What to Know About the Intent to Manufacture Drugs

 Posted on December 29, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Discovering you face criminal charges for allegedly planning or preparing to manufacture illegal drugs sparks justified panic. Being accused of a felony offense with hefty penalties leads to urgent, strategic legal guidance. A Texas criminal defense lawyer is someone you want in your corner when you face a drug charge.

Say Nothing Without Your Lawyer

When questioned after arrest, politely decline to answer queries or make statements until your criminal defense lawyer is present. Be cooperative but firm, invoking the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let your attorney speak for you once appointed. Sign nothing without their review.

Understand the Charges

Charges like possession of drug paraphernalia, prohibited chemicals and equipment, or other circumstantial evidence suggest early-stage planning and preparation. However, Texas statute also includes the separate charge of “Intent to Manufacture” controlled substances like methamphetamine, which alleges clear intent to produce drugs based on credible evidence seized. Know precisely what you are accused of.

Gather Your Evidence

To prepare your defense, provide your attorney with names of reliable witnesses who can credibly attest to your whereabouts and activities that counter the prosecution’s charges. Locate receipts, photos, or records that support your alibi or show lawful purpose behind purchases of stopped vehicles, materials found, storage spaces used, or anything similar. Anything substantiating legal behavior or demonstrating no actual drug processing occurred helps undermine prosecution claims.

Highlight Mitigating Factors

Through attentive case investigation, your lawyer may uncover additional variables that mitigate the viewed severity of the situation without fully exonerating you. For example, there is no concrete history showing actual drug production or distribution versus paraphernalia possession only. Or ignorance and denial of the true purpose of materials when obtained. Such realities could influence sentencing outcomes later if a conviction occurs by highlighting that no criminal mastermind exists here.

Evaluate Plea Bargain Options

Given strong evidence, your attorney may advise considering a plea bargain, which typically guarantees a lesser conviction with abbreviated sentencing guidelines in exchange for admitting some degree of guilt. Though emotionally difficult, for standard intent to manufacture cases, this may realistically provide the lightest penalties versus challenging accusations directly through trial. Thoroughly discuss the pros and cons of all options with your lawyer. 

Contact a Collin County, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer

Prosecutors often deploy initial arrests or charges as a strategy to solicit cooperation with investigations targeting more prominent players like drug ring leaders. Politely decline involvement until your own charges are resolved. Discuss any pressure to share further information with a Tarrant County, TX criminal defense attorney. Call The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. at 214-544-0061 for a free consultation.