24/7 MN Drug Bail
Minnesota Drug Charge
Bail Bonds
A drug-related arrest in Minnesota can raise urgent questions about custody, court hearings, bail amounts, and release conditions. GPS Bail Bonds is available 24/7 to help families understand authorized surety bond options, payment requirements, and the next steps for eligible drug-related cases.
- Available 24 Hours a Day
- Assistance With Eligible Drug Charges
- Serving Families Across Minnesota
- Not every drug case qualifies for a surety bond, and release can't be guaranteed — the court's order and underwriting decide.
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On this page
Drug Charge Bail Bond Guide
Understanding the charge
What Are Controlled Substance Charges in Minnesota?
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 152 governs most controlled-substance offenses, including unlawful possession, sale, possession with intent to sell, methamphetamine manufacturing-related conduct, importing, and obtaining drugs — including prescription drugs — by fraud or a false name.
- The exact charge depends on the statute, the substance and its schedule, the quantity, the alleged conduct, and circumstances such as a firearm, a school or park zone, a minor, or prior convictions.
- Not every drug arrest is a felony — some fifth-degree possession cases and most cannabis possession offenses are lower-level crimes.
- Not every drug arrest requires commercial bail. Some people are released on their own recognizance or on conditions.
- The degree of a drug offense does not set a particular bail amount. Courts decide release and conditions under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02.
- GPS reviews possible surety arrangements separately, only after the court has decided what release options apply.
Statute information
Minnesota Drug Charges by Degree
Minnesota grades controlled-substance crimes from fifth degree (least serious) to first degree (most serious). Degree turns on the substance, the amount, whether a sale is alleged, and specified circumstances. Exact quantity thresholds vary by substance and subdivision and are only summarized here — read the current statute for the details. The court sets bail and conditions separately under Rule 6.02; no degree carries a set bail amount.
Minn. Stat. §152.025
Fifth-Degree Controlled Substance Crime
- Unlawful possession of a Schedule I–IV substance (cannabis flower and cannabis products are excluded)
- Selling a Schedule IV substance
- Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, deceit, a false name or false identity as a prescriber or pharmacist
- Classification
- Under subd. 4(a), possession is a gross misdemeanor only when there is no prior Chapter 152 (or similar) conviction and the amount is under 0.25 grams or one dosage unit or less (under 0.05 grams for heroin). Other fifth-degree offenses are felonies (up to 5 years).
- History & circumstances
- A single prior qualifying drug conviction removes the gross-misdemeanor exception.
- Release considerations
- First-time, trace-amount possession is the case type most often released without monetary bail.
The entry-level degree, and the only one with a built-in gross-misdemeanor tier.
Minn. Stat. §152.024
Fourth-Degree Controlled Substance Crime
- Selling any amount of a Schedule I, II or III substance — the statute expressly excludes marijuana and THC, so cannabis sales are graded under the separate cannabis statutes, not here
- Selling a Schedule IV or V substance to, or using, someone under 18
- Possessing a Schedule I–III substance (again excluding marijuana/THC) with intent to sell
- Possessing ten or more dosage units of PCP or a hallucinogen
- Classification
- Felony (up to 15 years).
- History & circumstances
- The subdivision charged and the conduct alleged control the degree.
- Release considerations
- Intent-to-sell allegations can draw closer review of release conditions.
Many fourth-degree charges involve small amounts — the alleged sale or intent to sell is what raises the degree.
Minn. Stat. §152.023
Third-Degree Controlled Substance Crime
- Selling any amount of a narcotic drug (for example cocaine, heroin, fentanyl or opioid pills)
- Selling ten or more dosage units of PCP or a hallucinogen within 90 days
- Selling Schedule I–III substances to or through a minor
- Possessing specified amounts — for example 3+ grams of heroin, 5+ grams or 25+ dosage units of fentanyl, or more than 10 kg of cannabis flower (2 kg of concentrate)
- Classification
- Felony.
- History & circumstances
- Drug type matters: the same weight can be a different degree depending on the substance.
- Release considerations
- Narcotic and fentanyl allegations commonly lead to individual review of release conditions.
A sale of any amount of a narcotic drug is third degree — no minimum weight required.
