Methamphetamine Manufacturing Drug Charges
If the television show “Breaking Bad” taught us anything, it is that the manufacturing of methamphetamine can be a highly lucrative endeavor. Methamphetamine manufacturing laboratories that are well hidden can be hard for law enforcement to detect, and so individuals who operate a methamphetamine lab might be operational for quite a while, even possibly years, before getting caught by the police.
However, the possession, sale, distribution, and manufacture of methamphetamine is illegal under the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. Regardless of whether the operation involves making a tiny batch of methamphetamine, or pounds of it, those who are caught will be charged with a felony.
Methamphetamine Manufacturing Conviction
Anyone who is charged with methamphetamine manufacturing faces a felony conviction, which most likely means years of jail time, in addition to the payment of hefty fines. A conviction also means that the criminal defendant’s name will be placed on the Convicted Methamphetamine Manufacturer Registry, which is maintained by the Illinois State Police. This registry is made available to the public and lists the convicted felon’s name, date of birth, the offense(s) that landed them on the registry, their conviction date, and the county where they were found to be manufacturing methamphetamine.
Aggravated Methamphetamine Manufacturing
Making methamphetamine is dangerous. There is risk of explosion, toxic fumes, fire, chemical burns, etc. When an individual manufactures methamphetamine in a place where he or she can hurt other people if something goes wrong, it is considered aggravated methamphetamine manufacturing, and this charge carries more serious consequences than methamphetamine manufacturing. Methamphetamine manufacturing can be aggravated if:
- The methamphetamine manufacturing occurred in a multi-unit dwelling;
- The methamphetamine manufacturing occurred somewhere where a minor, disabled person, a person over 60 years old, or pregnant woman was present;
- The methamphetamine manufacturing occurred in a location that is protected by guns, explosions, booby traps, alarm systems, guard dogs, surveillance, or dangerous animals;
- The methamphetamine manufacturing occurred in a location that is within 1,000 feet of a place of worship or school;
- The methamphetamine manufacturing causes someone to:
- Be killed;
- Suffer serious bodily injury;
- Become disabled; or
- Become disfigured.
- The methamphetamine manufacturing causes a fire or explosion that damages property.
Are You Facing Methamphetamine Charges?
Do not hesitate to contact a Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney if you are facing methamphetamine manufacturing charges. A conviction for methamphetamine manufacturing is a felony and is not something to take lightly. Reach out to us today for help.
Source:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2733