What You Should Know About Drug Manufacturing Charges
There are numerous ways you can be arrested and charged for manufacturing drugs. These kind of charges bring devastating consequences, so before you think of engaging in such an activity to cope with economic pressures or to produce a substance for a health/recreational reasons, you should know the facts. If you have been charged with this type of crime, you will need to know what to do:
The Laws
Unfortunately, there are many ways you can receive manufacturing/distribution charges, including:
- Cultivating marijuana, psychoactive mushrooms, or certain other plants.
- Preparing illegal substances by mixing (and/or "cooking") together components, and working on other steps for producing it.
- Assisting someone else in making the substances.
- Supplying someone with components, chemicals, or other materials to make illegal drugs.
- Possessing the precursors and equipment to make the drugs.
You should also be aware that if you were caught in possession of an illegal substance, you can also receive a manufacturing charge.
Penalties and Consequences
The consequences for drug manufacturing can be severe in many cases, especially if they are felony charges. Penalties and other consequences can include:
- Prison time from several months up to fifteen years or more.
- Substantial fines from $2,000 to $50,000 or more.
- Several years of probation, that include these restrictions: staying out of trouble, mandatory drug testing, supervision, and the paying of all fines or fees.
- Required restitution for damages resulting from your activities and cleanup of the premises and hazards associated with them.
- Possible confiscation of property associated with illegal manufacturing and distribution activities. This can include cash, weapons, planes, cars, and more.
Defenses
The following are a list of possible defenses for drug manufacturing charges:
- You had a legitimate and legal reason to have the items/paraphernalia/equipment in your possession.
- The items were not yours, you did not know they were there, and you have convincing evidence that this was the case. For example, your son or daughter or a roommate was actually guilty and not you. This will be easier if you don't have a criminal record, and have never tested positive for drug use.
- The evidence obtained against you was obtained illegally.
If a completed product was found in your possession, mitigating factors may be used to get the charges and penalties lowered. Mitigating factors might include:
- No children were present in the place where the drugs were being made.
- You have an illness and were making a substance to cope with your symptoms.
- You were making it for personal use only
- You had no intention of selling/distributing the drug to others.
Defending yourself from a drug manufacturing charge is not going to be easy, so you will require the services of a criminal lawyer to advise and assist you.
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