Attorney Mehdi Essmidi was a life saver. I was in a very horrible situation, where I reached out to Mehdi on a Sunday, and was able to speak with him regarding my issues. Rather than wait until the following Monday, we set a time to meet & speak so take action in regards to my issues. Fast forward, my case was later dismissed - and my I was able to resume my daily life. Cheers to Mehdi.

NYC Drug Manufacturing Attorney
Call us now or schedule a free consultation, and Attorney Mehdi Essmidi will contact you personally to discuss your case.

Under the New York Penal Code, drug manufacturing charges are more serious than possession of a controlled substance charges. If you’ve been charged with manufacturing drugs, it can turn into a tough fight. But remember, an arrest is not a conviction, and you have a right to a good criminal defense attorney.
As a former NYC Prosecutor, attorney Mehdi Essmidi knows how drug manufacturing cases are put together and prosecuted. This knowledge lets us anticipate the prosecution’s moves and build a strong defense for you. Contact The Law Offices of Mehdi Essmidi today for a free consultation.
NY Drug Manufacturing Laws
Facing charges as a drug offender under New York’s drug manufacturing laws can lead to serious consequences, making it crucial to seek experienced legal representation.
These charges can include everything from possessing large quantities of a drug and growing marijuana plants to operating a methamphetamine laboratory. Here are the laws the prosecution might use in attempting to bring drug manufacturing charges:
NY Penal Law 220.50 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree
Under New York Penal Law 220.50, criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree includes possessing or selling items associated with the manufacturing, packaging, or consumption of controlled substances. This includes scales, vials, lab equipment, and other drug use or distribution equipment.
Being caught with lab equipment, especially when combined with precursor chemicals, can lead to criminal charges. Conviction of this charge can include fines and imprisonment.
NY Penal Law 220.55 – Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the First Degree
This law makes using drug paraphernalia a first-degree crime when a person has been previously convicted of a similar charge under Penal Law 220.50. This is a more severe approach to repeated offenders. The penalties are harsher, including longer imprisonment and higher fines.
NY Penal Law 220.60 – Criminal Possession of Precursors of Controlled Substances
This law covers the possession of specific chemicals or materials to manufacture illegal drugs, and it is aimed at the early stages of drug production. Being charged with this statute can carry fines and prison time.
NY Penal Law 220.70 – Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the Second Degree
Under New York Penal Law 220.70, criminal possession of methamphetamine manufacturing material in the second degree means possessing items and materials to manufacture methamphetamine.
This charge is a proactive approach to stop methamphetamine production by targeting individuals before actual manufacturing happens. Conviction can carry imprisonment and fines.
NY Penal Law 220.71 – Criminal Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material in the First Degree
New York Penal Law 220.71 makes the crime a first-degree when a person has been previously convicted of a similar charge under Penal Law 220.70. This is a more severe approach to repeat offenders involved in methamphetamine production. The penalties are more severe, the prison time is longer, and the fines are higher.
NY Penal Law 220.72 – Criminal Possession of Precursors of Methamphetamine
Under New York Penal Law 220.72, Illegal possession of precursors of methamphetamine means possessing specific chemicals and materials to manufacture methamphetamine. This law is aimed at meth production by targeting individuals at the early stages.
NY Penal Law 220.73 – Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the Third Degree
New York Penal Law 220.73 makes it unlawful to manufacture methamphetamine in the third degree. This crime carries heavy penalties. Those charged face prison time and fines.
NY Penal Law 220.74 – Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the Second Degree
This law covers certain aggravating factors in the manufacture of methamphetamine, such as prior convictions or children present. This statute has penalties to address the increased danger.
NY Penal Law 220.75 – Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine in the First Degree
This is one of the most serious methamphetamine manufacturing crimes, large-scale or particularly dangerous production. Conviction of unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine in the first degree carries the harshest penalties, including lengthy incarceration and high fines.
NY Penal Law 220.76 – Unlawful Disposal of Methamphetamine Laboratory Material
This law covers the improper disposal of hazardous materials used in meth production. Conviction can carry fines and incarceration. You need legal representation to address these charges and minimize the penalties.
Related Drug Crimes
Drug manufacturing charges often overlap with other drug offenses. Here are two common drug-related crimes:
Illegal Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges are often associated with manufacturing charges. These are charges for transporting, distributing, or selling controlled substances.
Drug Possession
Drug possession charges range from minor violations to serious felonies, depending on the circumstances. New York Penal Law §220.03 to §220.21 covers different degrees of criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in NYC
The penalties for drug manufacturing in New York depend on the nature of the crime, the type and quantity of drugs involved, and any prior convictions. Here’s a general idea of what you might be facing:
Fines: The financial penalties for drug manufacturing can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, particularly when combined with other penalties.
Imprisonment: Jail time is a common penalty for drug manufacturing. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be facing anything from a few years to life in prison.
Probation: In some cases, you may be sentenced to probation and jail time.
Criminal Record: A conviction can leave a permanent criminal record.
Mandatory Drug Rehabilitation: Courts may order mandatory drug rehabilitation as part of the sentencing, especially if the case involves substance abuse issues.
Common Defenses Against Drug Manufacturing Charges
When charged with drug manufacturing, there are many defenses available. Here are some common defenses our well-versed drug crime lawyers may use:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Lack of knowledge or intent
- Insufficient evidence
- Mistaken identity
- Violation of due process
- Improper handling or testing of evidence
Contact our NYC Drug Manufacturing Attorney Today
If you’re charged with drug manufacturing or related drug crimes in New York City, you need qualified legal counsel. Whether you have a prior conviction or you’ve never faced charges related to manufacturing drugs before, we are the place to go. Our law firm is led by Mehdi Essmidi, a NYC drug manufacturing attorney with years of experience in drug cases. Schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
Schedule a Free Consultation

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
As a former New York City Prosecutor, Attorney Mehdi Essmidi knows the playbook that the prosecution will use against you. He uses his experience and knowledge to aggressively fight your charges and get you the best possible outcome. If you're looking for an aggressive defense lawyer who won't back down from a challenge, then Attorney Essmidi is the right choice for you.