Westchester County Drug Manufacturing Lawyer
Drug manufacturing typically consists of mixing certain chemicals to produce an illegal controlled substance. Some common controlled substances involved in these charges include heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and Ecstasy. As criminal offenses involving the production of illicit drugs can carry the potential for severe penalties, a Westchester drug manufacturing lawyer could offer the strong legal defense that you need when facing such charges.
Because of the dangers of manufacturing drugs, New York takes these charges extremely seriously. Due to the potential for harsh consequences, you should seek the help of an experienced defense lawyer if you are in facing these allegations.
Possession of Chemicals Used to Produce Illicit Substances
Many laws related to drug manufacturing focus on methamphetamine. While some focus on the manufacturing process, others focus on possession of the precursors of meth, which include legal substances that lawmakers restricted due to the role that they play in manufacturing meth.
For instance, New York Penal Code § 220.70 establishes the offense of criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree, which is a Class A misdemeanor. This offense occurs when someone possesses precursors, chemical reagents, or solvents with the intent to use or the knowledge that it will be used to produce meth. Under New York Penal Code § 220.71, for those with a previous conviction within the past five years, the charge increases to first-degree criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material, a Class E felony.
Furthermore, if someone possesses the precursors to methamphetamine and chemical reagents or solvents, it is also a Class E felony under New York Penal Code §220.72. A lawyer in Westchester could develop a strong defense strategy for someone facing drug manufacturing charges.
Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in Westchester
New York law also provides for three degrees of illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. A third-degree offense, as outlined in New York Penal Code § 220.73, occurs when someone possesses certain combinations of lab equipment, precursors, chemical reagents, and solvents used to produce meth. The person also must have the intent to manufacture meth or the knowledge that the equipment and materials will be used to make meth to commit this offense, which is a Class D felony.
Second-degree unlawful manufacture of meth under New York Penal Code § 220.74 involves committing unlawful manufacture of meth as defined above in the presence of certain minor children. Furthermore, when someone has previous convictions for illegal manufacture of meth within the past five years, the charge elevates to second-degree unlawful manufacture of meth. This offense is a Class C felony.
Finally, Class B felony first-degree manufacture of meth charges may occur when someone has a record of prior convictions of related crimes within a limited period. As the penalties for any conviction for production of meth charges can be quite harsh, contacting a Westchester drug manufacturing attorney is important in these cases.
Penalties for Manufacturing
The penalties for the illegal manufacture of meth carry the potential for harsh penalties, including decades in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines, depending on the degree of the offense charged. Even the least serious possession of paraphernalia and chemicals used to manufacture meth can result in up to one year in jail.
Most meth manufacturing charges are felony offenses, which can result in collateral consequences beyond those imposed by the criminal justice system. For example, a loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to possess firearms can be a result of a felony conviction. Having a permanent felony conviction also can make getting jobs and housing far more difficult than it is for those with no criminal background.
What are the Collateral Consequences of a Drug Manufacturing Conviction?
There is no denying that the statutory penalties that come with a drug manufacturing conviction can be steep. Outside of the prison time or fines a defendant might face, there are also collateral consequences common with a felony drug conviction.
A conviction for drug manufacturing can impact a person’s constitutional rights. This includes preventing them from owning a firearm or voting. Likewise, it could also have a detrimental impact on a person’s livelihood. A drug manufacturing conviction can result in the revocation of a professional license required for a number of jobs including nurses, teachers, or pilots. Employers are also likely to hold a felony conviction against an applicant.
A conviction can have other collateral consequences, as well. For example, landlords may screen their tenants based on their criminal record. A landlord is within their rights to deny an application based on a drug manufacturing conviction. An attorney in Westchester County could help someone avoid or minimize the consequences of a drug manufacturing conviction.
What Defenses are Available in a Drug Manufacturing Case?
Anyone facing drug manufacturing charges could have an array of defense strategies at their disposal. What is important to understand is that not every defense will work in every situation. For that reason, it takes a thorough review of a case to determine which defense might be appropriate. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of evidence
- Illegal search and seizure
- Entrapment
- Personal use
A Westchester County lawyer could determine what defense strategy may work best in a particular drug manufacturing case.
A Westchester Drug Manufacturing Attorney Can Be an Advocate
If law enforcement accused you of crimes related to the manufacture of methamphetamine or other controlled substances, you should put yourself in a better position to fight the charges. Working with a Westchester drug manufacturing lawyer may allow you to mount a stronger and more effective defense in your case. To start building your defense, call today.