Under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act in Washington, a person who is charged with a crime involving methamphetamines can face serious charges. Methamphetamines are classified as a Schedule II drug and can result in some of the steepest criminal penalties. If you are facing charges for any type of drug crime involving methamphetamine in Seattle, contact The Law Offices of Steve Karimi right away to find out more about your rights.
Seattle Possession with Intent to Manufacture Laws
In 2012, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 1.2 million people or 0.4% of the U.S. population reported that they had used methamphetamine at some point in the past year and 440,000 or 0.2% of the population said they had used the drug sometime in the past month. While this shows a decrease from previous years, the use of this drug is still widespread. As a result, lawmakers look to crackdown on anyone involved in the manufacture or distribution of the drug.
Under RCW 69.5 0.401, any person who manufactures, delivers or possesses methamphetamine can be charged with felony offense. Additionally, anyone who is found with, cold used to create methamphetamine can also be charged with a crime. According to Washington state registration RCW 69.50.440 (1):
It is unlawful for any person to possess ephedrine or any of its salts or isomers or salts of isomers, pseudoephedrine or any of its salts or isomers or salts of isomers, pressurized ammonia gas, or pressurized ammonia gas solution with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers.
Under this law, anyone who even possesses these chemicals could be charged with intent to manufacture methamphetamine whether or not they were found in possession of any of the drug itself.
Penalties for Intent to Manufacture in Seattle
According to Washington law, it is a felony offense for anyone to be involved in the sale, production or distribution of methamphetamine. Under RCW 69.50.440, anyone who possesses the chemicals necessary to make the drug and accused of intending to do so can be charged with a class B felony and face the following penalties if convicted:
- Imprisonment for not more than 10 years or
- A fine of $3,000 - $25,000 or
- A combination of imprisonment and a fine
No matter what the sentence, anyone convicted of possession with intent to manufacture in Seattle will be subject to a minimum of a $3,000 fine. Under the law, this fine cannot be suspended because it will go towards the law-enforcement agency that is responsible for cleaning up laboratories and sites used to produce methamphetamines.
Seattle Methamphetamine Manufacturing Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for a crime involving methamphetamine including possession, distribution, manufacturing or possession of chemicals with the intent to manufacture, be aware that you are facing serious criminal charges. The VUCSA defense attorney Steve Karimi can help you fight these charges and get the best possible results. Call us now to get started.