Manufacturing a Controlled Substance Attorney in Boulder, Colorado

It's a serious crime to be accused of manufacturing a controlled substance. Colorado law enforcement and prosecutors come down hard on these kinds of charges and often seek the maximum penalties available.  

If you've been charged with manufacturing a controlled substance in Colorado, the stakes are high—potentially involving long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and a lasting criminal record. 

But you don’t have to face this alone. At the Watkins Law Firm LLC, I bring over 20 years of criminal defense experience to the table and can help defend you against the severe penalties associated with the manufacturing of drugs like methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, and other illegal substances. 

Partner with an assertive criminal defense attorney who will help you exhaust all avenues to lessen or possibly dismiss your charges. I offer my defense services to people throughout Boulder, Colorado, and the surrounding areas, including Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and Broomfield. Call me today to set up a free initial consultation 

Understanding Manufacturing Charges 

Colorado laws strictly prohibit the manufacture of controlled substances. This includes the actual production of drugs but also the possession of equipment or chemicals with the intent to manufacture. The severity of the charge is often influenced by the type and quantity of the drug being produced.

My practice focuses on defending you against a range of manufacturing-related charges, tailored to the specifics of your case. 

To convict someone of manufacturing controlled substances, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly engaged in the production of illegal drugs. This can range from maintaining a meth lab to growing marijuana without proper authorization.

As your drug crime attorney, I will challenge the evidence, scrutinize the prosecution's claims, and help make sure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. 

Even without being caught in the act of manufacturing, possessing equipment or precursor chemicals linked to drug production can lead to severe penalties. Items like glassware, chemical solvents, and specific recipes can all be cited as evidence of intent to manufacture. As your defense lawyer, I will challenge these claims and seek to minimize the potential repercussions.

Defending Against Manufacturing Charges 

Defending against manufacturing charges often requires a comprehensive understanding of both state and federal drug laws, as well as the ability to dissect law enforcement procedures meticulously.  

I offer extensive trial experience and Colorado drug law knowledge. As your lawyer, I'll work hard to uncover any procedural errors or other factors that can work in your favor and contribute to a solid defense, including:  

• Insufficient evidence to prove the drug was being produced 

• Lack of knowledge or intent to manufacture a controlled substance 

• Violations of your constitutional rights during arrest, search, or seizure 

Drug Schedules 

Understanding the classification schedules can help with comprehending the severity of the charges related to specific drugs. 

Schedule I: 

• Description: High potential for abuse, no accepted medical use. 

• Examples: Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA) 

Schedule II: 

• Description: High potential for abuse, but accepted medical use with severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. 

• Examples: Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl 

Schedule III: 

• Description: Potential for abuse less than Schedule I and II drugs. Accepted for medical use. Abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. 

• Examples: Anabolic steroids, Codeine with aspirin or Tylenol, Ketamine 

Schedule IV: 

• Description: Lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule III substances. Accepted for medical use. Abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. 

• Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan) 

Schedule V: 

• Description: Low potential for abuse relative to Schedule IV substances. Accepted for medical use. Abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. 

• Examples: Cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters or per 100 grams (e.g., Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen 

Potential Penalties 

A conviction for manufacturing a controlled substance in Colorado will often result in severe consequences, which vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the type and amount of drug involved. Generally, penalties can include: 

Imprisonment 

Defendants convicted of manufacturing controlled substances may face substantial prison time. For example, manufacturing Schedule I or II drugs, such as methamphetamine or heroin, can result in a Class 2 felony with penalties that include 8 to 32 years in prison.

Manufacturing less dangerous substances may result in a Class 3 or Class 4 felony, with correspondingly shorter sentences but still a significant time behind bars. 

Fines 

In addition to imprisonment, convictions can also carry hefty fines. These fines can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the charge and the specific drug involved. For example, manufacturing Schedule I or II drugs could result in fines of up to $750,000. 

Parole and Probation 

Following any term of imprisonment, a defendant may be subject to a period of parole or probation. Violating the terms of probation or parole can lead to additional penalties, including a return to imprisonment. 

Criminal Record 

A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-lasting effects on employment opportunities, professional licenses, and personal relationships. It may also result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or the right to possess firearms. 

Given the gravity of these potential penalties, it's important to have a robust defense strategy in place. As your attorney, I will work hard to do everything I can to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome for your case.