Drug Offence Solicitors

Our Drug Offence Solicitors offer expert legal advice to individuals being investigated for all forms of drug related offences.

It is illegal to be in possession of a controlled substance, although the consequences vary depending on the class of substance in question and the quantities involved. An experienced drug offence solicitor will take steps to protect your reputation and avoid or reduce a conviction where possible, making it vital to contact a specialist solicitor as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know needs a drug offence solicitor call Draycott Browne's serious crime solicitors today on +44 (0)161 452 7677 for a confidential discussion.

HOW WE CAN HELP

After being arrested for a drug-related offence it is natural to be worried about the potential ramifications and the impact it may have on your loved ones. You need someone who will act in your best interests as quickly as possible, give you all the information you need and work to ensure you are protected.

Because of this, our solicitors are available 24/7/365, ready to help from the moment of your arrest and initial police interview through to the end of proceedings. We will communicate with the police on your behalf throughout the process and ensure that you always have a full understanding of the situation and its implications

If you require clear, expert legal advice from specialise drug offence solicitors you can get in touch with our team today by calling on +44 (0)161 452 7674 or filling in our contact form.

Common drug offences and their penalties

A number of illegal activities are deemed unlawful according to the Drugs Misuse Act 1971. The most common drug offences include.

• Possession

If you have been caught with drugs you can be charged with possession, even if they are not yours. The penalty you receive will depend on a number of factors including the amount you are found with.

• Possession with intent to supply

If it looks as though you have drugs in your possession to sell or even give to your friends, you can be charged with possession with intent to supply, which can mean up to life imprisonment.

• Supply of controlled drugs

This can range from small-scale dealing amongst friends to large-scale supply of class A drugs. If you are found guilty of supplying or dealing drugs, penalties are likely to be severe including unlimited fines and /or a prison term.

• Production of controlled drugs

This is defined as ‘manufacturing, cultivating or production by any other method’ and carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

• Cultivation of cannabis

Carrying a maximum prison term of 14 years, this is defined as any action that is deemed to be the cultivation of cannabis such as the watering, feeding or nurturing of a cannabis plant or seeds.

• Importation and exportation of controlled drugs

The penalties for the unauthorised import or export of controlled drugs are punishable by prison sentences and or unlimited fines.

• Offences related to the use of drugs on premises

There is criminal liability for occupiers, managers or landlords who allow their premises, to be used for illegal drug-related activity.

Classes of controlled drugs

A drug is considered ‘controlled’ if it has been categorised as a class A, B or C drug, class A being the most serious and resulting in the heaviest penalties. Common drugs in each class are as follows.

• Class A: cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine
• Class B: cannabis, coedine, ketamine, mephedrone
• Class C: steroids, diazepam, khat

What are the penalties for drug offences?

The possible penalties for drug offences vary greatly, depending on the quantity and class of the drugs plus the circumstances surrounding you and your arrest.

Drugs are broken down into three distinct legal categories: A, B and C, with Class A drugs being those which are most harmful to society. If you have a history of drug offences and commit another, the potential punishments are as follows:

• Class A drugs – up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
• Class B drugs – up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
• Class C drugs – up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

If you are found to be supplying drugs, however, punishments become much more severe. Intent to supply a Class A drug can be punished by up to life in prison, while supplying a Class B or Class C drug can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The courts may also issue an unlimited fine with this punishment.