Methamphetamine is an addictive—and dangerous—illegal drug. Manufacturing methamphetamine involves working with explosive chemical compounds. This makes it dangerous for the people manufacturing the drug as well as everyone around them.
In Wisconsin, manufacturing methamphetamine is a felony, punishable by hefty fines and prison time. If you’ve been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, it’s critical that you seek help from a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Why Manufacturing Methamphetamine Is Dangerous
Methamphetamine can be made in small “laboratories” using readily available household chemicals. Because manufacturing the drug is relatively easy, it can be done anywhere from homes to cars. This is dangerous to surrounding people, properties, the environment, and first responders.
According to a study from the Public Health Report, most “clandestine meth lab events” happen in residential areas. Furthermore, approximately 15% of these meth lab events required evacuation, and about a quarter of them resulted in injuries to the general public, the manufacturers, and first responders. The United States Forest Service reports finding abandoned labs in remote national forests, calling them “basically time bombs, waiting for the single spark that can ignite the contents of the lab.”
Because manufacturing the drug is so dangerous, Wisconsin has enacted strict laws to combat the crime.
Penalties for Manufacturing Methamphetamine in Wisconsin
The penalties for manufacturing meth typically depend on how much was manufactured:
- Three grams or less: Class F felony, punishable by up to 12 years and 6 months in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- More than three grams but not more than ten grams: Class E felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.
- More than ten grams but not more than fifty grams: Class D felony, punishable by up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
- More than fifty grams: Class C felony, punishable by up to 40 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
If you’re caught manufacturing methamphetamine, you may also be charged with possessing materials for manufacturing methamphetamine. This is a separate charge and a Class H felony, punishable by up to six years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
In addition to these legal penalties, anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. Wisconsin felons are also generally prohibited from voting until their sentence is served and all fines have been paid. Furthermore, convictions of any type can make it difficult to pass background checks, find employment, and rent housing. It’s important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to minimize these penalties as much as possible.
Other Factors Influencing Sentencing
The punishments for manufacturing meth are mostly guided by quantity. However, judges have discretion in sentencing. They typically consider whether you’ve had prior drug-related convictions. The court will also factor in whether you manufactured the drug in a minor’s presence or near schools. Finally, they’ll consider the environmental harm caused by manufacturing the drug.
Federal Penalties for Manufacturing Methamphetamine
In addition to Wisconsin’s state laws, you also risk federal charges. Under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996, anyone involved in the production of methamphetamine can face severe penalties. These include up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000. If you’re a repeat offender, those penalties increase to up to 20 years in prison and up to $60,000 in fines.
Defense Strategies for Methamphetamine Manufacturing Charges
Because the penalties for manufacturing methamphetamine are so severe, working with an aggressive criminal defense attorney can make a big difference. The best defense will always depend on the unique facts of your case. However, there are several common defenses to manufacturing charges:
- Constitutional violations: If you were subjected to an illegal search and seizure, or law enforcement violated your Miranda rights, the resulting evidence may be suppressed.
- Lack of intent: Your attorney may argue that you lacked intent to manufacture the drugs. For example, the lab and associated paraphernalia belonged to someone else.
- Lack of evidence or credibility: Generally, most lawyers will attack the prosecution’s case and look for weaknesses. For instance, their witnesses may not be credible and trustworthy. In some cases, the prosecution may simply lack strong enough evidence to prove their case.
Talk to an Appleton, WI, Drug Crimes Attorney Today
Wisconsin and federal law punish manufacturing meth harshly, given its highly addictive nature and danger to the public and environment. If you’ve been accused of manufacturing methamphetamine, you could face decades in prison and significant fines. Early legal intervention and an aggressive defense are the best ways to seek a dismissal, avoid the harshest penalties, or beat the charges in court.
The attorneys at J. Kippa Law, LLC can help by protecting your rights, fighting the charges, and helping you navigate the complex criminal legal system. Call us at 920-733-1100 or contact us through our online form for a consultation.
