Charges for the Illegal Manufacture of Drugs

Under both Ohio and federal law, the illegal manufacture of drugs is a very serious crime.  If the controlled substance manufactured was a schedule I or II drug, this is classified as a second degree felony and the penalty for this is a mandatory two to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.  If the manufacturing took place in the vicinity of juveniles or of a school, the sentence is enhanced to be a first degree felony with three to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $20,000. 

Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, marijuana drug crime, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Schedule I drugs are defined as “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence.” 

Schedule II drugs are “defined as drugs with a high potential for abuse, less abuse potential than Schedule I drugs, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are also considered dangerous.”  Examples of Schedule II drugs include combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin.

Manufacturing a Schedule III, IV, or V drug (considered somewhat less dangerous, but still controlled) is a third degree felony punishable by one to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Again, this sentence can be enhanced to a second-degree felony if the manufacture occurred near juveniles or a school, with a $15,000 fine and two to eight years in prison.

Schedule III drugs include: Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone. Schedule IVXanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien,  and Tramadol

Schedule V drugs are: cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, Parepectolin.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio?

If you are facing criminal charges for the illegal manufacture of drugs, you are facing some very serious charges. Penalties for this crime have the potential to be life altering.  You need an attorney who knows the law and can help you through the complex legal processes you are facing. Get the representation of a skilled and trusted attorney who can give you the help you need. The Maher Law Firm can help make sure that your rights are protected. Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.