Minnesota law defines drug manufacturing as the creation of illegal drugs in a chemical lab or growing facility. In some states it also includes possessing ingredients and materials that are used to make drugs. Drug manufacturing is a serious offense (usually a felony) with equally serious consequences.
Drug manufacturing offenders can face up to several decades of prison time. Factors such as the size of the drug operation and the kind of drugs produced can influence the final sentence. Because of the seriousness of the penalties, those accused of drug manufacturing should seek out an experienced Minnesota drug attorney to handle their defense.
Minnesota Drug Cultivation Lawyer
According to Minnesota drug law, drug cultivation has two definitions
- Growing, possessing, or producing plants and other natural elements that can be used to produce unlawful controlled substances, such as marijuana
- The production of illegal controlled substances which require laboratory equipment and chemicals to produce, such as LSD and methamphetamine.
Police can charge an individual with drug cultivation if they find the supplies to make drugs, even if no actual drugs are present. For example, possessing chemicals used to make methamphetamine, or high-powered lamps and cannabis seeds used to grow marijuana can result in a Minnesota drug cultivation charge.
Sometimes innocent, everyday activities can make it appear that an individual is cultivating drugs or has the materials for drug cultivation. Common household materials, such as anhydrous ammonia, which is found in fertilizer, and the decongestant pseudoephedrine, can lead to charges of drug cultivation since these are used to manufacture methamphetamine. A Minnesota drug attorney will be able to find the best way to protect you from being convicted on circumstantial evidence.
Drug Manufacture & Cultivation Penalties
There are minimum penalties for people convicted of drug manufacturing. In addition to prison time, penalties can also include large fines and property seizure, depending on the nature of the manufacturing lab or growing facilities.
Penalties for drug cultivation vary based on the amount and type of drug found. Laws sometimes allow the home and assets of an individual to be confiscated if law enforcement thinks they have been used to cultivate drugs or have been purchased with the proceeds from drug cultivation. It is extremely important that anyone charged with a drug cultivation offense contacts a criminal defense attorney.
Minnesota Drug Attorney
A skilled drug cultivation lawyer in Minnesota can help fight the seizure of your property or freezing of your assets. Drug cultivation charges are far more serious than simple drug possession charges, and having a knowledgeable Minnesota criminal defense attorney on your side is your safest bet.
