Even if you have no intention of using drugs or illegal substances, simply having them on your person can be cause for your arrest and criminal charges. “Holding it for a friend” is not considered a viable excuse in a court of law, and if you are caught, chances are you will face drug possession penalties. The same is true for people who manufacture illegal narcotics, even if those people never use or intend to use their own products. Possession with intent of any kind—to sell, to use, even to distribute for free—is against the law, and in New Jersey, the penalties could be disastrous for your future.
However, there are certain behaviors and circumstances that must be proved in order for drug charges against you to stick in court. For example, to be convicted of a drug crime, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant knew that he or she possessed an illegal substance. If you are targeted in a drug crime investigation, it’s critical for you to understand these criteria and how to defend yourself against any accusations.
Charged for Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is one of the most common drugs on the market, and also one of the most dangerous. The drug’s highly addictive nature makes it a popular choice for manufacturers, who benefit from the business of repeat customers. Additionally, it is fairly simple to make methamphetamine in a kitchen or basement lab, with a variety of easily obtainable ingredients.
Manufacturing methamphetamine has serious risks, however. If you are facing charges for manufacturing illegal substances, the prosecution must prove a few things in order to secure a conviction against you:
- You must have been found to have possessed ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, both of which are used to make methamphetamines, or a substance like cough syrup that contains either product.
- You must have been caught with certain substances that the Health and Safety Code has identified as having uses for making methamphetamines.
- You must have intended to manufacture the drug.
Proving these criteria is not always as simple as catching a person with a particular ingredient. The defendant has to be fully aware that he or she is breaking the law by possessing the illegal substances, and intending to make or sell methamphetamine. In every drug manufacturing case, the defendant has an opportunity to use these criteria—or the lack thereof—in his defense.
Your Drug Defense Attorney Can Help
If you have been involved in a drug crime investigation in New Jersey or have been caught manufacturing, selling, possessing or using illegal drugs, you should speak to an attorney right away. Along with the right to advance defenses relating to possession or knowledge of the drugs at issue, you have the right to representation by a qualified attorney. At The Gorman Law Firm, Scott Gorman represents anyone who has been accused of drug crimes or charged in connection with possession of illegal substances. For more information, contact an Essex County drug lawyer at the firm today.
Published in Categories: Drug Posession
