Manufacturing controlled substances is a serious crime. Even possessing the materials you need to make an illegal drug is against the law.
A conviction for any drug crime could lead to hefty fines, substantial prison time, and a loss of rights and opportunities after your release. A Glendale drug manufacturing lawyer can evaluate the evidence against you and present a vigorous defense, maximizing your chances of avoiding a conviction.
There is a market for many drugs that are legally available only by prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. People who cannot get a prescription sometimes turn to black market replica drugs with the same or similar chemical formula but manufactured by unlicensed people.
Manufacturing prescription-only drugs or possessing the means to make them is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Someone convicted of this crime could face up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine, plus surcharges and assessments. However, a second conviction within two years of the first is charged as a Class 6 felony, with a sentence between four months to two years in prison.
Probation without a prison sentence is sometimes possible, depending on the accused’s criminal history. A Glendale attorney will work to achieve the best result the circumstances in a specific case permit.
The law punishes the production of controlled substances more severely than manufacturing prescription drugs. Controlled substances include narcotics as defined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3408 and dangerous drugs as defined in Arizona Statute § 13-3407. Possessing the materials to make controlled substances is a Class 3 felony, unless the drug is methamphetamine. Manufacturing a controlled substance is a Class 2 felony.
First offenders convicted of drug manufacturing crimes could receive probation instead of prison time in some cases. A Glendale attorney can review the circumstances and negotiate for a period of probation rather than prison, in appropriate circumstances.
The law considers crimes involving methamphetamine more serious than other drug crimes. The chemicals involved in manufacturing methamphetamine include acetone, anhydrous ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, toluene, and other toxic, volatile chemicals. Laboratories manufacturing methamphetamine pose a hazard to any other people or structures in the area.
According to Arizona Revised Statute § 13-3407, a person would face Class 2 felony charges for possessing the means to make methamphetamine and for manufacturing it. Probation-only sentences are not available to people whose crimes involved methamphetamine.
Preparing a defense to criminal charges will depend on the evidence the police and prosecutors have gathered. A skilled Glendale attorney will construct a defense to exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s proof and offer alternative explanations. However, getting charges dismissed entirely, or at least reduced to a charge that offers more lenient sentencing, is the overriding goal.
Police often overstep when investigating suspected drug manufacturing operations. If they did not obtain a proper search warrant or obtain effective permission to search a premises, a judge could prevent the prosecution from using the illegally obtained evidence. This situation could lead to a prosecutor dismissing a charge.
The way the police handle the evidence also could help a defendant defeat a drug manufacturing charge. The police department has rigorous procedures for collecting, storing, transporting, and testing evidence. If a defense investigation finds the police violated any aspect of these procedures, they could seek to have the evidence thrown out.
When you face a felony drug charge, you must work with a seasoned attorney to get the best possible result. Properly evaluating evidence and negotiating with tough prosecutors requires legal counsel with experience and skill. That’s where Grand Canyon Law Group comes in.
Contact our Glendale drug manufacturing lawyer for help as soon as you are arrested. We will devote our best efforts to obtaining the best result possible. Call now to learn more.