Two of the most frequently abused drugs in Oklahoma are methamphetamine and marijuana. Perhaps one reason for the availability of these two drugs in the state is that they are relatively easy to manufacture and grow. In fact, marijuana is known to grow wild in Oklahoma, and though the quality of wild marijuana is low, its presence indicates just how easy it may be to cultivate large crops of marijuana. Similarly, crystal meth is manufactured with commonly available ingredients, and with a “shake and bake method,” can be produced with tools as simple as a soda bottle.

Though the effort to cultivate and manufacture drugs may be relatively minor, the criminal penalties for conviction of marijuana cultivation or illegal drug manufacture are anything but minor. Drug cultivation and manufacture are felony offenses which carry the potential for life in prison, even as a first offense. In an effort to appear tough on drugs, legislators have created mandatory minimum sentencing for certain drug crimes, and prosecutors zealously pursue conviction and harsh sentencing for drug offenses including manufacture or cultivation.

If you have been accused of producing illegal drugs, you may be subject to serious penalties and collateral consequences that can affect you for life. Finding skillful representation is critical for the protection of your rights and privileges. At Phillips & Associates, we have more than a decade of successful drug defense representation, obtaining dismissals, winning verdicts, and negotiating favorable sentencing for our clients accused of drug crimes in Oklahoma. Our record of success makes us one of the top criminal defense law firms in the state, and our clients trust us to provide quality legal services that bring positive results.

Marijuana Cultivation in Oklahoma

Though most marijuana in Oklahoma is imported from Mexico, locally cultivated marijuana is widely available. From large crops grown in wilderness areas and detected by helicopters to small amounts grown indoors for personal use, the cultivation of marijuana is expressly prohibited by state law and vigorously prosecuted.

The presence of seeds, high powered lamps, hydroponic equipment, and other drug paraphernalia may indicate drug cultivation, which brings much more serious penalties than simple possession alone. While a first offense of marijuana possession for personal use is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, marijuana cultivation is a felony punishable by life in prison. In fact, the state is known for its tough drug laws and for judges routinely handing out harsh penalties for seemingly minor offenses.

Oklahoma was ranked at the top of a list of “The 5 Worst States to Get Busted for Pot,” in part because of the possibility for a life sentence for cultivation of even small amounts of cannabis.

Meth Labs and the Illegal Manufacture of Drugs

House Bill 1798 allows for some of the nation’s toughest drug conviction penalties, including a mandatory minimum of seven years in prison with a maximum of life in prison for even a first offense of manufacturing drugs. Second and subsequent offenses carry even lengthier minimums, including fourteen years to life for a second offense, and twenty-one to life on a third offense.

The manufacture of drugs including LSD, heroin, crack, and methamphetamine is subject to not only heavy prison sentences and mandatory minimums, but also fines of up to $100,000 and lengthy probation. In fact, because meth and the manufacture of meth is such a prevalent problem in the state, there is now a Meth Offender Registration requirement, similar to Sex Offender Registration for individuals convicted of sex crimes in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma consistently leads the nation in the number of meth labs and meth arrests as well as in meth use, addiction, and deaths. Because of the dangers associated with meth labs and one-pot meth labs, manufacture of methamphetamine is prosecuted aggressively.

Oklahoma Drug Manufacture and Cultivation Defense

The criminal defense lawyers at Phillips & Associates are known as some of the most knowledgeable and skillful attorneys in the state. Through innovative defense strategies and a commitment to providing high-quality legal representation to defendants in criminal cases, we have developed a reputation for success supported by a winning record. Hiring a drug defense lawyer from our firm gives your defense an edge, as our attorneys will carefully investigate every aspect of your case in order to determine the best strategy for your defense. We put the full force of our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you.

To find out how we can help, submit our confidential online case review form or call (405) 418-8888 to schedule your free consultation with one of Oklahoma’s top defense attorneys.