You could be facing up to 7 years in jail for a single offense.
TV shows like Breaking Bad make it seem glamorous. Manufacturing drugs — like methamphetamine (meth), GHB (roofies) or PCP (angel dust) — may seem like an easy way to make money, or to fuel a drug addiction. But in California, doing so is a felony offense that can lead to serious consequences.
According to a drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, California, California law mandates a sentence of between 3 and 7 years for each conviction for manufacturing controlled substances. In addition, each conviction can result in a fine of $50,000. This crime is charged as a felony. In addition, even offering to manufacture drugs is a felony offense — punishable by up to 5 years in jail.
These penalties are just the baseline for manufacturing controlled substances. California considers the drug epidemic to be such a significant problem that it has made certain types of manufacturing punishable by even harsher terms. In addition to the sentences listed above, if you are convicted of certain aggravating factors, you could face the following additional jail times on top of your sentence:
- Manufacturing large quantities of a substance containing PCP, methamphetamines, and/or GHB: 3, 5, 10 or 15 years, depending on the amount manufactured;
- Causing death or injury: 1 year for each death or injury;
- Manufacturing narcotics in the presence of children: 2 years, plus five years if a child under 16 suffered great bodily injury; and
- Having certain prior drug-related convictions: 3 years for each prior felony conviction.
If you are charged with manufacturing drugs, you will not likely be eligible for a drug diversion program, unless your drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, California can prove that you were manufacturing a controlled substance for your personal use. In that case, you may be able to attend rehabilitation or another alternative sentencing arrangement.
A skilled drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, California may be able to present a strong defense to a charge of manufacturing controlled substances. For example, if the police discovered a drug lab as the result of an illegal search or seizure, your attorney may be able to have the results of the search suppressed. Similarly, if you are the victim of mistaken identity of false accusations, your lawyer can use that to argue that the charges against you should be dismissed.
Because the crime of manufacturing a controlled substance is so serious, with the potential for years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines (particularly if you are charged with multiple offenses), it is vital to hire a skilled drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, California to represent you. If you are convicted of this crime, you will face serious penalties. Having an experienced lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we are devoted to helping Californians who have been charged with a range of crimes, including drug crimes. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, California.
