Being charged with drug manufacturing in Florida is a serious matter with life-changing consequences. Whether law enforcement found chemicals in your garage or raided your property based on someone else’s tip, you may now be facing felony charges that carry the threat of years behind bars.
At Van Elswyk Law, we defend people accused of drug manufacturing across Florida. We understand how quickly things can spiral once charges are filed, and we’re here to help you fight back.
What Is Drug Manufacturing?
Florida law defines drug manufacturing broadly. It doesn’t just refer to large-scale drug labs. You could be charged with manufacturing for:
- Growing marijuana plants
- Mixing chemicals used to make methamphetamine
- Creating THC edibles or concentrates
- Possessing pill presses or glassware used for synthetic drugs
In many cases, prosecutors don’t need to prove that you produced a final product. Simply having certain equipment, raw materials, or written instructions may be enough for them to move forward. If law enforcement believes you intended to make an illegal substance, you could face manufacturing charges, even if nothing was actually made.
Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in Florida
Most drug manufacturing charges are treated as second- or first-degree felonies. The penalties depend on the type of substance, the amount involved, and other factors. If you’ve been accused of manufacturing drugs near a school, daycare, or public park, the stakes are even higher.
Here’s a general overview of what’s on the line:
- Second-degree felony: Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: Up to 30 years in prison and even higher fines
- Mandatory minimums: If the quantity of drugs reaches trafficking thresholds
- Other consequences: Probation, loss of driving privileges, and a felony record that follows you for life
Manufacturing charges can also come with federal implications. If your case involves interstate activity or large amounts of controlled substances, federal prosecutors may get involved.
Building Your Defense: How We Can Help
No two cases are the same. We take the time to examine every detail and challenge the prosecution’s version of events. Depending on your situation, your defense might include:
- Illegal search and seizure: If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, we may be able to suppress the evidence.
- Lack of intent: Possessing chemicals or equipment doesn’t always mean you intended to make drugs.
- No direct connection: You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or unaware of what others were doing.
- Flawed lab results: Forensic evidence isn’t always as reliable as it seems.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, we’ll expose it.
We’ll also investigate whether there’s an opportunity to reduce or dismiss the charges through alternative resolutions, such as pretrial diversion programs or drug court.
Why Your Lawyer Makes a Difference
When you’re facing drug manufacturing charges, you need more than a general criminal defense attorney. These cases often involve technical evidence, lab testing, and complex constitutional issues. Prosecutors tend to be aggressive and may offer plea deals before you’ve even had a chance to review the full scope of the case.
We don’t take shortcuts. At Van Elswyk Law, we dig into the details, file motions when your rights have been violated, and build the strongest defense possible. If there’s a path to dismissal, we’ll explore it fully and pursue every opportunity to strengthen your case. If trial is your best option, we’ll be ready.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
If you’ve been arrested or think you’re under investigation for drug manufacturing, the best thing you can do is stay silent and contact a lawyer immediately. Talking to police without representation can hurt your case, even if you’re trying to explain yourself.
We’re here to guide you through what comes next. The earlier we get involved, the more options you’ll have.
Contact an Experienced Bradenton, Sarasota, & Tampa Drug Manufacturing Attorney
A drug manufacturing charge can threaten everything: your freedom, your reputation, and your future. But you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Van Elswyk Law today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.