Drug manufacturing convictions can result in long prison sentences and expensive fines. If you have been accused of making and selling drugs, you need to be ready to defend yourself. A Montgomery County drug lawyer from our firm can help you fight back against these charges.

What Evidence Can Be Used Against Me in a Drug Manufacturing Case?

When you are caught with drugs, you can be charged with possession. To charge someone with drug manufacturing, the police need to make a bit more effort. They have to show that you also have:

  • The equipment needed to make drugs
  • The raw materials used to make drugs
  • A place to make them

A good example of this is someone who is arrested for making meth. Being found with meth in their possession is not enough for a drug manufacturing charge. However, if they also have the cough syrup and other ingredients that can be used to make meth, then that’s evidence of manufacturing. If their shed doubles as a lab, then the police have a convincing case.

Do Drug Manufacturing Punishments Differ Based on the Drug Involved?

Drug manufacturing punishments can vary based on what kinds of drugs are being made. Drugs are categorized into “Schedules.”

  • A Schedule I drug does not have medical purposes and a high potential for abuse
  • Schedule II drugs have limited medical uses and a high potential for abuse
  • Schedule III drugs have an accepted medical use but could be abused
  • Schedule IV drugs include prescription medications that have some potential for abuse
  • Schedule V drugs have a clear medical purpose and a low chance of being abused

The lower the schedule number, the harsher the punishments for drug manufacturing are going to be. For example, we have heroin, a Schedule I drug. Someone convicted for manufacturing it can end up in jail for up to 15 years. Fines can climb as high as $250,000. Meanwhile, manufacturing a Schedule V drug like a prescription cough syrup can result in fines of up to $5,000 and a year-long jail sentence.

How Can I Defend Myself From These Charges?

If you do not want to end up in jail or paying hefty fines, you have to try and find a defensive strategy that can work for you. You may be able to argue that:

  • You had substances used to make drugs, but no equipment or place to make them
  • You possessed chemicals and substances used to make drugs, but you have the proper licenses, credentials, and permits for them
  • The search was illegal and any evidence found should be thrown out

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are facing criminal charges, you need a strategy for defending yourself. Contact Mudrick & Zucker to schedule a consultation with our team. We can evaluate your case and tell you more about how our lawyers will work to help you avoid the harshest penalties.