Defense Lawyer Busted for Snorting Cocaine During Trial

(Winona, Minnesota) Charles Ramsay, a 41-year-old criminal defense lawyer, has apparently allowed drugs to dramatically affect his professional life. Of all the people to be involved in drugs, one would imagine that those tied to law enforcement would know better.

A trial involving an accused killer. A "Super Lawyer" allegedly with cocaine in his pocket. And a police officer, there to testify in that Winona, Minn., trial, who said he saw the defense lawyer duck out of a court restroom, pinching his nose and "sniffing profusely." Without flushing.

Put together, according to a criminal complaint, the circumstances led to the arrest Thursday of Charles Ramsay, 41, a Roseville-based defense lawyer who specializes in DWI cases and is the brother of Duluth's police chief.

Ramsay, of New Brighton, was charged Friday with two counts of drug possession for allegedly carrying five grams of cocaine in his bag and pocket during the trial.

Ramsay was booked into custody and released yesterday on $10,000 bond.