The average person probably does not have hundreds of thousands of dollars on-hand to cover legal fines. Yet, that can be the price tag for a manufacturing of illegal substances conviction.
Illegal manufacturing of drugs charges are among the most serious drug crimes in Georgia. Punishments vary based on several factors, including substances involved and prior criminal activity. Along with jail time and a criminal record, some drug manufacturing charges can go as far as to leave you with up to $1 million in fines on their own, including:
- Cocaine manufacture over 400 grams
- Marijuana manufacture over 10,000 pounds
- Methamphetamine manufacture over 400 grams
While these manufacturing charges could cost you a million on their own, this is not to say that others could not rack up to hefty amounts. Having multiple charges, either for other drug manufacturing or other types of misconduct, means that they could easily compound for a significant amount of money in fines. Smaller amounts of manufactured substances can have smaller fines, including:
- Cocaine between 28 and 200 grams – $200,000
- Cocaine between 200 and 400 grams – $300,000
- Marijuana between 10 and 2,000 pounds – $100,00
- Marijuana between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds – $250,000
- Methamphetamine under 200 grams – $200,000
- Methamphetamine between 200 and 400 grams – $300,000
Fines are not the only penalty of drug manufacturing charges, though. Time in prison must also be considered in the financial cost of crimes. In Georgia, drug manufacturing charges will likely result in between 5 and 25 years in prison. When you are incarcerated, you often lose the ability to earn money that you may have otherwise been able to.
Charges also have a big effect on your ability to get a job after release, as many employers will not hire those with a serious criminal record. Along with the financial impact that a drug manufacturing charge may have, other consequences can quickly become apparent, including social and educational challenges that you may face, which in turn may continue to affect you financially.