Chicago, IL Drug Manufacturing Lawyer

Respected Attorney Addressing Charges of Manufacturing Controlled Substances in Chicago, Illinois

There are multiple types of drug crimes that people may face when they are accused of being involved in activities related to controlled substances. In addition to drug possession or drug distribution, a person may be accused of manufacturing controlled substances. These cases often involve allegations of producing large quantities of controlled substances that will be sold or distributed to others. A conviction for drug manufacturing can result in decades of prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record.

To address accusations of manufacturing controlled substances, it is important to work with an attorney who can develop a strong defense. The team at Miranda Law Office, LTD provides legal help for people who are facing drug charges in Chicago and Cook County. Attorney Manuel Miranda has been working in the field of criminal law for over 20 years, and he understands the strategies that are most likely to be effective when defending against drug crime allegations. Through our bilingual legal services, we help clients who speak English or Spanish address criminal charges, and we fight to protect our clients' rights at all times.

What Is Drug Manufacturing?

Under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act (720 ILCS 570/401), drug manufacturing may include any activities related to creating or processing controlled substances and preparing them for distribution. It can include mixing chemicals, cultivating plants, or packaging drugs to be sold. Specific activities that may lead to drug manufacturing charges include:

• Operating a methamphetamine lab to produce meth for personal use or sale.
• Growing marijuana plants without a valid cultivation license, even for small-scale operations.
• Compounding prescription medications illegally or altering drugs for resale.
• Possessing chemicals and equipment with the intent to manufacture controlled substances.
• Producing synthetic drugs, such as ecstasy (MDMA) or fentanyl, in a home or commercial lab.
• Separating large quantities of drugs into smaller packages, such as baggies or capsules, so that they can be sold to individual users.

Drug manufacturing charges may apply even if the alleged production of controlled substances was interrupted before it could be completed. Possession of certain precursor chemicals or equipment can also result in criminal charges. Evidence that may play a role in drug manufacturing cases may also include items like scales that are used to process drugs or packaging materials such as small baggies.

Methamphetamine Manufacturing and Related Offenses

Because of the risks presented by methamphetamine, charges related to the manufacturing of this drug can be especially serious. The Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act (720 ILCS 646) details multiple offenses related to meth production, including:

• Participation in Methamphetamine Manufacturing (720 ILCS 646/15): A person who is accused of operating a meth lab or engaging in activities related to methamphetamine production may face serious felony charges. This is a Class 1 felony offense even in cases involving amounts as low as 15 grams of meth, and larger quantities can lead to increasingly serious penalties that may include sentences of up to 60 years in prison and fines as high as $400,000. Aggravating factors such as manufacturing meth near schools, parks, or residential buildings may lead to even more severe penalties.
• Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Materials (720 ILCS 646/30): A person who is accused of possessing, transporting, storing, or delivering chemicals or equipment used to produce meth, such as pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, or glassware, may face Class 2 felony charges. Other charges, such as possession of precursor chemicals, may lead to more serious penalties depending on the amounts in question.

Addressing Drug Manufacturing Charges

Defending against drug manufacturing allegations requires a detailed understanding of Illinois law, scientific evidence, and procedural safeguards. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we have a strong understanding of the factors that can affect these cases, and we can build effective strategies while fighting to protect our clients' rights.

Our attorney may argue that a person had no knowledge of drug manufacturing activities. For example, if a search of a person's property uncovered meth lab equipment or drug packaging materials, but the person was not aware of any drug manufacturing activities, we may take steps to demonstrate that another person had committed an offense without our client's knowledge.

We can also take steps to address illegal actions by police officers and law enforcement officials. Before performing searches, officers will usually need to obtain search warrants. If a search was conducted without a warrant or without any probable cause to believe that a crime had been committed, our lawyer will work to ensure that any evidence obtained cannot be used in court.

With Attorney Miranda's background as a former Cook County prosecutor, he can anticipate the strategies that may be used during a case and take steps to counter them effectively. He may take steps to demonstrate that equipment or materials were not intended for drug manufacturing, or he may challenge unreliable evidence or witness testimony. Through thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy, he will work to prevent a conviction for drug manufacturing.

Contact Our Chicago, IL Drug Manufacturing Defense Attorney

At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we understand the complexity and seriousness of drug crime cases, and we can help defend against charges related to manufacturing controlled substances. Contact our Chicago drug manufacturing defense lawyer and arrange a confidential consultation by calling our office at 773-588-3822.