Were you arrested or charged with drug manufacturing in San Jose, California? Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys for immediate help from attorneys with 30 years of combined defense experience. Facing allegations of making or processing illegal drugs in California puts defendants at risk of serious penalties and a criminal record.
The prosecution will use every tool possible to build a case against you, and you need to do everything you can to fight back. When you’re ready to get help for charges you’re facing in San Jose, California, we’re here. Contact us at (408) 217-8818 to schedule a confidential case evaluation with a San Jose drug manufacturing lawyer.
Why Hire Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys If You’re Arrested for Drug Manufacturing in San Jose, CA?
When you’re accused of drug manufacturing in San Jose, CA, the risks are high. Your freedom, job, and reputation are all on the line. In these cases, working with a lawyer is critical, and Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys stands apart from other firms.
Here’s why so many clients trust our firm after a serious charge:
- Over 30 years of combined criminal defense experience
- More than 50 trials under our belt
- Over 3,000 cases successfully defended
- Recognized by National Trial Lawyers Top 100
When you’re facing something as serious as drug manufacturing allegations in San Jose, California, you need professional help as soon as possible. Reach out to our San Jose drug crimes lawyers for your consultation today.
Overview of Drug Manufacturing in California
Drug manufacturing in California is a felony offense that is taken very seriously. Under the law, it is illegal to manufacture, produce, process, or prepare any controlled substance using chemical extraction or synthesis.
This covers a broad range of activities, including simply participating in one part of the manufacturing process, like mixing chemicals or making chemical ingredients (precursors), even if you never see the finished product.
You can also be arrested and charged for starting any of the steps toward creating the drug or even just offering to manufacture a substance. The prosecutors must prove you had actual knowledge that what you were making was illegal.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in San Jose, California?
If you’re convicted of making illegal drugs, you can face 3, 5, or 7 years in state prison and fines of up to $50,000. Even just offering to manufacture a drug without finishing the process can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
Judges may consider probation or county jail for first-time offenders or those with strong mitigating factors.
There are also aggravating factors that make the punishment much more severe, like manufacturing where a child under 16 is present, operating at a large scale (like cooking meth or PCP), causing death or serious harm to anyone, or if you have previous drug convictions on your record. These factors can add extra prison time.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Drug Manufacturing?
If you’re accused of drug manufacturing in California, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but there are legal defenses you can raise that could lead to an acquittal.
These often include:
Lack of Knowledge
Prosecutors must prove you actually knew the substance was illegal. Maybe you were just purchasing something for a friend or followed vague directions without realizing the end goal was to make drugs. If you didn’t understand what the chemicals would become and never suspected anything illegal, you may have a valid defense.
Mere Presence
It’s not enough to be somewhere drugs were being made or to show up at a home or building where a lab operation is underway. The state can’t convict you just for having been present, especially if there is no evidence that you participated in the process in any way.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Police officers are required to follow certain procedures when they search your person or belongings. If they didn’t have a warrant or probable cause, they may have exceeded the scope of their authority. Your lawyer can file a motion to suppress to request that the evidence be excluded and not used against you in your criminal case.
While this isn’t a comprehensive list of defenses, it helps give you an idea of what you and your lawyer can do to fight back against these charges.
If you’re facing drug manufacturing charges in San Jose, finding the right defense lawyer right away is essential. We understand how stressful these situations are and will stand by your side at all times.
With decades of experience and a deep knowledge of California criminal law, we’ll help you mitigate the consequences you’re facing as much as possible. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule your confidential case evaluation with a San Jose drug manufacturing attorney.