Understanding Felony Drug Possession in Minnesota: Key Case
Police in Minnesota recently reported obtaining a warrant to search the apartment of NFL player Roc Thomas, uncovering evidence of felony drug possession in Minnesota. Officers allegedly found marijuana in quantities exceeding the threshold for felony charges, raising serious legal and career consequences for the Vikings running back.
If the Vikings running back is convicted on his felony charge, he may be sentenced to five years behind prison bars. In addition, even if the football player decides to plead guilty to less severe charges or is ultimately acquitted, he could be suspended per the National Football League’s disciplinary rules. This suspension would remain with him even if he were to join another team.
Individuals in Minnesota who are charged with felonies have the right to go to trial to fight these charges. At trial, they cannot be convicted until and unless the prosecution can prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — a high standard aimed at preventing innocent people from being convicted of crimes they did not commit. However, sometimes, it is expedient for a defendant to seek to negotiate a plea agreement rather than going to trial, as this may result in lesser charges and therefore a lighter sentence than what may be imposed following a guilty verdict at trial. In either scenario, an attorney will take the necessary steps to protect the defendant’s rights and best interests in the criminal justice system.