Miami, FL Drug Manufacturing Defense Lawyer

Attorney Assisting With Charges of Manufacturing Controlled Substances in Miami, Florida

There are multiple types of criminal offenses involving controlled substances that can result in serious penalties for people who are convicted. Drug manufacturing is treated especially seriously by law enforcement and the courts, since it may result in dangerous substances being created and distributed to others. Manufacturing controlled substances is a felony offense that can lead to severe criminal penalties, including long prison sentences, substantial fines, and other long-term consequences.

Drug manufacturing charges are serious in any situation, but the potential penalties may increase when the manufacturing process allegedly involved hazardous substances, posed a risk to public safety, or took place near children or schools. Because of the urgency of drug manufacturing allegations, people facing these charges should treat the situation as urgent and seek legal counsel immediately.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney defends people in Miami who have been charged with manufacturing controlled substances and other drug crimes. Our lawyer can provide the representation needed to address accusations involving owning drug manufacturing equipment, possessing chemicals used to create illegal drugs, preparing drugs to be sold or distributed, or otherwise being involved in the chain of drug distribution.

What Is Drug Manufacturing?

Under Florida Statutes Section 893.13, a person could be charged with a drug manufacturing offense if they were allegedly involved in activities related to the production of controlled substances, processing or compounding drugs, or preparing and packaging drugs to be sold or distributed. In addition to large-scale drug lab operations, the law covers a variety of activities related to processing and manufacturing drugs. Examples of conduct that may be considered drug manufacturing include:

• Operating or assisting in the operation of a methamphetamine lab
• Growing marijuana plants indoors or outdoors
• Mixing chemicals to create synthetic drugs or pills
• Producing substances like LSD, MDMA, or fentanyl in powder or pill form
• Possessing equipment or materials used to manufacture controlled substances
• Extracting or processing THC oil or concentrates from cannabis plants

A person may be charged with manufacturing even if they did not complete the drug production process. Possession of precursor chemicals, lab equipment, packaging materials, or other items used in the manufacturing process may be enough to support a criminal charge. A person may be convicted of a drug manufacturing offense if prosecutors can demonstrate that they intended to produce controlled substances for their own use or to distribute drugs to others.

Penalties for Drug Manufacturing

In cases involving "hard drugs" like heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, or methamphetamine, drug manufacturing is usually classified as a second-degree felony. The penalties for a conviction may include prison time lasting for up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. Drug manufacturing charges involving substances that are considered to be less dangerous, including marijuana or products containing THC, may be charged as third-degree felonies, with sentences that may be as high as five years and fines of up to $5,000.

Enhanced penalties may apply in cases involving certain aggravating factors. If a person is accused of manufacturing drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility, the offense may be charged as a first-degree felony, and the maximum sentence may increase to 30 years. In cases involving large quantities of controlled substances, drug trafficking charges may also apply, which could lead to more serious penalties.

Charges related to manufacturing methamphetamine are taken especially seriously due to the potential risks involved, such as fires or explosions. If a meth lab was allegedly operated in a home or other building where a child under the age of 16 was present, a person may be charged with a first-degree felony, and the minimum sentence will be five years. If the manufacturing activities caused a child younger than 16 to suffer great bodily harm, the minimum sentence increases to 10 years.

Defending Against Drug Manufacturing Charges

Because of the seriousness of the potential penalties, a strong defense is critical in cases involving accusations of drug manufacturing. Our lawyer will review the evidence and the steps followed by law enforcement when investigating an alleged offense, performing an arrest, and seizing evidence. He may take steps to:

• Address the Intent to Manufacture Drugs: The presence of chemicals or equipment does not always mean a person intended to create illegal drugs. Our attorney will look at whether there is enough evidence to support a manufacturing charge and demonstrate a lack of evidence of intent.
• Challenge Search and Seizure Procedures: If police obtained evidence without a valid warrant, exceeded the scope of a search warrant, or otherwise violated a person's Fourth Amendment rights, our lawyer can take steps to suppress evidence and have it excluded from a criminal case.
• Dispute Constructive Possession: In cases where drugs or lab equipment were found in a shared space, our attorney can challenge the claim that a person had knowledge or control over the items. By showing that a person was not involved in drug manufacturing activities, he will work to secure a dismissal or acquittal.
• Question the Accuracy of Chemical Testing: Our lawyer can review how substances were tested and whether the prosecution can prove that the material was a controlled substance or that equipment was used for the purpose of manufacturing drugs.
• Demonstrate Mistaken Identity: Our attorney can take steps to show that a person was wrongly identified and did not participate in drug manufacturing or other related offenses.

Contact Our Miami Drug Manufacturing Defense Attorney

When facing charges related to manufacturing, it is essential to work with a defense attorney who understands the complexity of Florida's drug laws and who has the skill and experience needed to fight for your rights. At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, we can help you determine the right legal approach as you take steps to challenge the charges and protect your future. Contact our Miami, FL drug manufacturing lawyer at 305-615-1285 and schedule your free consultation today.