Last Updated on: 20th October 2023, 04:48 pm

Drug Manufacturing Charges: Why You Need an Aggressive Narcotics Crimes Attorney

Getting charged with drug manufacturing can lead to serious consequences. Unlike drug possession charges, drug manufacturing involves the intent to distribute and sell illegal substances on a larger scale. This means prosecutors often pursue lengthier sentences and harsher punishments compared to minor drug offenses. Having an experienced narcotics crimes lawyer on your side could be the difference between a few months in jail or several years in prison. Here’s what you need to know about fighting drug manufacturing charges.

Common Drug Manufacturing Charges

Some of the most common drug manufacturing charges include:

• Operating a methamphetamine lab
• Cultivating marijuana plants
• Converting powder cocaine into crack
• Synthesizing illegal substances like MDMA or LSD
• Operating an opioid pill mill

Prosecutors don’t need to prove large quantities were produced. Even small-scale manufacturing can lead to felony charges. The main factor is intent to distribute.

Penalties for Drug Manufacturing Convictions

Penalties vary based on the type and quantity of drugs involved. Under federal law, operating a lab to make meth or synthesize fentanyl may lead to 10 years to life in prison. Even lower-level charges like growing 10 marijuana plants could mean up to 20 years behind bars. Long mandatory minimum sentences are common.

In addition to prison time, these charges often come with heavy fines up to $10 million. You may also lose professional licenses, the right to own a firearm, and student aid eligibility. Some states may seize assets like your car or home that are connected to the criminal activity.

Why You Need an Aggressive Lawyer

Trying to navigate the criminal justice system alone can be overwhelming. An experienced drug crimes attorney understands the complex laws and knows how to build an effective defense. Benefits of hiring a lawyer include:

• Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternate sentencing
• Contesting unconstitutional searches that led to evidence being discovered
• Discrediting unreliable informants or expert witnesses
• Highlighting weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Securing expert testimony to counter the prosecution’s claims
• Exploring diversion programs to avoid a criminal record

An aggressive lawyer will thoroughly examine the case and look for options to get charges dismissed or reduced. They have the courtroom experience to identify issues the prosecution may have overlooked.

Fighting Manufacturing Charges with Knowledgeable Representation

Here are some key defenses a skilled narcotics attorney may use:

You Didn’t Knowingly Manufacture Drugs

Prosecutors must prove you knowingly and intentionally engaged in the illegal activity. For example, if someone else used your property to cultivate marijuana without your knowledge, you may lack the required intent. An attorney can argue there is insufficient evidence you were aware of the operation.

You Didn’t Intend to Distribute

Manufacturing controlled substances just for personal use is often a lesser offense. Your lawyer could argue you never planned to sell or distribute the drugs. For instance, cultivating a small number of marijuana plants for medical purposes may not imply intent to distribute.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If police didn’t have probable cause or a valid warrant to search your home or vehicle, your attorney can request to suppress any evidence found. This could result in the case being dismissed since the prosecution may lack enough proof without the excluded evidence.

Entrapment

Under entrapment laws, police can’t coerce you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t. A lawyer may argue you were entrapped if an informant pressured you into manufacturing drugs.

Getting Your Life Back with an Experienced Attorney

Facing drug manufacturing charges isn’t easy, but the stakes are too high to go at it alone. An aggressive criminal defense lawyer has the skills and knowledge to protect your rights. They will thoroughly analyze the prosecution’s case and identify the best defense strategy. With an experienced narcotics crimes attorney on your side, you have a much better chance of avoiding harsh penalties and getting your life back. Don’t leave your future up to chance – get the strong legal defense you deserve.

References

21 U.S. Code § 841 – Prohibited acts A
Entrapment | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute