Possession of Meth Manufacturing Material

It is difficult to dispute the catastrophic implications of America’s methamphetamine abuse epidemic. Entire families have been torn apart by the unrelenting grip of addiction and lives continue to be destroyed by it each and every day. A skilled drug possession lawyer need not share this with you. Merely turn on the news, listen to the radio or hop on the internet.

• New York Drug Crimes and Laws

New York has not been immune to the devastating consequences of the widespread use of this dangerous substance, and the legislature has responded by enacting statutes designed to stem the tide but also to impose severe penalties on those involved. If you are facing possession of meth manufacturing materials and wish to mount a strong legal defense, now is the time to act.

Impact of Methamphetamine Abuse

Otherwise referred to as speed, meth, crystal meth, ice or uppers, methamphetamine is a synthetically produced, harmful and addictive type of stimulant. The substance may be taken via inhalation, orally or intravenously, and routine use is known to cause brain damage as well as dizziness, convulsions, fever and sometimes death. Because of this, it is a crime to possess this controlled substance for even the smallest amount of personal use pursuant to New York Penal Law 220.03.

• Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree: NY PL 220.03

Not only is methamphetamine harmful when used in the above-referenced ways, it is also quite dangerous to manufacture, given the explosive ingredients required for its production.

Possession of Manufacturing Material

According to New York Penal Law 220.70, it is illegal to possess a chemical reagent, precursor or solvent with the intention of using such substance or substances to prepare, produce or manufacture methamphetamine. This is the offense of Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the Second degree, which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

According to New York Penal Law 220.71, an individual may face additional penalties for Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the First Degree if they had previously been convicted of the same crime within the previous five years. This offense is categorized as a Class E felony.

Defining the Production Process

Anyone facing a charge related to possession of meth manufacturing materials needs to have a firm grasp of which substances are in fact prohibited. “Precursors” to meth production include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine or any isomer, salt or sale of an isomer of those substances. “Chemical reagents” are a series of substances that are regularly utilized in the production, manufacture or preparation of meth, and “solvents” are a class of materials that are also known to be necessary for meth production.

Penalties Upon Conviction

A Class A misdemeanor offense, possession of meth manufacturing materials can yield up to a full year in jail or three years of probation. Monetary fines of up to $1,000 may also be imposed on those convicted. The Class E felony offense of accumulating a second conviction on the same charge within five years will bring one to one and one-half years of imprisonment, fines of up to $5,000 and the potential for long-term probationary supervision. There is no substitute for an aggressive legal defense for those wishing to avoid the serious ramifications a finding of guilt is sure to produce.

Hiring a Lawyer

It is impossible to disregard the tragic toll methamphetamine abuse continues to have on countless individuals and families across New York. However, that is not to say that people who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to defend against charges of Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine. If you are among those accused of this offense, aligning with a seasoned advocate can provide you with the best chance of securing the outcome you desire.

Call the New York Drug Lawyers and Former Manhattan Prosecutors at (212) 312-7129 or contact us online today.