When Can a Person Be Charged With Drug Manufacturing in Wisconsin?

 Posted on June 09, 2023 in Drug Charges

For Wisconsin residents, drug charges can be very serious. Law enforcement officials in the state may investigate a person for a variety of offenses related to controlled substances, and a person who is convicted on these charges may be sentenced to serve time in prison, be required to pay large fines, or face other requirements, such as mandatory drug testing during a period of probation. While many of these cases involve accusations of drug possession, those who are accused of manufacturing controlled substances will likely face more serious charges. By understanding the offenses that may fall under the category of drug manufacturing and the potential penalties that may apply following a conviction, people facing these charges can determine their best options for defense.

Understanding Charges Related to Manufacturing Controlled Substances

Drug manufacturing generally involves the production or creation of illegal drugs. This can include making, growing, synthesizing, or processing controlled substances. For example, a person could be charged with drug manufacturing if they allegedly operated a meth lab in order to synthesize methamphetamines, and these charges may apply regardless of whether drugs were created for personal use or with the intent to sell or distribute them to others.

In addition to activities involving the production of drugs, manufacturing charges may also apply in cases where a person is accused of packaging or repackaging controlled substances. For example, if a person received a large quantity of a drug and then divided the substance into smaller portions and packaged or labeled it in individual containers, this could be considered drug manufacturing. In some cases, a drug possession offense may be elevated to drug manufacturing based on items found in a person's possession that could be used to package controlled substances, such as small baggies or scales that could be used to weigh quantities of drugs.

The penalties for drug manufacturing in Wisconsin depend on various factors, including the type of drug involved and the amount produced or packaged. For example, a person accused of manufacturing 10 grams or less of fentanyl may be charged with a Class E felony, and if convicted, they may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $50,000. Manufacturing 10 to 50 grams of fentanyl is a Class D felony, which may result in a sentence of up to 25 years and a maximum fine of $100,000. Manufacturing more than 50 grams of fentanyl may result in Class C felony charges, and a person who is convicted of this offense could face a 40-year prison sentence.

Notably, the same penalties will apply if a person is accused of possessing controlled substances with intent to manufacture or distribute them or if they engage in a conspiracy with other parties with the intent of manufacturing controlled substances. Thus, possession of large amounts of a drug or materials used to manufacture or package controlled substances may result in criminal charges that could lead to serious penalties. Making plans with others to engage in these activities, funding drug manufacturing or distribution schemes, or otherwise participating in drug trafficking may lead to serious felony charges that carry lengthy sentences and other penalties.

Contact Our Waukesha Drug Manufacturing Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with drug manufacturing in Wisconsin, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to determine your options. At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, our Pewaukee drug crimes defense lawyers can help you understand the charges against you and build a strong defense. We may be able to negotiate reduced charges or a plea bargain, and whenever possible, we will fight to secure a full acquittal. We will advocate for your rights and help you achieve a favorable outcome to your case. Contact us at 262-232-6699 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/961.41

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/iv/50