Minn. Stat. §152.022
Second-Degree Controlled Substance Crime
- Larger specified sale or possession amounts, with separate thresholds for cocaine/methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl and other drugs
- Cocaine or methamphetamine offenses involving a firearm or statutory aggravating factors
- Selling certain drugs in a school, park or public housing zone or a drug treatment facility
- Possessing 25+ kg of cannabis flower or 5+ kg of cannabis concentrate — far above anything lawful under §342.09
- Classification
- Felony.
- History & circumstances
- Aggravating factors defined in §152.01 and prior convictions can change the degree.
- Release considerations
- Firearm or zone allegations can lead to additional release conditions.
Not every second-degree case involves trafficking — location, a firearm or aggravating factors can raise the degree.
Minn. Stat. §152.021
First-Degree & Aggravated First-Degree
- The largest statutory quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl or other narcotics
- Lower amounts combined with a firearm or aggravating factors
- Methamphetamine manufacture (subd. 2a)
- Aggravated first degree (subd. 2b): 100+ grams or 500+ dosage units plus a firearm or aggravating factors
- Classification
- Felony (up to 30 years; higher minimums for subsequent or aggravated convictions).
- History & circumstances
- A prior controlled-substance conviction triggers mandatory minimum commitment terms.
- Release considerations
- Often involves closer review and larger court-set bail, though nothing is automatic.
Minnesota's most serious state drug charge.
This is general information, not legal advice. Quantity thresholds were checked against the current Revisor text on 2026-10-12 and can change — confirm the actual charge in the complaint or court record, and speak with a criminal defense attorney about a specific case. Minnesota legal-content attorney review is pending.
Pretrial release
Drug Possession vs. Drug Sales in Minnesota
This section explains the underlying drug laws. The bail sections that follow cover custody, surety bonds and release.
Simple Drug Possession
Unlawful possession without an alleged sale. The classification depends on the substance, the quantity, the statute charged and any qualifying prior convictions — from a fifth-degree gross misdemeanor up to first degree.
Possession With Intent to Sell
A different offense from simple possession. Under §152.024 possessing even a small amount of a Schedule I–III substance with intent to sell can be fourth degree. What shows intent depends on the governing statute and the evidence.
Drug Sales & Distribution
Minnesota's definition of "sell" (§152.01, subd. 15a) is broader than a paid transaction — it can include giving away, exchanging, or offering or agreeing to do so, subject to the statute's definitions and exceptions.
Methamphetamine Manufacturing
Manufacturing methamphetamine is a first-degree crime (§152.021, subd. 2a). Possessing chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture is a separate felony under §152.0262.
Importing Controlled Substances
§152.0261 covers crossing a state or international border into Minnesota with a first-degree quantity, or using a minor to import. Ordinary travel with a lawfully prescribed medication is not this offense.
Cannabis After Legalization
- Adults 21+ may possess up to 2 oz of flower in public and 2 lb at home, within §342.09 limits
- Possession above those limits is graded separately under §152.0263, from a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor up to a felony for the largest amounts
- Not all marijuana possession is a crime, and the first-through-fifth-degree framework doesn't apply to lawful cannabis
Charges depend on the exact facts and statute. Ask a criminal defense attorney about a specific case.
Costs
How Much Does a Drug Charge Bail Bond Cost in Minnesota?
No single statewide bail schedule applies to every drug charge, and GPS does not publish typical drug bail amounts. The court decides whether bail is set; the bond premium is then based on the surety's approved filed rate and Minnesota Statutes §60M.02.
Court-set bail amount
Set by the court for the individual case. GPS cannot set, lower or guarantee it.
Approved surety premium
Based on the surety's approved filed rate, with a $100 statutory minimum. Generally not refundable.
Minimum upfront collection
At least 50% of the premium on bonds of $10,000 or less, and at least 30% above $10,000, before posting.
Remaining premium obligations
Any permitted balance needs a signed promissory note and must be paid within the statute's time limits.
Collateral when required
Larger drug bonds may require collateral, depending on underwriting review.
Cosigner financial responsibility
A cosigner may be responsible for the full bond amount if the defendant misses court.
Premium Percentages vs. Bail Amount
- The 50% and 30% minimums apply to the premium — not to the full bail amount.
- Cash bail: the full court-set amount is paid to the court and may be returned at the end of the case, subject to court rules.
