Drug Manufacturing Lawyer in San Bernardino

Nearly a Decade Defending HSC 11379.6 Charges. Mr. Kuntz Handles Every Case Himself.

A drug manufacturing charge under Health and Safety Code 11379.6 isn’t a possession offense dressed up in different language. It carries its own felony framework, its own knowledge requirements, and its own penalty enhancements. At Law Office of Dennis Kuntz, we personally review the chemical evidence, the chain of custody, and the precise conduct alleged so we can identify where the prosecution’s case falls short.

Mr. Kuntz handles every case himself. His background as a public defender gives him a ground-level understanding of how the state builds manufacturing cases and where they can be challenged.

If you or someone you know is facing a drug manufacturing charge in San Bernardino, don’t wait to get answers. Call Law Office of Dennis Kuntz at (909) 200-4045 to schedule a free consultation.

What Qualifies as Manufacturing Under HSC 11379.6

California Health and Safety Code 11379.6 prohibits manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, deriving, processing, or preparing a controlled substance. The statute reaches conduct at any point in the production process, including initial and intermediate steps. A completed product isn’t required for the charge to apply.

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove the accused took part in chemical extraction or synthesis and knew the substance being produced was controlled. They don’t need to prove which specific drug was targeted. The distinction between manufacturing and mere preparation matters here: buying or assembling precursor chemicals without taking further steps toward production may not meet the statute’s threshold. That line is often where a defense begins.

Common manufacturing scenarios in San Bernardino County include:

• Clandestine methamphetamine labs operating out of homes, garages, sheds, or storage units
• THC extraction operations flagged during narcotics investigations
• Properties where owners knowingly allowed manufacturing to occur, which is a separate offense under Health and Safety Code 11366.5

Penalties for a Drug Manufacturing Conviction

A conviction under HSC 11379.6 is a felony carrying three, five, or seven years in state prison and a fine of up to $50,000. The sentencing court has discretion to impose probation with county jail time depending on the circumstances, but that outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Several aggravating factors can push a sentence higher. Under Health and Safety Code 11379.7, a defendant may face an additional two years if a child under 16 was present in the structure where manufacturing occurred, and an additional five years if that child suffered great bodily injury as a result. Courts also consider prior drug-related convictions, manufacturing large quantities of methamphetamine or PCP, and causing injury or death during production. Identifying which factors apply and how to address them is part of the case analysis we conduct from the start.

How San Bernardino County Enforces Manufacturing Cases

San Bernardino County dedicates significant law enforcement resources to narcotics production. The Sheriff’s Department Gangs/Narcotics Division operates a Marijuana Enforcement Team that investigates indoor cultivation and THC extraction labs countywide. The county also participates in the Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team (IRNET) and the HIDTA Group 50 task force, which bring in the DEA and US Customs alongside local agencies to target production and trafficking organizations across the Inland Empire.

When a suspected methamphetamine conversion lab is discovered, responses typically involve both sheriff’s narcotics investigators and the fire department’s Hazmat division, given the fire, explosion, and toxic exposure risks these sites create. That multi-agency response shapes how evidence is collected and transferred, and it creates multiple points where the chain of custody can be examined.

Defense Strategies for HSC 11379.6 Charges

The prosecution’s burden in a manufacturing case is specific, and several defense approaches address it directly. We evaluate each case on its facts before identifying which arguments carry the most weight.

Lack of Knowledge
Prosecutors must prove the accused knew the substance being produced was controlled. When that knowledge is genuinely in dispute, it becomes a central issue in the defense.

Preparation vs. Manufacturing
If the accused purchased or assembled materials but didn’t take further steps toward actual production, the conduct may fall short of what the statute requires. Courts guided by CALCRIM 2330 draw a real line between these two categories.

Fourth Amendment Challenges
A search conducted without a valid warrant, or one that exceeded the warrant’s scope, can be challenged. If the challenge succeeds, physical evidence such as lab equipment or chemical samples may be suppressed.

Chain of Custody and Lab Testing
Chemical synthesis evidence is only as reliable as the procedures used to collect, store, and test it. We examine whether law enforcement and laboratory personnel followed proper protocols and whether the results actually support the charge as filed.

Duress
When someone participated because of genuine threats or coercion, duress may be raised as a defense depending on the specific facts.

Personal Representation from Start to Finish

At Law Office of Dennis Kuntz, manufacturing cases aren’t handed off to less experienced staff after the initial meeting. Mr. Kuntz handles the case analysis, the court appearances, and client communication from start to finish. That differs from the approach at some larger firms, and it’s a meaningful difference when technical details determine the outcome.

Our approach is built on individualized attention and clear communication. You’ll know where your case stands and why, and the full weight of the firm’s resources can be focused on your situation.

Start with a Free Consultation

A drug manufacturing charge in San Bernardino carries serious consequences, and the time to build a defense is now. We offer free consultations so you can discuss your situation without financial obligation before making any decisions. Call Law Office of Dennis Kuntz at (909) 200-4045 to speak directly with Mr. Kuntz about your case.