Drug Offence Solicitors

There are many drug offences that a person may be investigated, tried, and prosecuted for. While some, such as the possession of a class C drug, have relatively lenient sentences, this can quickly change if investigators and the prosecution believe that you are part of a production or distribution ring. The sentence that you receive will be dependent on many factors, including the class of the drug in question, the amount, and your level of involvement, but considerable prison sentences are possible for some of the more serious charges.

One factor that has a direct influence on the length of sentence that you receive is the class of drug in question. Prescription medications, like ketamine, are considered class C. Cannabis is a class B drug, having been reclassified to class C before being returned to the class B section, and hard drugs like heroine are class A drugs.

The most common of all drug offences is that of possession. When charged with possession of a substance, the courts will usually take into account the quantity that you were in possession of. If it is a relatively small amount, and considered to be for personal use, then this will usually attract the more lenient sentences. However, large quantities may mean further investigation and it could be determined that you are supplying or selling the drugs.

It is also illegal to manufacture, cultivate, or produce drugs, whether you intend to sell them or keep them. The further up the production chain you are considered to be, the more likely a long prison sentence will be handed out. Similarly, the production of class A drugs will usually incur a harder sentence than the production of lower class drugs. Quantities will also have a direct impact on the sentence received, so a single cannabis plant for personal use may not attract the same sentence as the growth of several dozen plants.

The possession, supply, and production of drugs is illegal, and depending on the class and quantity of drug, your involvement in the crime, and the actual offence that you are accused of, a lengthy prison sentence may be on the cards. Contact Ashcott Solicitors today to discuss drug offences that you are being investigated for.

Drugs Offences – Questions We’re Often Asked 

What constitutes drug offences? 

Drug offences consist of a wide variety of different crimes, which generally fall under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Drug offences are one of the most common criminal charges brought against individuals, and it is highly important that the correct legal procedures are followed to ensure that the right verdict is reached. 

Drugs offences generally fall under possession or possession with intent to supply (which is covered in more detail below,) the former being a far less serious crime than the latter.

Classifications of drug offences

The severity of a drugs offence depends to a certain degree on which Class the drugs in question are in, whether Class A, B or C. All drugs which are individually controlled are referred to by their chemical name (not their brand name) which might be further described in the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Two further factors will have a significant impact on both the charge and resultant sentencing of an individual.

Possession

Possession is an offence whereby an individual is found to be in unlawful possession of a controlled drug, with knowledge of that possession even if they did not know it was a controlled drug.

Someone cannot thus be convicted for possession if they are unaware of that possession. It is also potentially a defence if they can prove that they did not suspect, believe, nor have reason to suspect that the substance was a drug that was controlled.

Possession with intent to supply

Where someone is in possession of a controlled substance and it can be proven that they also intend to supply that substance, the sentencing ramifications are potentially far more severe.

This might be proven by showing that the quantity is inconsistent with personal use, of unusual purity, evidence that the drug is prepared for sale, equipment related to the care of drugs such as scales and cutting agents, or other documents which provide information surrounding an intent to supply.

It is of utmost importance for the defendant that they are not convicted of intent to supply incorrectly. The potential impact that such an improper conviction could have on an individual is highly significant, and it is thus imperative that the right legal assistance is provided.

What should you do if you’ve been charged with drug offences?

While drug charges are common, there is also a lot of variation in how the conviction plays out. Something that will play a massive role in this process, perhaps more so than with most other crimes, is the adequacy (or lack thereof) of the defendant’s legal defence. 

Ensuring that the police have acted properly in each step of the investigation is vital, and hiring the legal expertise of a qualified and experienced legal team can greatly assist with this. 

Get in touch with the Ashcott drug offence solicitors team

If you’ve been charged with a drug-related offence and require urgent legal advice, call us now on 0161 234 0020 (Manchester) /0203 053 8625 (London) / 07956 555979 (24 hour).

You can also contact us via our contact form and we will respond to you as soon as possible.