Greenwich Drug Manufacturing Lawyer
Although penalties for drug possession have been reduced in recent years, the same cannot be said about those who manufacture and distribute illegal drugs. If you face drug manufacturing charges, you will be facing felony charges with substantial potential jail sentences. Because of this, it is important to understand the charges and how to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Fortunately, a knowledgeable Greenwich drug manufacturing lawyer could assist you throughout criminal proceedings. In addition to representing your interests in court, a criminal defense attorney could offer guidance to help you reach the optimum outcome based on the circumstances of your case.
What is a Drug Manufacturing Charge?
C.G.S. § 21a-277 and C.G.S. § 21a-278 make it illegal to “manufacture, distribute, sell, prescribe, dispense, compound, [or] transport” a controlled substance with the intent to sell, dispense, offer, give, or administer the drug to another person.
Controlled substances are defined as drugs or other material that have a certain effect on the human central nervous system and that may be prone to abuse or addiction.
Under any of these statutes, the crime is a felony and carries the potential of jail time. Which version you can be charged under, and how severe the potential penalties depends primarily on the nature and amount of the drug, who you are selling the drug to, and whether you are drug dependent.
What are the Penalties for Drug Manufacturing?
Under C.G.S. § 21a-278(a), if the drug involved is one ounce or more of heroin or methadone, or one-half ounce of cocaine, then the drug manufacturing charge is a felony that carries a minimum jail sentence of five years and up to life.
Under C.G.S. § 21a-278(b), if the drug involved is not heroin, methadone, or cocaine, but is still considered a narcotic, a hallucinogen (other than marijuana), an amphetamine, or one kilogram or more of a cannabis-type substance, then the drug manufacturing charge is a felony that carries a minimum jail sentence of five years and up to life.
Both of these sections do not apply to a person who is drug dependent. Instead, for those who are drug dependent, C.G.S. § 21a-277 will apply which carries no minimum mandatory jail sentence, but up to fifteen years in jail. A prosecutor may decide to charge someone who is not drug dependent under this section as well. Factors that would make it more likely that a prosecutor would only charge this version include the nature of the drug, the criminal history of the person charged and the circumstances.
Are There Aggravating Circumstances That can Make the Punishments More Severe?
Yes. If the person who is manufacturing drugs is caught distributing to someone under 18 years old, C.G.S. § 21a-278a slaps on an additional two years on top of any sentence imposed on the underlying charges. Likewise, if the distribution occurs within 1,500 feet of a school, child care center, or public housing, then three years are tacked on. There are other circumstances that aggravate the crime as well, such as, whether the person is a repeat offender.
Contact a Greenwich Drug Manufacturing Attorney
If you are facing charges that include lengthy prison sentences for a first-time offense, it is important to carefully consider your options. Before deciding on your next step, you may benefit from an experienced Greenwich drug manufacturing lawyer’s advice.
In addition to knowledge and experience, an attorney could help collect and preserve evidence to build the best possible defense for your case. Allow an attorney to help evaluate your decisions and guide you throughout the legal process. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation and discuss your options.