If you are facing a drug manufacturing charge in Lakeland, Florida, you may face serious penalties. These cases may involve claims that you made, grew, prepared, or processed illegal drugs. Police may also use lab tests, surveillance, search warrants, statements, and other evidence to build the case.
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys can review how the investigation was handled, challenge weak or improper evidence, and build a defense based on the facts. Call (863) 688-4606 today to schedule a confidential consultation with our Lakeland drug manufacturing lawyer.
Why Choose Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys to Help Me If I’ve Been Accused of Drug Manufacturing in Lakeland, FL?
Drug manufacturing charges in Lakeland, FL, can involve lab tests, search warrants, police reports, and other technical evidence. Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys brings more than two decades of criminal defense experience to these cases. Attorney Thomas Grajek also has advanced training in forensic science.
Attorney Thomas Grajek’s qualifications include:
- A practice focused only on criminal defense.
- Experience with drug crime cases in Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida.
- Recognition as one of only four ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientists in Florida.
- Advanced training in forensic chemistry, drug pharmacology, chromatography, and data review.
- Experience challenging lab tests and police evidence.
Attorney Grajek’s forensic background can be especially valuable when a drug manufacturing case depends on laboratory results or other technical evidence. For help, call today to schedule a time to speak with our Lakeland criminal defense attorney.
What Is Drug Manufacturing in FL?
Under Florida law, “manufacture” can mean making, preparing, growing, processing, or changing a controlled substance. It can also include some types of packaging or labeling.
Drug manufacturing charges may involve:
- Growing or cultivating controlled substances.
- Making synthetic drugs.
- Mixing substances to create a controlled drug.
- Processing substances into a controlled substance.
- Packaging or relabeling drugs in some cases.
A person does not always have to be caught making drugs at the time of arrest to face this type of charge. Police may rely on equipment, chemicals, ingredients, lab results, surveillance, or statements when claiming that drug manufacturing took place.
Florida law can also make it illegal to own, rent, lease, or possess property while knowing it will be used to make controlled substances for sale or distribution.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in Lakeland, FL?
The penalties depend on the drug, the amount involved, and the facts of the case. Many drug manufacturing charges are felonies. Some Schedule V offenses may be misdemeanors.
If the amount of a drug reaches Florida’s trafficking limit, the case may become even more serious. Some trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and large fines.
Possible penalties and other consequences may include:
- Jail or prison time.
- Large fines.
- Probation.
- Mandatory minimum prison time in some trafficking cases.
- A felony conviction in many cases.
- Problems with jobs or housing.
- Problems with some professional licenses.
Penalties may also be higher in certain situations. For example, the law may treat an offense more seriously if it happens in a protected location or if a child is placed in danger.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Drug Manufacturing?
The defenses depend on the facts and the evidence. Being charged does not mean the state can prove that you knowingly took part in making drugs. The state must also prove the parts of the offense that apply to your charge.
Possible defenses may include:
- Lack of knowledge: You did not know drugs were being made or that the property was being used for that purpose.
- Lack of possession or control: The drugs, equipment, or property were not under your control.
- Illegal search or seizure: Police got evidence in violation of your constitutional rights.
- Not enough evidence: The state cannot prove that your actions met the legal meaning of manufacturing.
- Problems with lab testing: The substance may have been tested, handled, or identified incorrectly.
- Mistaken identity: The evidence does not show that you were the person involved in the alleged activity.
Some cases may involve more than one defense. For example, there may be questions about who controlled the property and whether the police had the legal right to search it.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Drug Manufacturing
Drug manufacturing cases may involve search warrants, lab reports, surveillance, chemical evidence, police testimony, and other records. A criminal defense attorney can review each part of the case and look for problems in the state’s evidence.
A Lakeland criminal defense lawyer may:
- Review searches, seizures, and warrants.
- Check lab results and forensic evidence.
- Review police reports and video evidence.
- Look at whether the state can prove knowledge and control.
- Challenge weak or improperly collected evidence.
- File motions to suppress evidence when needed.
- Negotiate for reduced charges or another favorable result.
- Prepare the case for trial when necessary.
An attorney can also compare the police report with videos, lab records, and other evidence to look for gaps or conflicts in the case.
Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With Our Drug Manufacturing Defense Lawyer
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys represents people facing serious drug charges in Lakeland, Florida, and throughout Polk County. Drug manufacturing cases may raise questions about who knew about the drugs, who controlled the property, how evidence was tested, and whether police followed the law.
If you have been accused of making a controlled substance, contact the firm today to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a Lakeland drug manufacturing attorney.