Memphis residents who are facing an arrest for drug charges can feel confused and frightened. Drug crimes include a large variety of offenses including possession of a small amount of marijuana to transporting large amount of cocaine across state lines.
If convicted of drug manufacturing, simple possession or other drug charges, a person can face serious consequences including prison time and steep fines. According to the Tennessee Code, a person facing simple possession or casual exchange of Schedule VII drugs may face less than one year in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. Those accused of manufacturing or delivery Schedule I drugs, however, may face eight to 12 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Illegal drug manufacturing charges typically involve controlled substances including methamphetamine. In order for a person to be convicted of manufacturing the prosecution must prove the elements of possession and intent to manufacture. In the case of methamphetamine production, an officer may find a box of medication containing pseudoephedrine in a person’s house. That alone would not be enough to charge a person with manufacturing. They also must have in possession something else, like the equipment used to cook meth. If police find both of these items in a person’s possession it can lead to probable cause to arrest.
A person who is facing a drug charge such as drug manufacturing has the right to defend against the charges in court. Drug crimes involving trafficking or manufacturing can carry serious penalties for Tennessee residents, and are generally charged as felonies. Drug manufacturing is illegal under federal and state law.
Source: Findlaw.com, “Drug Charges,” Accessed on Aug. 18, 2014
Source: Findlaw.com, “Drug Charges,” Accessed on Aug. 18, 2014
