Methamphetamine Possession And Penalties in Des Moines

Manufacturing Meth

Meth labs are dangerous and very illegal. After the federal government imposed restrictions on the sale of ephedrine, a chemical used in both methamphetamine production and in cold medicine, manufacture of methamphetamine moved largely to Mexico.

Conversion labs are one type of illegal meth lab. A conversion lab is where defendants change liquid methamphetamine into crystals of meth.

Drug manufacturing and drug trafficking are often Class C felonies or worse.

If you're charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in Iowa, the prosecutors will be trying to prove that:

1. You manufactured something
2. that had a detectable amount of meth in it and
3. you knew that what you were making had a detectable amount of meth in it.

Distributing Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine distribution and methamphetamine delivery are illegal.  Distribution requires transferring meth to another person. The government does not have to prove money was involved.

The maximum penalties can include fifty years of prison when more than five kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of isomers.  When more than more than five grams are manufactured or delivered, the maximum penalty is twenty-five years in prison and fines of $5,000 - $100,000.

Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

Possessing meth with the intent to distribute it is treated the same as actually distributing methamphetamine. The accused could be charged with "possession with intent" if prosecutors believe that they possessed too much for personal use or have sold methamphetamine before.

If you're charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, the prosecutors will be trying to prove that:

1. You delivered something or had something and intended to deliver it
2. That "something" had a detectable amount of methamphetamine in it

Iowa Meth Crimes Enhanced Penalties

Like all drug crimes, there are some things that can make your methamphetamine charges worse.  If any of these things apply to your case, your case is more serious than it otherwise would have been:

1. You're charged with possessing a lot of meth.  The more methamphetamine you allegedly had, the worse your situation is.
2. There was a gun or another "offensive weapon" close by
3. What they're alleging you did happened
   1. In or near a school,
   2. on a schoolbus, or
   3. in or near a public park, swimming pool, or rec center
4. You allegedly manufactured meth, salts, isomers, or salts of isomers
   1. when a child (a minor) was physically present
   2. where a kid lives
   3. in a building where kids can reasonably be expected to be present
   4. while in a hotel room
   5. in a "multiple unit residential building," like an apartment building or a duplex.
5. You have prior convictions -- especially prior felonies
6. You're currently on probation or parole.

How Can an Iowa Methamphetamine Possession Defense Lawyer Help?

After a drug bust, an Iowa methamphetamine possession defense lawyer can review your drug charges and advise you about a possible drug defense.  Your defense attorney can review any search or seizure made during a drug bust for violations of your Fourth Amendment rights.

Deferred Judgment for Possession of Methamphetamine

If the jury convicts you of a methamphetamine possession charge, a deferred judgment might be available to help you keep your record clean.