Methamphetamine Charges
With the use of methamphetamine on the rise through the past decade, many states have enacted strict laws in an effort to decrease its production. Texas is no exception, and with a consistently high amount of use in Central Texas, authorities can be zealous in their arrests. Some college students may use the drug, sometimes called ice, crystal, or rock as a study aid, but possessing even a small amount of the drug can lead to a felony charge that carries the potential for jail time, steep fines, and a mark on your record that can interfere with education, employment, and housing opportunities.
The government has programs in place to track the sale of certain items that are used to make meth, and this can lead to arrests of suspected individuals. However, this can also sometimes lead to big misunderstandings. You may be facing an overwhelming meth charge, but a lawyer can help you defend your rights and future.
Houston Methamphetamine Defense Attorney
You may be feeling confused about the best way to proceed, but Matt Horak can help you understand your options. Horak Law has helped hundreds of clients throughout Houston, Harris County, and the surrounding areas with their drug charges, including manufacturing methamphetamine.
Call Horak Law today at (713) 225-8000 to schedule a consultation to discuss the circumstances surrounding your situation.
Methamphetamine Crimes
The federal government’s classification system defines meth sometimes called crystal meth or speed, as a schedule II drug and Texas categorizes it in Penalty Group 1. This means that the drug involves a high potential for abuse and offenses involving the substance carry heavy penalties.
While possession is a common offense for meth charges, the high profits of manufacturing the drug and law enforcement’s determination to end the drug’s manufacture lead to arrests for a manufacturing offenses occurring more frequently than that of other drugs. Texas uses a system that monitors the sale of certain items that are commonly used in meth production, such as cold medicine and matches. When these products are bought in bulk or other suspicious ways, law enforcement uses that information to track down meth cooks.
Penalties for Manufacturing Methamphetamine
The potential consequences of a methamphetamine manufacture charge vary depending on the amount of the drug discovered. Any manufacturing offense is considered a felony and carries the following penalties:
- Less than 1 gram: this offense is a state jail felony and carries between 180 days to 2 years of imprisonment
- 1-4 grams: this amount is a second-degree felony and can be punished by 2 to 20 years in jail
- 4-200 grams: this offense is a first-degree felony and may be punished by between 5 and 99 years in prison
- 200-400 grams: this offense is a first-degree felony and is punishable by 10 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
- Over 400 grams: the amount is a first-degree felony and carries a penalty of 15 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Harris County Meth Production Lawyer
Facing any drug charge is stressful, but an arrest for manufacturing methamphetamine carries severe penalties. For experienced guidance in fighting for your rights, turn to Houston attorney Matt Horak.
Horak Law proactively defends clients while keeping them informed through every step of the confusing legal process. If you’re facing a meth charge in Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Katy, or surrounding areas, call (713) 225-8000 today to schedule your consultation.