Cultivation
With this offence, the prosecution must prove you cultivated a prohibited plant. Prohibited plants are usually cannabis, opium or cocaine. The maximum penalty can be up to 2 years if the case is heard in the Local Court or 10 years if it is heard in the District Court. If it was grown for a commercial purpose, the maximum penalty is 15 years. If you have been charged with a cultivation offence, we can provide expert representation on plea negotiations and advise you on the best trial strategy, whether it’s pleading guilty or not guilty.
Drug importation/exportation
Drug importation/exportation charges are federal offences. Given their seriousness, most offenders are sentenced to a jail term. It is up to the prosecution to prove the drug was a border-controlled drug, you were reckless to that fact, and you imported it into Australia intentionally. The amount of drug imported must be above the commercial or marketable quantity.
Drug supply on an ongoing basis
This charge applies in situations where an individual supplies any amount of drugs (except for cannabis) on three separate occasions within a 30-day period in exchange for money or other compensation. Maximum penalties range from a maximum term of 2 years to 20 years depending on whether the case is heard in the Local Court or District Court. In some cases, duress or necessity may be available defences to this type of charge.
Drug supply
A charge relating to the supply of drugs can apply where you are caught with a prohibited drug or caught selling, preparing, or manufacturing such a drug. You might also be charged if you are caught buying a prohibited drug for a friend. Penalties, which include jail terms and fines, vary depending on the type of drug and the quantities supplied. We have defended thousands of people charged with the supply of a drug of dependence. If you are facing a drug supply charge, we will devise the best possible defence strategy for you.
Possession of an illegal drug
One of the most common drug offences, possession of an illegal drug means you have been found with a drug on you or in a property (including house and car) you occupy. For a conviction, the prosecution must prove you had the drug in your possession, you knew it was in your possession, and you believed it was a drug.
Use of prohibited drugs
A charge relating to the use or self-administering of a prohibited drug can arise if you are caught swallowing, injecting, or otherwise consuming a prohibited drug. It can arise also if you are caught only attempting to consume the drug. Potential defences to this charge include duress, necessity, or you had a legally prescribed script for the drug.
Why National Criminal Lawyers®?
We have over 25 years of combined criminal law experience and we get the results for our clients. We guarantee you will always be represented by a senior defence lawyer. When you choose National Criminal Lawyers®, you will have committed defenders of your rights working for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
