Miami, FL Drug Manufacturing Defense Attorney

Aggressive Lawyer Defending Against Drug Manufacturing Charges in Miami

In Florida, drug crime charges can be very serious, and they can range from "minor" offenses involving drug possession to large-scale drug trafficking schemes. They may also include drug manufacturing, which can include synthesizing large quantities of controlled substances or other activities related to processing drugs and preparing them for sale or distribution. People who are accused of drug manufacturing will face charges similar to those for drug sales or distribution.

Because a conviction for drug manufacturing carries severe penalties, it is crucial for anyone who has been charged with this offense to secure legal representation. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami drug manufacturing defense lawyer can work to prevent a conviction by challenging the prosecution's evidence or demonstrating that a person was engaged in legal activities, such as possessing chemicals for non-drug-related purposes. We fight to protect the rights of our clients and help them resolve drug-related charges successfully.

What Is Considered Drug Manufacturing in Florida?

Under Florida law, drug manufacturing includes any action taken to produce, prepare, process, convert, or synthesize a controlled substance. This may involve:

• Growing illegal substances, such as marijuana
• Producing synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly), or fentanyl
• Operating a drug lab or mixing chemicals to create narcotics
• Using precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment to manufacture controlled substances
• Processing drugs by mixing them with other substances and dividing them into containers for distribution
• Packaging drugs, such as by weighing them and placing them in small baggies or vials for individual sale

Even possessing certain chemicals and materials may be enough for prosecutors to pursue drug manufacturing charges, especially if there is evidence of intent to produce illegal substances.

Evidence Used in Drug Manufacturing Cases

Law enforcement and prosecutors rely on multiple types of evidence when pursuing drug manufacturing charges, including:

• Chemical Substances and Precursor Materials: Possession of the ingredients used to produce drugs, such as pseudoephedrine (commonly found in cold medicine), acetone, or ammonia, may be considered evidence of intent to manufacture drugs.
• Manufacturing Equipment: Items such as glassware, scales, lab setups, or grow lights for marijuana cultivation can suggest illegal drug production.
• Large Quantities of Controlled Substances: The presence of significant amounts of drugs may be used to support allegations of manufacturing rather than simple possession.
• Surveillance Footage and Law Enforcement Observations: Police may use video surveillance, drone footage, or officer testimony to establish that drug production activities took place.
• Testimony from Witnesses or Informants: Statements from neighbors, co-workers, or confidential informants may be used to claim that a person is involved in drug manufacturing.
• Financial and Utility Records: Unusually high electricity or water usage may suggest the operation of a grow house or methamphetamine lab.

Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in Florida

The severity of penalties for drug manufacturing are similar to those that apply for drug distribution or possession with intent to distribute. Accusations of manufacturing most Schedule I or II controlled substances will result in second-degree felony charges, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $10,000. Manufacturing Schedule III or IV substances or substances like LSD or PCP is a third-degree felony offense, which can lead to a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Additional penalties may apply in certain situations involving accusations of manufacturing methamphetamine. Due to the possibility of fires or explosions, meth manufacturing operations that put children at risk of harm can lead to first-degree felony charges. A first-degree felony conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, and if a meth lab was operated in a building where a child under the age of 16 was present, an offense will carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. If an offense caused a child under 16 to suffer great bodily harm, the mandatory minimum sentence increases to 10 years.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Drug Manufacturing Lawyer

Drug manufacturing charges can carry harsh penalties, which is why it is so important to have a strong legal defense. At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney can review law enforcement procedures, file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, challenge the prosecution's claims regarding intent and knowledge, present evidence showing that there were lawful reasons for possessing chemicals or equipment, and negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or the dismissal of a case.

If you are facing drug manufacturing charges in Miami, Attorney Evan Hoffman will fight to protect your rights. With a strong legal advocate on your side, you can rest assured that your case is being handled correctly. Contact our firm today by calling 305-249-0090 to discuss your case in a free consultation and explore your defense options.