A palm beach county man was arrested this morning on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine after a search of his home revealed possession of equipment used to manufacture meth, such as plastic bottles containing white residue, within his apartment. The police were allegedly there regarding a domestic violence incident.
Florida Statute 893.139 make it a second degree felony to possess equipment with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance like meth. Second Degree Felonies in the State of Florida are punishable by up to 15 years in Florida State Prison and a $10,000 fine, in addition to other related penalties. Additionally, Florida Statute 893.135 makes it a First Degree Felony to manufacture 14 grams or more of methamphetamine, which is considered trafficking in amphetamines, and has required minimum mandatory sentences. Manufacturing between 14 and 28 grams requires a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 3 years and a $50,000 fine. Manufacturing between 28 and 200 grams of meth requires a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and a $100,000 fine. Manufacturing 200 grams or more of meth requires a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a $250,000 fine. Finally, manufacturing 400 grams or more of meth is a capital felony, punishable by life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Meth charges in Florida are serious; especially regarding the manufacturing of meth. Anyone charged with a drug crime in Florida should speak with a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney.
Casey Reiter is an associate attorney at Stuart R. Manoff & Associates, P.A. in West Palm Beach, Florida, practicing in the areas of Criminal Defense and Marital Law.
Casey Reiter Appeals, P.A. 