NY Penal Law § 220.72: Criminal possession of precursors of methamphetamine

| by Max Soni

Last Updated on: 5th August 2023, 03:47 pm

Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine: Understanding the Law and Possible Defenses

Drug-related charges are serious offenses that can have a significant impact on your life. In New York, manufacturing methamphetamine or meth is illegal. However, did you know that under New York Penal Code § 220.72, possession of the precursors or ingredients necessary to make methamphetamine is also a crime? This includes acetone, toluene, lithium, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorus, pseudoephedrine, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid.

At Spodek Law Group we understand the gravity of drug-related charges and are here to provide you with our legal expertise. We strive to provide our clients with informative articles that are engaging and emotionally compelling. Our team is committed to using descriptive language and vivid imagery to convey the seriousness of these charges.

One example of criminal possession of precursors for making methamphetamine involves police searching a residence based on a tip-off about it being used as a meth lab. While they didn’t find any actual drugs in this case; they found several items such as acetone-based nail polish remover; lithium batteries; cold medication containing pseudoephedrine; matchboxes with red phosphorus; drain cleaner with sodium hydroxide; toilet bowl cleaner with sulfuric acid; countertop cleaner with anhydrous ammonia and commonly used lighter fluid which could be used in producing methamphetamine.

It’s important to note that there are other drug-related offenses under New York Penal Law including criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree (¬ß 220.70), unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the second degree (¬ß 220.74), unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the first degree (¬ß 220.75). Additionally, New York Penal Law ¬ß 220.71and ¬ß22-0 .73 cover possession and sale of controlled substances.

If you are charged with criminal possession of precursors for making methamphetamine, you may be able to present a defense arguing that there is an innocent reason for possessing these ingredients. Alternatively, you can argue that the search that uncovered these items was unlawful. It’s important to note that for the search to be lawful, the police must demonstrate probable cause. If the search is found to be unlawful, any evidence gathered during the search including illicit drugs may be deemed inadmissible in court and your case could be dismissed.

Being convicted of criminal possession of precursors for making methamphetamine is a serious offense and categorized as a Class E felony. If convicted, you could face up to four years in prison; fines and five-year probation term. The judge will take several factors into consideration when determining your sentence such as details of crime; your criminal history and personal background.

At Spodek Law Group we have deep understanding of law and experience handling drug-related offenses including criminal possession of precursors for making methamphetamine which gives us ability navigate legal system build strong defense unique circumstances surrounding each case.

We understand complexities involved with drug-related charges which makes us best choice legal representation if facing such charges including criminal possession of precursors used in manufacturing methamphetamine or other related offenses under New York Penal Law § 220.72-75 & §22-0 .71and §22-0 .73 covering sale/possession controlled substances etc..

Our team at Spodek Law Group is passionate about helping our clients achieve best possible outcome their cases by providing them with professional experienced representation they deserve while protecting their rights throughout entire process from start finish ensuring justice served fairly without bias prejudice whatsoever! Contact us today consultation Attorney Todd Spodek let help protect future defend rights!