- Surety bond: where authorized, a licensed producer guarantees the full amount and you pay a non-refundable premium.
Illustration only: any calculator percentage is a hypothetical example, not a GPS quote. GPS confirms the actual premium at its approved filed rate in writing before anything is signed.
Estimated cost breakdown
Enter a bail amount to begin
Use the court-set bond amount from the jail or court.
Estimates are for informational purposes only and are not a binding quote or financing offer. Actual premiums are based on the applicable approved surety rate. Payment arrangements depend on eligibility, underwriting, and Minnesota law. Call GPS Bail Bonds for a case-specific quote.
Calculator results are illustrations only — not a GPS quote. Your actual premium is confirmed by GPS before anything is signed.
Reviews
What Minnesota Families Say About GPS
Read customer feedback and see the latest rating on Google's listing.
Payment
Minnesota Drug Charge Bail Bond Payment Options
Premiums must be charged at the surety's approved filed rate, and Minnesota Statutes §§60M.02 and 60M.03 set minimum rules for collecting premiums and handling collateral. A higher court-set bond can mean a larger premium and more substantial collateral, depending on the rate, underwriting and individual circumstances.
Bonds of $10,000 or less
- At least 50% of the premium is collected before posting, with a receipt
- Any balance requires a signed promissory note and full payment within four months of posting
Bonds over $10,000
- At least 30% of the premium is collected before posting, with a receipt
- Any balance requires a signed promissory note and full payment within twelve months of posting
- These are legal minimums, not a promise of a payment plan. Eligibility depends on the bond, surety underwriting review and the cosigner.
- Minnesota sets a $100 minimum premium. Promissory notes must use an approved form; annual interest cannot exceed 6%.
- Collateral (§60M.03): any collateral accepted must be documented and receipted, and is returned after the bond is discharged, subject to outstanding obligations.
- Cosigners should read the indemnity agreement carefully. No-money-down or no-collateral arrangements are not guaranteed.
Why GPS
Why Choose GPS for a Drug Charge Bail Bond?
GPS Bail Bonds helps Minnesota families understand drug charge bail and bond requirements, day or night. We don't provide criminal defense or treatment services, control release decisions or guarantee release.
Available 24 Hours a Day
- Calls answered nights, weekends and holidays
- Help when an arrest happens after hours
Help Understanding Bail Requirements
- What a bail amount or condition means
- How holds affect release
Minnesota Jail & Court Experience
- Familiar with Minnesota bail requirements
- Experience with county jail posting procedures
Clear Premium & Paperwork
- Premium, collateral and cosigner duties in plain language
- No hidden obligations
Authorized Surety Bond Assistance
- Whether a surety bond is authorized
- What underwriting may require
Statewide Minnesota Coverage
- Based in the Big Lake area
- Helping families across Minnesota counties
Bond availability
Can You Get Bail for Drug Charges in Minnesota?
A drug charge alone does not establish whether a commercial surety bond is required or authorized. Under Minn. R. Crim. P. 6.02 a court may release someone on recognizance or an unsecured bond, on conditions (conditional release), or set money bail — including bail without other conditions (unconditional bail). State drug cases follow this Minnesota process; federal drug cases follow a separate federal system, and GPS does not currently advertise federal bond services.
Has monetary bail been set?
Confirm the actual court order and whether a financial condition was imposed.
Is a surety bond authorized?
Verify the form of bail the court order allows.
Are release conditions in effect?
Testing, supervision, travel or other lawful conditions may apply.
Are there existing warrants or holds?
A separate hold can keep someone in custody even after bail is posted.
Is another hearing or judicial review required?
The court may need to set or review bail before release.
Can GPS and its surety approve the bond?
Commercial underwriting is separate from the court's decision.
Release decisions belong to the court. GPS's decision to write a bond is a separate business decision based on underwriting.
Serious cases
Bail Bond Assistance for Serious Drug Charges
These circumstances can call for closer review by the court and the surety, but none of them sets automatic high bail or denial on its own:
- First-degree controlled-substance allegations
- Significant possession or sale quantities
- Methamphetamine-related charges
- Fentanyl-related charges
- Drug manufacturing allegations
- Weapons or firearm allegations
- Multiple pending offenses
- Prior qualifying convictions
- Warrants and probation holds
- Other jurisdictional or federal holds
- Larger court-set bond amounts
- Complex surety underwriting
Practical next steps
What Happens After a Drug Arrest in Minnesota?
