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Philadelphia Methamphetamine Manufacturing Lawyer
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    Philadelphia Methamphetamine Manufacturing Lawyer

    Manufacturing methamphetamine is a serious offense that, depending on the case, can be prosecuted under state or federal drug laws. Pennsylvania is a state whose rural areas have seen a resurgence in meth addiction, causing state legislators to create tough criminal penalties for methamphetamine manufacturing. The full range of meth manufacturing products, called “precursors,” may lead to criminal charges in Pennsylvania. If you or one of your family members was arrested and charged with manufacturing meth in Philadelphia, or is under investigation for other meth crimes, costly fines and years in prison are both potential outcomes.

    Fighting aggressively against these severe penalties is essential if you want to escape the kind of permanent and life-altering sentences that could take you away from your family. Not only has Philadelphia methamphetamine manufacturing lawyer Lloyd Long been defending clients against meth charges in Philadelphia for years – he is also a former prosecutor, giving him a deep understanding of the legal strategies for fighting these complex, high-stakes cases. If you or a loved one is facing felony meth charges in Philadelphia, including meth manufacturing, operating a meth lab, or possession of meth manufacturing materials, call the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171 for a free consultation.

    Methamphetamine Manufacturing Charges in Philadelphia

    Manufacturing methamphetamine is illegal under both state and federal laws. Under federal drug laws, meth is a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II drugs carry some of the harshest drug crime penalties due to their “high potential for abuse.”

    At the state level, Pennsylvania methamphetamine laws and other anti-drug laws are regulated by the Controlled Substance, Device, and Cosmetic Act. The Act defines the term “manufacture” to include “the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion or processing of a controlled substance,” including methamphetamine.

    State laws have criminalized not only the possession of meth, but also the possession of any item that is used to produce methamphetamine. To use a common example, Pennsylvania makes it illegal to possess pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine or any of its related forms. Pseudoephedrine is a common decongestant contained in Sudafed, SudoGest, Valu-Tapp, and other medications.

    Meth charges can be filed in state or federal court, depending on factors like whether the offense crossed state lines or involved government property. While all meth offenses can lead to severe penalties, federal cases have greater potential for high fines and lengthy prison sentences. In addition to carrying greater penalties, federal cases also follow different rules of evidence and judicial procedures. Therefore, it is essential to be represented by a defense attorney who is qualified to handle federal drug trafficking charges if you, your spouse, or one of your family members is under investigation by the FBI, DEA, or other federal agencies.

    People who have been charged with meth manufacturing in Philadelphia or other regions of Pennsylvania can quickly find themselves behind bars and labeled as a felon for life. There are many factors at play in any given arrest, which, if recognized and swiftly acted upon by an experienced meth manufacturing charges lawyer in Philadelphia, can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration. 

    Criminal Penalties for Manufacturing Meth in Philadelphia

    Not only do manufacturing-related offenses involve large quantities of methamphetamine – they also involve a high potential for causing harm to others. For both of these reasons, the act of allegedly manufacturing methamphetamine, or even attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, is a more serious criminal charge than the possession of methamphetamine for personal use, a lesser offense known as “simple possession.” In short, manufacturing is one of the more serious drug crimes that a defendant can be charged with.

    Unlike some other drug offenses, manufacturing methamphetamine or operating a meth lab is generally a felony, which has harsher consequences than a misdemeanor. The specific penalties for meth offenses can vary, depending on factors such as: 

    • The quantity of methamphetamine involved
    • Whether the alleged crime occurred in a school zone or involved a minor
    • Whether the defendant was in possession of a firearm
    • Whether the defendant was operating a meth lab (a facility where meth is produced)
    • Whether it is the defendant’s first offense, second offense, or third offense

    Other related offenses include:

    • Operation of Methamphetamine Lab – This offense is charged under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7508.2. Operation of a meth lab may be a second degree felony or first degree felony depending on whether the meth is produced within 1,000 feet of a school or within 250 feet of a playground.
    • Possession of Precursor Chemicals – This refers to the possession of meth manufacturing materials. The sentence can be up to 20 years, depending on the circumstances.

    In addition to serving hefty sentences in state or federal prison, defendants can also be ordered to pay enormous fines and restitution that can cost thousands of dollars or more. Furthermore, the defendant will gain a criminal record, which can make it difficult or impossible to find work, earn professional licenses, enlist in the military, travel abroad, purchase or own firearms, pass background checks for renting and housing, and look for other opportunities in life.

    Philadelphia Meth Manufacturing Defense Attorney Lloyd Long Can Fight for You

    Philadelphia meth manufacturing defense lawyer Lloyd Long has extensive courtroom experience and a track record of success in handling serious meth charges in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. At the Law Office of Lloyd Long, our resourceful and dedicated team has excelled in this high-stakes area of the law that demands aggressive lawyering and a willingness to fight. If you or a loved one has been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and wants to escape some of the nation’s harshest sentencing guidelines, we can fight for you or your family member.

    We handle meth-related criminal charges throughout the Philadelphia area, including West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Center City, and the surrounding suburbs and counties. To set up a confidential legal consultation completely free of charge with our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer, contact the Law Office of Lloyd Long online, or call us today at (215) 302-0171. Calls are answered 24 hours a day.