of opioids, increasing arrests and prosecutions for drug-related offenses. As a result, [...]