The manufacturing of methamphetamine is illegal under both federal and state laws, and when individuals in New York are accused of being involved in any step of the illicit drug production process, they are likely to face serious consequences. In most cases, a suspect will face drug charges if they are in possession of a drug; however, the accused could also face charges for being in possession of precursor chemicals, specialized equipment or being documented offering to help manufacture a drug.
What are the penalties for a drug manufacturing charge in New York? Charges arising from this drug crime in the state of New York are typically felonies. For example, a suspected offender will be charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine in the 3rd degree if they are possessing certain laboratory equipment in combination with methamphetamine precursors with the intent to use, or having knowledge that another intends to use them to manufacture methamphetamine. This charge is considered a Class D felony and carries a prison term ranging from one to 2.5 years and up to $5,000 in fines.
On the other hand, an individual could be charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine in the 2nd degree if they committed the crime in the presence of someone under the age of 16, and with the offender being at least five years older than them, or if the accused had a prior conviction of certain methamphetamine crimes in the past five years. This is considered a Class C felony and carries a prison term of one to 5.5 years and a fine up to $15,000.
Lastly, a suspect could be charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in the 1st degree if the accused committed manufacturing methamphetamine in the 2nd degree, and also had a prior conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine. This is considered a Class B felony and carries a prison term of one to nine years and a fine up to $30,000.
Drug crimes, such as drug manufacturing, can carry serious penalties. A conviction could greatly impact the defendant’s life, making it difficult for them to deal with the personal and professional consequences associated with such charges. Therefore, defendants should become fully aware of their defense options. This could help them take the necessary steps to get the charges against them reduced or even dismissed.
Source: Cga.ct.gov, “New York Drug Possession and Sale Crimes,” Christopher Reinhart, accessed July 18, 2016
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