Houston Drug Manufacturing Lawyer
Practice Areas
Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Houston, TX
A drug manufacturing investigation can create instant pressure, especially when officers claim everyday items, chemicals, or conversations point to criminal activity. In moments like these, having a Houston Drug Manufacturing Lawyer who understands how these cases are built becomes one of the most important decisions you make. The law moves quickly in drug crime cases, and the sooner you understand your rights and legal options, the stronger your defense will be.
Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC, provides aggressive criminal defense representation for clients accused of serious drug crime offenses throughout Houston, Harris County, and surrounding areas. Houston drug crimes lawyer B. Keith Jackson has extensive experience defending clients against drug manufacturing charges and understands the complex nature of federal drug laws. If you have been charged with a drug manufacturing offense, contact us at (281) 545-5020 or online today for an initial consultation to discuss your legal options and begin protecting your rights and your future.
What are Drug Manufacturing Charges in Texas?
Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.002(25), “manufacture” means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance other than marijuana, directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis. This includes the packaging or repackaging of the substance or labeling or relabeling of its container.
However, the term does not include the preparation, compounding, packaging, or labeling of a controlled substance by a practitioner as an incident to administering or dispensing in the course of professional practice, or by a practitioner or authorized agent for research, teaching, or chemical analysis, and not for delivery. These charges represent some of the most serious drug charges in the state and can lead to years in prison and large fines if you are convicted. Texas law treats drug manufacturing as a more severe offense than simple drug possession because it involves the actual production or processing of illegal drugs or prescription drugs for distribution.
What Constitutes Drug Manufacturing Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act?
Manufacturing under the Texas Controlled Substances Act includes the production, preparation, compounding, conversion, or processing of illegal drugs or prescription drugs through chemical synthesis or extraction from natural sources. Texas law also treats packaging, repackaging, labeling, or relabeling a controlled substance as manufacturing unless it is done by a licensed practitioner during legitimate medical or scientific work.
Law enforcement and prosecutors can pursue drug manufacturing charges even when no finished drugs are found, because Texas law focuses on the intent and capability to manufacture controlled substances. This means that the possession of equipment, precursor chemicals, or materials associated with drug production can be used as evidence of a drug manufacturing offense. For example, if investigators discover chemical solvents, glassware, burners, or ventilation setups commonly used in the production of methamphetamines, prosecutors may argue that an active or developing drug operation existed even without a completed batch.
This broad definition gives prosecutors room to build cases based on circumstantial evidence, allowing them to claim that an individual committed a felony drug manufacturing offense when equipment, chemicals, and related materials indicate preparation or intent to produce illegal drugs.
Types of Drug Manufacturing Charges Attorney B. Keith Jackson Handles
Attorney B. Keith Jackson defends clients against the full range of drug manufacturing charges under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. These cases can involve any controlled substance found in Penalty Groups Schedule I through Schedule V, and the specific charge depends on the type of drug and the quantity involved.
Clients frequently face related or companion charges, including:
- Drug delivery or intent to deliver, which prosecutors often file when they believe the manufactured drugs were meant for distribution.
- Operating or maintaining a drug lab, where methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or other illegal drugs are allegedly produced.
- Possession with intent to manufacture, based on chemicals, tools, or equipment that prosecutors claim were intended for drug production.
- Conspiracy to manufacture or distribute controlled substances, which does not require the completion of the manufacturing process — only an alleged agreement or steps toward it.
Every case involves different evidence, circumstances, and legal challenges. Defense lawyer B. Keith Jackson reviews the facts carefully and develops a tailored defense strategy to pursue the best possible outcome for clients.
Penalties for Manufacturing Illegal Drugs in Texas
Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112, the Texas Controlled Substances Act assigns penalties for drug manufacturing based on the drug’s penalty group and the amount involved. Charges can range from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony, making sentencing far more severe as quantities increase.
A state jail felony conviction can bring 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000, while a first-degree felony for manufacturing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or other controlled substances can result in 5 to 99 years or life in prison and fines up to $250,000. Some offenses also carry mandatory minimum sentences, requiring individuals to serve a set amount of time before parole eligibility.
These serious penalties demonstrate why anyone facing drug manufacturing charges needs an experienced Houston drug manufacturing lawyer who can challenge the evidence and protect their rights under Texas law.
Federal Drug Manufacturing Penalties
Drug manufacturing charges can rise to federal drug offenses when the alleged activity involves large amounts of controlled substances, crosses state lines, occurs on federal property, or connects to a larger drug trafficking organization. Under 21 U.S.C. § 841, it is a federal crime to knowingly or intentionally manufacture a controlled substance, and penalties are significantly harsher than under Texas law. A federal conviction for drug manufacturing often carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 5 years in federal prison, and depending on the amount and type of drug, individuals may face decades behind bars. Federal courts also impose substantial fines and may order forfeiture of assets related to the illegal activity.
