A Florida Drug Manufacturing Lawyer Guiding You to Solutions
Drug manufacturing charges can have a profound impact on your life. However, the situation is not one without hope. You can take steps to protect your future. A skilled drug manufacturing attorney can advocate for you and help you find the right way forward.
Based in Dade City, we at Karatinos Law, PLLC, stand up for individuals facing drug manufacturing accusations in Pasco County, Sumter County and Hernando County, Florida. Our attorney, Keeley Karatinos, is a fierce advocate known for her unwavering dedication to her clients. She counts many of her clients among her lifelong friends. She knows what is needed to successfully fight complex drug charges.
What Is Drug Manufacturing in Florida?
Under Florida law, drug manufacturing is the creation of a controlled substance through chemical processes or natural methods. This can encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Operating a meth lab
- Cultivating marijuana plants
- Extracting substances from plants
- Mixing chemicals to yield illegal substances
- Producing drugs with equipment or devices
Florida Statute § 893.13 prohibits all such drug manufacturing activities.
Is Drug Manufacturing a Felony?
Yes, drug manufacturing is typically a felony offense in Florida. The felony level depends on the type of drug. Most charges are either third-degree or second-degree felonies.
Examples of drugs for which manufacturing is a second-degree felony include:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Marijuana (more than 25 plants)
Meanwhile, drug manufacturing is typically a third-degree felony for drugs like:
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Marijuana (25 or fewer plants)
The only types of controlled substances that do not trigger felony charges for manufacturing are Schedule V drugs. Manufacturing of such substances is instead a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in Florida?
For most drug manufacturing charges in the state, the maximum penalties are:
- Third-degree felony: Up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
- Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Having a strong defense could help with minimizing exposure to such penalties.
Certain Opioids Can Trigger More Severe Charges
The opioid crisis has had major impacts here in Florida. In response to this, authorities have been very aggressive in their efforts to fight opioid-related drug crimes. So, it is not surprising that Florida laws against drug manufacturing treat certain opioids differently. The manufacturing of certain types of such drugs, such as fentanyl, rises to the level of being a first-degree felony. This increases the maximum possible prison sentence to 30 years.
Why Location Matters in Drug Manufacturing Cases
Where you are accused of manufacturing drugs can significantly impact your case. Enhanced charges could be on the table if the alleged activity took place near:
- Public housing
- A mental health facility
- A childcare facility
- A community center
- A church
- A school or college/university
Aggravating circumstances such as these can elevate the felony level of Florida drug manufacturing charges and lead to heavier potential penalties.
Enhanced Methamphetamine Manufacturing Charges
Florida law has special rules regarding the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Under certain conditions, such as when the manufacturing occurs in the presence of a minor under 16 or causes serious injury to such an individual, charges are upped to a first-degree felony. Such circumstances also trigger mandatory minimum sentences. This minimum is five years for manufacturing in the presence of someone under 16, and 10 years for causing harm to such a minor.
Can Drug Manufacturing Allegations Lead to Drug Trafficking Charges in Florida?
Yes, manufacturing certain controlled substances above certain amounts can trigger drug trafficking charges under Florida Statute § 893.135. What this threshold amount is depends on the drug in question. For example, it is 14 grams for methamphetamine, while it’s 28 grams for cocaine. Trafficking charges generally carry more severe penalties. However, like drug manufacturing charges, they can be contested. An experienced drug defense lawyer can help you understand your options on this front.
Charges Of Possession with Intent to Manufacture
Under Florida Statute § 893.13, it’s not only illegal to manufacture drugs but also to possess controlled substances with the intent to manufacture. This underscores that there is a wide range of charges that can arise in manufacturing cases. This is among the reasons why having a tailored defense is so important when drug manufacturing allegations arise.
Common Defense Strategies Against Drug Manufacturing Charges
There are a variety of ways to fight charges related to allegations of illegal drug production. Examples include:
- Asserting that the prosecution failed to show you engaged in manufacturing activities.
- Claiming that you didn’t know manufacturing was occurring on your property.
- Arguing that a search that led to police finding evidence against you was illegal.
- Questioning the credibility of witness testimony used to support the prosecution’s case.
Finding the right defense approach given your case’s specifics can be critical.
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
When you are facing Florida drug manufacturing charges, a skilled lawyer can provide invaluable support by:
- Ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
- Preparing a robust defense on your behalf.
- Identifying weaknesses and inconsistencies of the prosecution’s case.
- Exploring your options for plea deals or reduced charges.
- Standing up for you at trial, if needed.
- Seeking to minimize the impact of your case on your life.
Having an experienced defender in your corner can go a long way in protecting your future.
Reach Out Now for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to face drug manufacturing charges alone. Attorney Keeley is ready to help. Set up a free in-person consultation with her today by contacting our firm by email or by phone at 352-405-0537. Spanish and Russian language services are available.