Bakersfield Drug Manufacturing Attorney
Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Drug Manufacturing Charges in Bakersfield, CA
A knock on the door from a narcotics task force, a search warrant executed at your home, or a phone call asking you to "come in and answer a few questions" — these are the moments that define a drug manufacturing case before it ever reaches a courtroom. In Kern County, manufacturing investigations move fast, and law enforcement agencies dedicate significant resources to building cases around clandestine labs, unlicensed grow operations, and synthetic drug production.
That speed is exactly why so many Bakersfield residents turn to Humphrey & Thompson, the moment they sense trouble. Founding attorneys Kyle J. Humphrey and Jared M. Thompson built their practice around a simple idea: the earlier a real defense attorney gets involved, the more options a client has. Waiting until after an arraignment can mean losing the chance to challenge a search, correct a false narrative with investigators, or quietly resolve a case before charges are ever filed.
Here's why you should choose our team:
- Handled thousands of criminal cases with a 90 percent success rate
- Led by State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialists
- Responsive and personalized legal counsel inside and outside the court
Contact us at today to schedule a free consultation.
-
What To Expect After Arrest -
The Attorneys You Need On Your Side
-
Thousands of Successful Cases
What is Drug Manufacturing?
Under California Health & Safety Code §11379.6, it is illegal to manufacture, compound, convert, produce, derive, process, or prepare a controlled substance, either directly or indirectly. This law applies to both street drugs like methamphetamine or heroin and prescription medications such as opioids, if produced unlawfully.
Drug manufacturing also includes the cultivation of certain drugs—most notably marijuana—without proper licenses or in violation of California’s cannabis regulations. Even owning certain types of lab equipment or precursors can result in criminal charges if law enforcement believes they were used in the process of manufacturing drugs.
In many cases, manufacturing charges are filed in addition to possession, distribution, or conspiracy offenses, dramatically increasing the potential penalties.
Common Ways to Manufacture or Cultivate Controlled Substances
Law enforcement agencies in Bakersfield and across California are highly aggressive when it comes to cracking down on drug labs and illegal grow operations. Common scenarios that may lead to drug manufacturing charges include:
- Operating a Meth Lab: The production of methamphetamine typically involves the use of hazardous chemicals and makeshift lab equipment in homes, sheds, or garages.
- Marijuana Cultivation Without a License: Although cannabis is legal in California under certain regulations, unauthorized cultivation—especially in large quantities—remains a criminal offense.
- Producing Synthetic Drugs: Creating synthetic substances like MDMA, LSD, or fentanyl in unauthorized labs is a felony under state and federal law.
- Growing Psilocybin Mushrooms: Cultivating psychedelic mushrooms is illegal in California, despite increasing moves toward decriminalization in other parts of the country.
- Possessing Drug Manufacturing Equipment: Even owning glassware, solvents, or precursors like pseudoephedrine can lead to charges if connected to illegal manufacturing.
If you have been accused of any of these activities, it is crucial to retain a Bakersfield drug manufacturing attorney as soon as possible.
Penalties for Drug Manufacturing in California
Drug manufacturing is a felony offense in California and is punishable by severe criminal penalties.
Penalties for a state conviction include:
- 3 to 7 years in state prison for manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance.
- Fines of up to $50,000.
- Enhanced sentences if minors are involved, if the operation is near schools, or if hazardous chemicals are used.
Manufacturing charges may be prosecuted under federal law if the case involves large-scale operations, cross-state activity, or certain controlled substances.
Here are the federal penalties:
- Minimum 10 years to life imprisonment for large quantities.
- Mandatory minimums apply depending on drug type and quantity.
Additional consequences include:
- Asset forfeiture (homes, vehicles, money).
- Probation or parole restrictions.
- Loss of professional licenses or employment.
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens.
Every case is different, and sentencing depends on a range of factors. At Humphrey & Thompson, we fight to get charges reduced or dismissed and seek alternatives to incarceration where possible.
-
Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
-
Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Drug Manufacturing FAQs
The following are several frequently asked questions about drug manufacturing charges in Bakersfield, CA:
What should I do if I’m under investigation for drug manufacturing?
Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Politely invoke your right to remain silent and contact a defense attorney immediately.
Is it still illegal to grow marijuana in California?
While personal cultivation of cannabis is legal under Prop 64, growing large quantities, selling without a license, or operating an illegal grow house can result in felony charges.
Can I be charged for simply having lab equipment or chemicals?
Yes, if the items are believed to be used for drug manufacturing. However, the prosecution must prove your intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
Are drug manufacturing charges always prosecuted at the state level?
No. If your case involves large amounts of drugs, crosses state lines, or involves certain substances, it may be prosecuted in federal court, which typically carries harsher penalties.
Can I avoid prison time for a manufacturing charge?
Possibly. Diversion programs, plea bargains, and alternative sentencing may be available depending on your criminal history and the circumstances of the case.
-
True Trial Attorneys
-
Responsive & Prompt Communication
-
Impressive Track Record in State, & Federal Courts
-
Client-Service Focused
-
Certified Criminal Law Specialists
-
- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
-
- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
-
Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
-
- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
-
- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
-
- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
-
- Rob B.
He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
-
- Former Client
Jared and his staff, not exaggerating were on top of it all. If I called to talk to the girls in the front they handled everything right away, Jared reputation for being THE BEST matched him perfect. We had issues with the anger management classes and the staff really cared and helped us. Jared helped my son who was facing some serious charges but he genuinely cared about the whole truth and we got blessed tremendously! we are forever grateful and truly couldnt have imagined the outcome had we NOT hired him! Loved them thank you so much sincerely!
A Track Record Built on Results, Not Promises
Marketing language is easy to write. What's harder to manufacture is a real history of outcomes. Humphrey & Thompson points clients to its actual case results — dismissals, reduced charges, and trial acquittals across serious felony matters. When a firm has resolved cases involving undercover stings, lab-based investigations, and complex search-and-seizure issues, that pattern of results becomes the strongest argument for why a prospective client should call.
This is the foundation our firm brings to every drug manufacturing case: not just legal knowledge, but a demonstrated history of getting serious charges dismissed or significantly reduced for real clients in Bakersfield.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Bakersfield drug manufacturing attorney.