Federal prosecutors possess extensive investigative and prosecutorial resources, and federal cases follow separate laws and sentencing guidelines that differ from those in state courts. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines take into account factors such as the type of drug, quantity involved, and any aggravating circumstances like weapons or prior convictions. For example, higher thresholds of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances can trigger longer prison terms and higher fines under federal law. Because of these complex and severe penalties, anyone involved in a federal drug manufacturing case needs a defense attorney with specific experience defending clients in federal court to protect their rights and pursue the best possible outcome.
Collateral Consequences of Drug Manufacturing Charges
A conviction for drug manufacturing creates consequences that extend far beyond jail time and large fines, affecting nearly every aspect of your life. Individuals convicted of manufacturing illegal drugs face difficulty finding employment, as most employers conduct background checks and refuse to hire those with serious drug crime convictions on their records. You may lose professional licenses, government benefits like student loans or public housing, and if you are a non-U.S. citizen, a drug manufacturing conviction can lead to deportation or denial of naturalization.
The damage to your personal reputation and family relationships can be devastating, and long-term impacts include loss of civil rights such as voting privileges and firearm ownership, restrictions that can last for life depending on the severity of the conviction.
How a Houston Drug Crime Defense Attorney Can Challenge the Charges Against You
A skilled Houston criminal defense attorney reviews all evidence collected by law enforcement during the investigation and arrest, examining police procedures to identify violations of your constitutional rights. Attorney B. Keith Jackson thoroughly analyzes the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses in the evidence, problems with witness testimony, or issues with law enforcement’s searches or handling of evidence. By building a strong defense strategy, your defense lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, secure alternative sentencing, or pursue complete case dismissal when the evidence does not support a conviction.
Taking immediate action to protect your rights and defend against drug manufacturing charges is essential, as prosecutors will aggressively pursue these serious felony cases from the moment you are charged with a drug offense.
Legal Defenses Used in Drug Manufacturing Cases
When fighting drug manufacturing charges, several defense strategies may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. Common defenses include:
Challenge illegal searches and seizures conducted without a valid warrant or probable cause, arguing that law enforcement violated Fourth Amendment rights.
Dispute ownership or control of the property, chemicals, equipment, or substances, showing that the accused person did not have knowledge of or access to the alleged drug manufacturing operation.
Question the lab testing accuracy or the chain of custody of evidence, demonstrating that the substance was not properly tested, documented, or stored by law enforcement.
Argue the lack of intent to manufacture controlled substances, showing that possession of materials or chemicals had legitimate purposes unrelated to drug production.
Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence that resulted from improper search procedures, coerced statements, or other constitutional violations that tainted the prosecution’s case.
Fighting Drug Charges in Texas? Speak With Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer B. Keith Jackson Today
If you are facing drug manufacturing charges or any serious drug possession or drug delivery allegations in Houston or Harris County, contact B. Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC immediately to discuss your circumstances and explore your legal options. Attorney B. Keith Jackson provides confidential case evaluations and works tirelessly to defend clients against prosecutors who seek harsh penalties and years in prison for those accused of manufacturing marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or other controlled substances. Do not wait to protect your life, your freedom, and your future. The consequences of a drug crime conviction are too severe to face without experienced legal representation.
Contact us at (281) 545-5020 or online to schedule a consultation with a dedicated Houston drug manufacturing lawyer who will fight to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Texas Kidnapping FAQs
Is Kidnapping a Felony in Texas?
Yes, kidnapping is a felony offense in Texas. Depending on the details of the crime, it can be charged as a third-degree, second-degree, or first-degree felony.
Can Kidnapping Charges Be Dropped in Texas?
Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. Charges may be dropped if there is insufficient evidence, if the accused is a custodial parent acting within their legal rights, or if the prosecution determines the act doesn’t meet the legal definition of kidnapping. A defense attorney may also negotiate with the prosecution to drop charges or present evidence that challenges the credibility of the accusation.
What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Kidnapping Charges?
Kidnapping is typically prosecuted at the state level. Like most crimes, kidnapping becomes a federal charge when the crime involves crossing state lines or national borders. Using mail or other forms of interstate communication also makes kidnapping a federal offense. Kidnapping within the United States’ special maritime, territorial, or aircraft jurisdiction qualifies as a federal charge. Kidnapping is also a federal offense if the victim is a foreign official, an internationally protected person, an official guest of the U.S., a federal officer, or a specified federal employee.
Contact Houston Kidnapping Lawyer B. Keith Jackson Today to Discuss Your Case
Choosing the right attorney to represent you is a crucial step to fighting criminal charges. If you’ve been accused of a kidnapping offense, the penalties can be severe and long-lasting. Seek the help you need to avoid a criminal conviction. Hire a Houston kidnapping attorney who can take immediate action to protect your rights.
Keith Jackson, Attorney and Counselor at Law PLLC, is prepared to guide you through the legal process of criminal defense. He understands what’s at stake and will build a strong defense on your behalf. To speak directly with Attorney Jackson about your case, you can use his online contact form or call (281) 545-5020 today.
Contact a Reliable Houston Attorney for Assistance with Your Civil or Criminal Case
Whether you are facing criminal prosecution or embroiled in a complicated civil dispute, a diligent lawyer can help you reach the best possible solution to your case. You can be confident I will not back down in standing up for your rights against tough opposition.