Home / Services / Criminal Law / Drug Offences

Drug Offences Solicitors

It is estimated that one in three people in the UK have used illegal drugs at some point in their lives and up to 2 million people take drugs recreationally. It is entirely possible that you are an otherwise law-abiding citizen, and your life and career could be drastically affected by allegations of drug offences.

Our defence lawyers know you will be just as worried about the implications on your personal and professional life as you are about the charges. We can help you understand what to expect during any investigations and provide realistic and practical advice.

Our team of solicitors experienced in drug offences can assist with various matters, including:

Drug possession charges
Drug dealing and supply charges
Drug smuggling and trafficking charges

Our team can provide straightforward support and representation for anyone facing drug charges in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.

Contact us today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.

What is a drug possession charge?

A drug possession charge occurs when an individual is found holding illegal substances, such as controlled drugs, either on their person or in their control, leading to potential legal repercussions and penalties.

It is an offence to possess banned substances. The three main types are:

Class A drugs – ecstasy, heroin, cocaine
Class B drugs – amphetamines (speed), cannabis
Class C drugs – anabolic steroids, tranquillisers

The police will generally investigate the nature of your involvement with the drugs to determine whether they were for personal use or if you intended to supply the drugs to others.

Sentencing guidelines are influenced by the type of drug and the nature of your involvement. If it were determined that you intended to supply the drugs, this is a far more serious offence and will almost certainly be dealt with in the Crown Court should you be charged.

Our defence lawyers have considerable experience dealing with drug possession offences. If you have been charged with a drug offence, you must contact us as soon as possible so we can advise you on the best course of action.

What is a drug dealing and supply charge?

It is an offence to intentionally deal or supply an illegal substance to another person. You can technically be liable even if you pass a cannabis joint between friends.

Such cases are usually heard by the Crown Court and can range from allegations of actual supply, conspiracy to supply, involvement or being concerned in the supply of drugs, and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Several factors can influence sentencing for a drug offence, including the purity and quantity of the drugs, whether you were dealing as part of a larger operation, and your role within it.

Our defence lawyers have a wealth of experience in defending allegations relating to drugs and can give you the best possible legal advice for your circumstances.

What is a drug smuggling and trafficking charge?

Drug smuggling and trafficking is a complex area of the law due to the involvement of different legal jurisdictions and different agencies, such as the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), The National Crime Agency (NCA) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

These offences relate to moving controlled substances unlawfully across country borders without paying tax or customs duties, if applicable, as well as the manufacturing, distribution and sale of illegal drugs.

Such matters are almost always dealt with by the Crown Court and sentences are determined by the classification of the drugs, street value, global influences and the intention or purpose of smuggling. Sentences for such offences are usually severe, with matters relating to Class A substances frequently being dealt with by extremely long prison sentences.

Any link to such serious drug offences can result in your assets being frozen or confiscated as well as allegations of money laundering.

Our specialist defence lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with cases of this nature. We can provide you with robust representation to defend any such proceedings and help to reduce the severity of any sentence or financial sanctions imposed in the event of a conviction.

Drug offence legal fees

Our solicitors specialising in drug offences may be able to provide fixed fees for support with drug offences and other criminal law matters.

However, drug offences can be complex matters which require ongoing support, in which case an hourly rate may be more suitable.

To ensure that you receive a clear estimate of your likely fees, we will provide you with a cost breakdown at the earliest opportunity.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to have your fees funded by Legal Aid. This is something our team can advise you on where necessary.

Drug offence FAQs

What is a controlled drug?

A controlled drug is anything that is classed as being illegal to produce, use or supply, according to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.

The UK Government website contains a non-exhaustive list of the most commonly encountered controlled drugs, including those which are classified as being Class A, Class B and Class C.

How long do drug offences stay on your record?

How long a drug offence will remain on record depends on several factors and the penalty imposed. If your current or future employer applied for a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check against you, there is a chance that certain historical convictions will be ‘filtered’ and will no longer appear, but others may remain for a very considerable time, if not forever.

Do first-time drug offenders go to jail in the UK?

Whether or not a first-time drug offender will go to jail after being found guilty of the charge will depend on the nature of the offence.

For example, first-time offences for minor possession are unlikely to result in prison sentences and may be met with out-of-court disposals such as community resolutions.

However, if the offence relates to supply or production, it could result in a prison sentence, even if you are a first-time offender.

How long do you go to jail for drug possession in the UK?

For possession offences, the severity of the punishment is determined by the class of the controlled drug in question, alongside any surrounding aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Contact our solicitors specialising in drug offences in West Drayton and St Albans