Not every drug arrest results in detention or a monetary bail requirement — some people are cited or released on conditions. When someone is held, these practical steps help families find out where things stand.
Confirm defendant identity and arrest county
Get the full legal name, date of birth and the city or county of arrest.
Locate the holding jail or detention facility
Check the county's official jail roster or call the jail directly.
Confirm bail status and next court appearance
Ask whether a judge has set bail or conditions, and when the next hearing is.
Identify release conditions, warrants and holds
Ask about conditions, probation holds, other warrants or federal detainers.
Contact GPS about an authorized surety bond
Discuss whether a surety bond is allowed and what underwriting may require.
Prepare documentation and follow court instructions
Gather cosigner documents and follow every court and release requirement.
For families in Big Lake, Elk River and the rest of Sherburne County, see the Sherburne County bail bonds guide. GPS helps with drug charge bail bonds statewide.
The process
How Drug Charge Bail Bonds Work in Minnesota
Once a court authorizes a surety bond, GPS's commercial bond process generally follows these five steps. Release timing can't be guaranteed.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
Be prepared
What to Have Ready When Calling About Drug Charge Bail
The exact substance or charge degree can help, but isn't required to begin a request. Please don't share medical or substance-use information.
Defendant's Full Legal Name
As it would appear on booking records.
Date of Birth or Approximate Age
Helps confirm the right person on a roster.
County or City of Arrest
Tells us which jail is most likely holding them.
Jail or Booking Number, If Available
Helpful if you have it, but not required.
Court-Set Bail & Hearing Info, If Known
Any bail amount, hearing date or court you've been told about.
Your Contact Info & Relationship
So we can reach you and explain cosigner options.
FAQs
Drug Charge Bail Bonds FAQs
Minnesota-specific answers to the questions families ask us most.
Not sure where someone is held? See our Sherburne County bail bonds guide.
Often, yes — but the court decides. Under Rule 6.02 a judge may release on recognizance or conditions, or set money bail. A surety bond is an option only when money bail is set and a surety is allowed.
Service area
Minnesota Counties We Serve
GPS Bail Bonds is based in the Big Lake area and helps families with drug charge bail bonds across Minnesota, including these counties.
Sherburne County
Serving Big Lake, Elk River, Becker, Zimmerman, and surrounding Sherburne County communities.
Explore Sherburne County
Wright County
Bail bond assistance for Monticello, Albertville, Otsego, Buffalo, and communities throughout Wright County.
Explore Wright County
Stearns County
Helping families navigate bail bonds in St. Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park, and surrounding Stearns County communities.
Explore Stearns County
Anoka County
Helping families throughout Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and neighboring communities understand their bail options.
Explore Anoka County
Hennepin County
Bail bond assistance for Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, and other Hennepin County communities.
View Counties We Serve
Isanti County
Serving Cambridge, Isanti, and surrounding communities with Minnesota bail bond assistance.
Explore Isanti CountyCounty guides beyond Sherburne are coming soon. GPS helps families throughout Minnesota — reach out any time.
Need Help With a Minnesota Drug Charge Bail Bond?
GPS Bail Bonds provides 24/7 assistance to families seeking information about eligible Minnesota drug charge bail bonds, court-authorized release options, and payment requirements.
- Controlled substances — Chapter 152 (opens an external site)
- First degree — §152.021 (opens an external site)
- Second degree — §152.022 (opens an external site)
- Third degree — §152.023 (opens an external site)
- Fourth degree — §152.024 (opens an external site)
- Fifth degree — §152.025 (opens an external site)
- Importing — §152.0261 (opens an external site)
- Meth precursors — §152.0262 (opens an external site)
- Cannabis possession — §152.0263 (opens an external site)
- Adult-use cannabis — §342.09 (opens an external site)
- Minn. R. Crim. P. 6 (opens an external site)
- Bail bond premiums — §60M.02 (opens an external site)
- Collateral — §60M.03 (opens an external site)
Sources checked October 12, 2026. Minnesota legal-content review pending. General information only — not legal advice. Consult a Minnesota attorney about your case.