Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 28, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Drug manufacturing of any controlled substance in Pennsylvania is against the law. State law enforcement agencies have increased their efforts to combat this crime. Controlled substances include illegal drugs and narcotics (i.e. marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, etc.) To prove a case for drug manufacturing, a prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant manufactured an illegal drug in Pennsylvania and did not have licenses to do so. Some common examples are cultivating marijuana, operating a drug lab, or manufacturing methamphetamines.
The charge for drug manufacturing in Pennsylvania is typically a misdemeanor (certain misdemeanors carry prison sentences in Pennsylvania). Drug manufacturing charges can carry prison sentences of one to three years and/or a fine of up to $25,000. The factors determining the penalty are: prior convictions and the nature of the drug manufacturing crime committed. In certain situations, a prosecutor may agree to a plea bargain for a lesser charge in exchange for the defendant pleading guilty or for information for a higher priority investigation.
With respect to marijuana, Pennsylvania law charges the cultivation of up to nine plants as a misdemeanor. The cultivation of 10 to 21 plants is a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine, while growing 22 or more plants can result in a mandatory three-year sentence and $15,000 fine. The manufacturing of hashish or other marijuana concentrates is felony, which carries a prison sentence of up to five years and up to $15,000 in fines.
The manufacturing of methamphetamine is charged as a felony, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Code Section |
Pennsylvania Health and Safety Code,Title 35, Section 780-113 et. seq. |
Defenses |
Defenses to Drug Manufacturing Charges
|
Penalties |
See above, misdemeanor or felony |
Federal charges possible? |
Yes, depending if your case crossed state lines |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- please contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
While a criminal drug case is nothing like what you see on television, it's still a serious matter. If you've been charged with drug manufacturing in Pennsylvania, you likely have many questions about possible defenses, the law, and if you can be charged with a federal crime. It's best to speak with a drug crime lawyer in Pennsylvania today to learn more about the charges you're facing and the defenses that may be available for your case.
Was this helpful?
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Pennsylvania attorneys offer free consultations.