Manufacturing any controlled substance is a serious offense, but manufacturing methamphetamine is considered a more severe crime. In Minnesota, if you manufacture any amount of meth, you commit a first-degree controlled substance offense – a felony. A conviction may result in imprisonment for up to 30 years and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 (Minnesota Statutes § 152.021, subd. 2(a)).
Even simply having the substances to manufacture meth in Minnesota is considered serious. Possessing precursors such as hydrochloric acid, iodine, and sodium hydroxide with the intent to make meth is a felony (Minnesota Statutes § 152.0262). A first offense is punishable by a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $20,000. A second or subsequent offense can result in a prison term of no more than 15 years and a fine not to exceed $30,000.
Why Such Harsh Penalties for Meth Manufacturing?
Methamphetamine is a narcotic drug that can adversely affect both the person manufacturing or using it and others in the community. On an individual level, meth can lead to various health problems such as increased heart rate, strokes, respiratory problems, and tooth decay and loss.
On a societal level, manufacturing meth can harm others within the community. The substances used to make the drug can release toxins that affect the health of those in the vicinity of the meth lab. Additionally, the manufacture, sale, and use of the substance can lead to increased crime rates, as people involved in such conduct may engage in criminal behavior to feed their addiction or further their meth business.
Minnesota's Meth Offender Registry
Minnesota takes meth manufacturing crimes so seriously that, in 2006, it introduced the Methamphetamine Offender Registry (Executive Order 06-09). Contained in this database are the names and offense information for people convicted of felony crimes of manufacturing meth or possessing precursors or chemical reagents used to make the substance.
The Methamphetamine Offender Registry, maintained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, is publicly accessible. That means any interested person with access to the Internet can log on to the database and see who has been convicted for meth-related crimes in Minnesota. Even employers, landlords, and financial lenders can access the information and potentially make final decisions based on what they find. Of course, these parties must inform the applicant that they are using the data in the Meth Offender Registry for such purposes (Minnesota Statutes § 13.87, subd. 3(f)).
The Methamphetamine Offender Registry was created as a way to reduce meth-related crimes by:
- Helping law enforcement personnel crackdown on meth offenses,
- Arming members of the community with information about meth manufacturers living in their neighborhoods, allowing them to protect themselves, and
- Deterring potential meth manufacturers from making the substance through public exposure
Get Legal Help with Your Meth Charge
Being accused of a meth-related offense can have substantial repercussions on your life. If you are convicted, you face imprisonment and fines, but even after you have completed your sentence, you face a social stigma that can follow you around for years. To fight your charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis lawyers are ready to deliver the aggressive defense you need. Call us at (612) 979-1112 or contact us online today.