Specialist defendant lawyers for drugs offences

Our specialist Solicitors are experienced in defending clients arrested for and/or charged with drugs related criminal offences.

We will ensure you get the best representation and defence and offer a variety of funding options which include legal aid (dependent on your financial situation and the seriousness of the offence you have been accused of). You may wish to privately fund your defence. We can also offer fixed fees where possible to give you certainty of costs from the outset.

Types of drugs related criminal offences

Penalties for drug offences can be particularly harsh. For example, you can be charged with possession if you only have a small amount or did not know it was a controlled substance, or even if drugs are not yours. You can be charged for the supply of drugs or intent to supply if the amount of substance is considered to be more than personal use. As well as this, you can be charged for supply, even if you have not taken any payment for the substances.

Offences are based on classifications contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Class A drugs are hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine or ecstasy. Class B includes cannabis and amphetamines and class C includes prescription drugs such as valium.

The seriousness of the offence also depends on the amount of drugs and the extent to which the accused has been involved in large scale production. Importation into the UK is usually classified as serious as well.

We defend clients accused of or charged with drugs offences including :-

• Possession

• Dealing

• Possession with intent to supply

• Conspiracy to supply

• Smuggling

• Trafficking

• Driving under the influence of drugs.

Intent to supply

This offence is one of the more common drug related criminal offences and can result in charges being brought even if the supply was on a very small scale and potentially even just supplying drugs to 1 friend. However, there are generally factors which make it more likely you will be charged and easier for the criminal offence to be proven, which typically may include :-

• The quantity of drugs found

• If more than one type of drug are found on the person or after a search of premises

• Equipment such as weighing scales and amounts of money which cannot be easily explained, especially cash

• Evidence suggesting dealing found on mobile phones

If you are charged, we will defend you, apply for bail, ensure that you have the best possible advocates at trial, and question every aspect of the prosecution case. If you are found guilty or plead guilty and where the offence is your first offence, we will seek the minimum possible penalty.

We have 37 current lawyers who are Law Society accredited as criminal law specialists.

Please contact our specialist Criminal Defence Solicitors. We will advise and guide you on the best way to proceed.