Being arrested and charged with a criminal offense is a frightening experience for most people even if they have some idea why they are being arrested. Finding yourself behind bars without knowing why is likely downright terrifying. For example, if you have been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine based on nothing more than having cold pills in your possession, the obvious question you need answered is “How did I get charged with meth promotion when I just bought some cold pills?”
To answer that question you need to understand how methamphetamine is made, or “cooked,” as well as gain a better understanding of the controlled substance laws in the State of Tennessee. Methamphetamine, or “meth,” is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Like its parent drug, amphetamine, meth increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria; however, meth is much stronger than amphetamine and, consequently, has even more serious negative side-effects and a higher potential for abuse and addiction.
Meth is often manufactured, or “cooked,” in a basement or garage lab using amphetamines and other, often toxic, chemicals such as battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel and antifreeze. The amphetamine is typically extracted from over-the-counter cold pills. It is for this reason that many heretofore readily available cold medications are no longer kept out on the shelves in the pharmacy. Instead you are now require you to show identification to the pharmacist who keeps the medication behind the counter. Although no prescription is required, a national database is kept that keeps track of how much an individual has purchased. If you go over your limit, or there appears to be a pattern of excessive purchases, you could come to the attention of local or federal law enforcement agencies, specifically the Drug Enforcement Agency, or DEA.
Unfortunately, this can lead to an innocent person being arrested and charged with a serious drug offense for nothing more than having horrible allergies or making the mistake of being the designated shopper in a large family. Making matters worse, most innocent people have no idea what the law regarding the manufacture of meth are nor how much cold medicine they can purchase without becoming a suspect.
If you landed behind bars for purchasing cold medicine, the good news is that you have the right to defend yourself. The first step is to consult with the experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorneys at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby. Contact the team today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your appointment.
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