Methamphetamine (commonly referred to as crystal meth or simply “meth,” but also referred to as crank, ice, or speed) is a powerful stimulant that comes in several forms. Crystal meth may be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested, and its popularity in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years as more people have learned that they could manufacture (or “cook”) the drug on their own using common, inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients.
As meth has become more popular, law enforcements agencies have increasingly attempted to crack down on so-called “meth labs” where methamphetamine is being manufactured and lawmakers have criminalized possession of certain chemicals relating to methamphetamine production. In virtually all cases, meth crimes are felony offenses that are subject to very aggressive prosecution and steep penalties.
Attorney for Meth Charges in West Palm Beach, FL
If you believe that you might be under investigation or you were already arrested for any kind of alleged criminal offense involving methamphetamine in South Florida, it will be in your best interest to retain legal counsel before you say anything to authorities. Meltzer & Bell, P.A. can examine all aspects of the criminal charges against you and fight to achieve the most favorable outcome that results in the fewest possible consequences.
Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell are criminal defense lawyers in West Palm Beach who represent clients accused of all kinds of drug crimes in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, and many surrounding areas of Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County. You can have our attorneys review your case and help you understand all of your legal options when you call (561) 557-8686 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Palm Beach County Meth Charges Information Center
- How are the consequences different for simple possession of methamphetamine and sale, manufacturing, delivery, or intent to sell crimes?
- When do methamphetamine offenses constitute drug trafficking drimes?
- Which chemicals relating to methamphetamine production can result in criminal charges?
- Where can I find more information about met charges in West Palm Beach?
Meth Possession Penalties in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a), an alleged offender who is in actual or constructive possession of methamphetamine can be charged with a third-degree felony. A conviction for possession of less than 14 grams of methamphetamine is punishable by:
- Up to five years in prison;
- A fine of up to $5,000; and
- One year suspension of driver’s license.
Florida Statute § 893.13(1)(a) makes it a second-degree felony for an alleged offender to sell, manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver less than 14 grams of methamphetamine. In such cases, a conviction is punishable by:
- Up to 10 years in prison;
- A fine of up to $10,000; and
- One year suspension of driver’s license.
Meth Trafficking Penalties in West Palm Beach
When a person allegedly possesses 14 grams or more of methamphetamine—regardless of whether the underlying crime was simple possession, sale, manufacturing, delivery, or possession with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver—the crime is prosecuted as trafficking in methamphetamine. Under Florida Statute § 893.135(f), trafficking in methamphetamine is a first-degree felony in which punishments vary depending on the amount the individual allegedly possessed:
- 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams — Mandatory minimum of three years up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000;
- 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams — Mandatory minimum of seven years up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000; or
- 200 grams or more — Mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
If an alleged offender knowingly manufactures or brings into Florida 400 grams or more of methamphetamine or of any mixture containing amphetamine or methamphetamine, or phenylacetone, phenylacetic acid, pseudoephedrine, or ephedrine in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of amphetamine or methamphetamine, and who knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person, the crime is classified as a capital felony punishable by up to life in prison or possibly by death and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Meth Chemical Penalties in West Palm Beach
Florida Statute § 893.149 prohibits people from knowingly or intentionally possessing a listed chemical with the intent to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance or possessing or distributing a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the listed chemical will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance. Listed chemicals include listed precursor chemicals and listed essential chemicals established under Florida Statute § 893.033.
Listed precursor chemicals include:
- Anthranilic acid;
- Benzaldehyde;
- Benzyl cyanide;
- Chloroephedrine;
- Chloropseudoephedrine;
- Ephedrine;
- Ergonovine;
- Ergotamine;
- Ergocristine;
- Ethylamine;
- Iodine tincture above 2.2 percent;
- Isosafrole;
- Methylamine;
- 3, 4-Methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone;
- N-Acetylanthranilic acid;
- N-Ethylephedrine;
- N-Ethylpseudoephedrine;
- N-Methylephedrine;
- N-Methylpseudoephedrine;
- ANPP (4-Anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine);
- NPP (N-Phenethyl-4-piperidone);
- Nitroethane;
- Norpseudoephedrine;
- Phenylacetic acid;
- Phenylpropanolamine;
- Piperidine;
- Piperonal;
- Propionic anhydride;
- Pseudoephedrine; and
- Safrole.
Listed essential chemicals include:
- Acetic anhydride;
- Acetone;
- Ammonium salts, including, but not limited to, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, or chloride.
- Anhydrous ammonia;
- Benzoquinone;
- Benzyl chloride;
- 2-Butanone;
- Ethyl ether;
- Formic acid;
- Hydrochloric acid;
- Hydriodic acid;
- Iodine;
- Lithium;
- Organic solvents, including, but not limited to, Coleman Fuel, camping fuel, ether, toluene, or lighter fluid;
- Organic cosolvents, including, but not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol;
- Potassium dichromate;
- Potassium permanganate;
- Sodium;
- Sodium dichromate;
- Sodium borohydride;
- Sodium cyanoborohydride;
- Sodium hydroxide; and
- Sulfuric acid.
Under Florida Statute § 893.13(1)(g), it is a first-degree felony punishable by a minimum of five years in prison for an alleged offender to manufacture methamphetamine or possess any listed chemical with intent to manufacture methamphetamine if the commission or attempted commission of the crime occurs in a structure or conveyance where any child younger than 16 years of age is present. If the commission of the crime causes any child younger than 16 years of age to suffer great bodily harm, a conviction is punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison.
Florida Resources for Meth Charges
Narcotics Division | Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office — The Narcotics Division of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for enforcing controlled substances laws and works closely with various agencies to investigate alleged offenders involved in the growth, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs. Visit this website to learn more about the Narcotics Division, drug identification, and drug treatment. You can also find information about drug trends in South Florida.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division3228 Gun Club Rd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 681-4400
Florida | Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) — CMA is a nonprofit organization comprised of recovering crystal meth addicts that uses a variation of the 12-step programs utilized by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). On this website, you can learn more about CMA, find pamphlets and readings, and download other CMA literature. You can also find the times and location of meetings in Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.
Meltzer & Bell, P.A. | West Palm Beach Meth Charges Defense Lawyer
Were you arrested or do you think that you could be under investigation in South Florida for any kind of alleged methamphetamine offense? Exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A. today.
West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell aggressively defend individuals all over Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, and Broward County, including Wellington, Riviera Beach, Lake Worth, Greenacres, Boynton Beach, and many other nearby communities. Call (561) 557-8686 or submit an online form to let our lawyer provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.
