Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
Detectives arrested one person on felony drug charges after police raided a meth lab in a Jacksonville apartment complex. Police received a tip about meth production at the apartment and served a warrant one morning last week, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. Meth was not being made at the time police went to the apartment, but they did find materials used to make meth – including the ingredients and equipment, the newspaper reported. The exact charges were not specified in the newspaper report, but there are no misdemeanor crimes when it comes to meth. Every Jacksonville Drug Crimes Charge related to meth is a felony.
Felony degrees and sentences in Jacksonville Drug Crimes Cases are based on two factors: the type of drug and how much a person is accused of having in their possession. Charges related to methamphetamines are among the most serious of all Jacksonville Drug Crimes. For example, even possessing the materials used to manufacture meth is a second-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in state prison. Manufacturing meth is also a second-degree felony. While many people think drug trafficking charges are solely related to selling drugs, they are not. Trafficking is based on the amount of the drug and police do not have to prove the defendant had any intention of selling the narcotics. In meth cases, trafficking begins at just 14 grams and the trafficking charge is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in state prison – which various minimum mandatory sentences based on the amount of the drug the person is charged with having.
Another enhanced charge related to manufacturing meth relates to who is around when the drug is being produced. If a person is manufacturing meth in front of a minor, the charge becomes a first-degree felony, also with a maximum penalty of 30 years in state prison. When meth is produced, it emits dangerous chemicals and fumes that are toxic to anyone, but can be particularly harmful to children. Many meth lab busts are in apartment complexes or hotels and police often evacuate adjacent rooms or residences to fully decontaminate the scene and make sure no one is injured. The odor also makes it easier for people nearby to detect, which is likely why many meth lab busts begin from a tip to police. Our Jacksonville Drug Crimes Attorney represents people facing all types of drug charges, from misdemeanor marijuana possession on up to trafficking in meth. Our Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision on how to proceed.
If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Jacksonville Drug Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.