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Drug Manufacturing

The War on Drugs places particularly harsh penalties on those it regards as the source of illegal drugs. That may include the traffickers, or those bringing in drugs from other countries. However, it also includes those who manufacture drugs, right here in Iowa. Being charged with the manufacture of drugs is a major charge that can result in decades in prison.

Des Moines Drug Manufacturing Lawyer

At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., we fight for the rights of those accused of manufacturing illegal controlled substances, including methamphetamines, LSD and any other narcotic that can be produced in the Des Moines area. With McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., you can hire a Des Moines drug manufacturing lawyer that will vigorously fight for you, seeking to suppress illegally obtained evidence so your charges are reduced or dismissed. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to set up a free consultation.

We represent those accused of drug manufacturing throughout Polk County and Dallas County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale. We also fight drug manufacturing charges all over Iowa.


Defining Intent to Manufacture Drugs in Iowa

It is illegal to merely possess any of the substances listed in the Iowa Controlled Substances Act or the Federal Controlled Substances Act. However, there are extra penalties for those charged with possession with intent to distribute or manufacture.

Prosecutors can use a variety of factors to prove intent to manufacture. One of the most frequent ways to show intent to manufacture or actual manufacturing is being found with the equipment used to manufacture drugs in a meth lab or other location for manufacturing drugs. Most drugs require both equipment and special chemicals to manufacture.


Punishment of Manufacturing Narcotics in Polk County

The penalties for manufacturing drugs tend to depend on the number of drugs you are found with. The worst penalty you can receive is a Class B felony, which will result in up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. You may be charged with a Class B felony if prosecutors can prove you possessed:

  • More than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine (meth) or amphetamines;
  • More than 100 grams of PCP;
  • More than 1 kilo of any substance containing PCP;
  • More than 10 grams of LSD;
  • More than one kilogram of heroin;
  • More than 500 grams of cocaine or certain coca products; or
  • More than 50 grams of cocaine base (including crack cocaine).

While still a Class B felony, you will only face up to 25 years and a fine of $5,000 to $100,000 if charged with possessing the following with the intent to manufacture:

  • Between 5 grams and 5 kilograms of meth or amphetamines;
  • Between 10 and 100 grams of PCP;
  • Between 100 grams and 1 kilogram of any substance containing PCP;
  • 10 grams or less of LSD;
  • Between 100 grams and one kilo of heroin;
  • Between 100 and 500 grams of cocaine or coca product; or
  • Between 10 and 50 grams of cocaine base (including crack cocaine).

It is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine from $1,000 to $50,000, to possess with the intent to manufacture:

  • Up to 5 grams of meth or amphetamines;
  • Up to 10 grams of PCP;
  • Up to 100 grams of any substance containing PCP;
  • Up to 100 grams of heroin;
  • Up to 100 grams of cocaine or coca product;
  • Up to 10 grams of cocaine base (including crack cocaine);
  • Any amount of other narcotics that fall under the Iowa Controlled Substance Act’s Schedules I, II, or III. Schedules are lists of drugs. Schedule I and II includes most drugs that are illegal under all or most circumstances and anabolic steroids.

For any amount of any Schedule IV or V drug, you will face aggravated misdemeanor charges for intent to manufacture. Schedule IV and V drugs include many prescription medications.


Defenses to Des Moines Drug Manufacturing Charges

Police usually obtain evidence for drug manufacturing charges through a search and seizure. To conduct a search and seizure, police must follow very precise procedures, including, in most cases involving a person’s home or property, getting a warrant.

Your Des Moines drug defense lawyer will carefully review the procedures used. If any procedure was not followed, he can file a motion to suppress the illegally obtained evidence. Without critical evidence, the prosecutor may have no choice but to reduce the charges or drop them altogether.


McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. | Polk County Attorney for Intent to Manufacture Drugs

A Des Moines drug manufacturing lawyer can make a big difference in whether you have liberty or prison in your future. At McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C., our attorneys have more than four decades of experience that we will put to work for you. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to set up a free consultation.