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Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (more commonly known as crystal meth or simply “meth,” but also referred to by such street names as ice, crank, or speed) is a highly-addictive stimulant that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. The popularity of meth dramatically increased in communities all over the nation as more people learned how common, inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients could be used to manufacture (or “cook”) methamphetamine.

Law enforcement agencies in Florida have placed a greater emphasis on rooting out so-called “meth labs”—places, sometimes transportable, where methamphetamine is manufactured. Even simple meth possession crimes are felony offenses in Florida, and alleged offenders can face a multitude of serious immediate and long-term consequences.

Lawyer for Methamphetamine Arrests in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Were you arrested or do you think that you might be under investigation for any kind of alleged crime relating to crystal meth in South Florida? No matter how confident you are in your innocence, do not say anything to authorities without legal counsel. Contact Meltzer & Bell as soon as possible.

Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell represent clients charged with all kinds of drug crimes in communities throughout Broward County, including Coral Springs, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and many others. You can have our lawyers review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (954) 765-6585 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.

Overview of Methamphetamine Crimes in Broward County

When does possession become trafficking with methamphetamine?
Which types of chemicals relating to meth production can result in criminal charges?
Where can I find more information about methamphetamine in Broward County?

Florida Methamphetamine Possession Penalties

Florida Statute § 893.13(6)(a) makes it a third-degree felony for an alleged offender to be in actual or constructive possession of methamphetamine. A conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, and/or a one-year suspension of the alleged offender’s driver’s license.

Under Florida Statute § 893.13(1)(a), it is 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. Convictions are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $10,000, and/or one-year suspensions of the driver’s licenses of alleged offenders.

If an alleged offender possesses 14 grams or more of methamphetamine—regardless of the nature of the underlying offense—he or she will be charged with trafficking in methamphetamine. Florida Statute § 893.135(f) establishes that trafficking in methamphetamine is a first-degree felony punishable as follows, depending on the amount of crystal meth 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.

When 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 knows that the probable result of such manufacture or importation would be the death of any person, the offense is a capital felony punishable by up to life in prison or possibly the death penalty and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

Methamphetamine Manufacturing Penalties in Broward County

Under Florida Statute § 893.149, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally possess a listed chemical with the intent to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance or possess or distribute a listed chemical knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the listed chemical will be used to unlawfully manufacture a controlled substance. Any violation of this statute is classified as a second-degree felony.

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.

Florida Statute § 893.13(1)(g) also makes it 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. When the alleged commission of the crime causes any child younger than 16 years of age to suffer great bodily harm, a conviction becomes punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Florida Methamphetamine Offense Resources

Metro Broward Drug Task Force (MBDTF) | Broward Sheriff’s Office — The MBDTF is a multi-jurisdictional initiative with its primary focus being “the disruption and dismantling of middle to upper level Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO) and Money Laundering Organizations (MLO) with ties to narcotics trafficking.” Visit this section of the Broward Sheriff’s Office website to learn more about funding and operations of the MBDTF. You can also find additional information about other specialized units of the sheriff’s office.

Broward Sheriff’s Office
2601 W. Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 765-4321

Florida | Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) — CMA is a nonprofit organization comprised of recovering crystal meth addicts. It 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, download pamphlets and readings, and find the times and location of meetings in Broward County.

Meltzer & Bell | Fort Lauderdale Methamphetamine Defense Attorney

If you believe that you could be under investigation or you were already arrested for any kind of alleged meth crime in Broward County, it is in your best interest to quickly seek legal representation. Meltzer & Bell aggressively defends individuals in Hallandale Beach, Deerfield Beach, Margate, Wilton Manors, Weston, Coconut Creek, Tamarac, Sunrise, and many surrounding areas of South Florida.

Lawrence Meltzer and Steven Bell are experienced criminal defense lawyers in Fort Lauderdale who can fight to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case, including possibly having the criminal charged reduced or dismissed. Call (954) 765-6585 or complete an online contact form to have our attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.