As one of the most serious drug offenses, illegally manufacturing drugs in Texas comes with serious punishment, including fines and prison time. Under Texas law, “drug manufacturing” refers to the compounding, preparation, conversion, production, processing, or propagation of controlled substances.
These include (but are not limited to) methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. If an individual mixes chemicals to create LSD, grows marijuana plants, or “cooks” meth, they will likely be charged with a crime. Here’s a closer look at the penalties for this offense.
Prison Sentence
Under Texas law, an individual can be convicted of a state jail felony if they’re caught manufacturing illegal drugs in the state. This entails a prison sentence of up to two years. The charge may increase to a second- or first-degree felony depending on the nature of the crime and the circumstances surrounding it. In this case, the prison sentence can increase to 99 years.
Fines
This crime isn’t taken lightly in Texas. In addition to serving a harsh jail sentence, offenders are also required to pay life-altering fines. You may be fined up to $10,000 or even $250,000 for more serious drug manufacturing charges.
Building a Strong Defense
If you were recently caught manufacturing illegal drugs in Texas, start building an aggressive defense today. Because of the serious nature of this offense, it’s imperative that you hire a skilled and tenacious attorney to defend you in court. While many people think they can defend themselves in court, few are successful—including defendants who are themselves lawyers.
You should know that your future and freedom are at stake, so make sure you thoroughly research and vet criminal defense attorneys who have defended similar cases and can clearly explain your rights and your options. Your attorney should also have experience in the courtroom as a former prosecutor. This insight allows them to almost predict the strategy adopted by the state in your case and attempt to set up a counter strategy.
Attorney JL Carpenter can help you fight for your rights. Over the years, she has handled numerous drug possession and manufacturing cases in Texas. JL builds a strong case for her clients with the goal of protecting their freedom and striving to have their cases dismissed.
Click here to reach out to her today. Her practice areas also include DWI, domestic violence, and family violence, among others. She represents clients in Clear Lake, Webster, Friendswood, League City, La Porte and Sugar Land. You can also explore her track record to help you make an informed decision.