Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a serious drug offence. Individuals convicted of this offence could face a substantial penalty, including very long prison sentences.

If you are accused of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, or you have already been arrested, you should instruct expert legal advice and representation as soon as possible.

At Wells Burcombe, our team can work alongside you to help you understand what to expect and provide practical advice on how best to proceed.

We understand how daunting it can be to face allegations of conspiracy to supply, especially as the potential sentences for the offence are very serious. Our expert solicitors can assist with all stages of an investigation, including:

Police station representation
Being released under investigation or released on pre-charge bail
Court representation

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 conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?

Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs involves an agreement between two or more individuals to participate in the distribution, transportation, or sale of substances like heroin, cocaine, or ecstasy.

This criminal offence doesn't necessitate the completion of the actual supply; the agreement alone is sufficient for prosecution.

Convictions for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs often carry severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms and substantial fines.

It's essential to seek legal counsel immediately if faced with such allegations to understand the legal intricacies and potential consequences involved.

How to get representation at the police station

If you have been arrested and taken to the police station for questioning, you are entitled to receive legal representation. This is something our expert solicitors can provide on an immediate basis, working alongside you to build a strong case from the outset and ensuring that no mistakes are made which could jeopardise your legal position.

We can also represent you in situations where you have been invited to attend the police station for a voluntary interview under caution. While you may not be under arrest in these scenarios, it is equally important that you do not answer any questions without receiving legal advice beforehand.

Being released under investigation or released on pre-charge bail

Following questioning at the police station, you may be released from custody under investigation or on pre-charge bail. This simply means that the police need more time to complete their investigation and come to a charging decision.

This is a very important stage and, as such, it is valuable to have an expert solicitor on your side to provide tailored advice on what the next steps are likely to be and how to conduct yourself.

We can also use this time to continue building your defence case, ready for the possibility that charges are upheld and your case proceeds to court.

Court representation

If a case proceeds to trial, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs offences are held in the Crown Court. If Crown Court proceedings take place, our team can provide robust representation and close personal support, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for your case – whether that be acquittal or reducing the charges in question.

Drug offence legal fees

At Wells Burcombe, we are registered Legal Aid Criminal Defence Solicitors. This means that we can let you know if you are eligible to apply for Legal Aid and support you in making an application for court proceedings, and police station representation is free of charge in any event.

We can also discuss private fees in detail with you from the outset, providing a clear cost breakdown so you understand the fees that are likely to be incurred.

For more information regarding our fees, please get in touch with our team.

Frequently asked questions about conspiracy to supply Class A drugs

What are Class A drugs?

In the UK, controlled drugs are classified according to the potential harm they can cause to both individuals and society as a whole. There are three classes of drugs: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A drugs are the most serious category of drugs. Offences involving Class A drugs often carry the most serious penalties.

Examples of Class A drugs include:

Crack cocaine
Cocaine
Ecstasy/MDMA
Heroin
LSD
Magic mushrooms
Methadone
Crystal meth/methamphetamine

What is the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?

When a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs case is heard in the Crown Court, the maximum sentence is either or both:

An unlimited fine
Up to and including life imprisonment

What is the minimum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?

The minimum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs will likely involve a high-level community order and/or a fine, but, given the nature of the offence, achieving such a sentence is rare.

How is the sentence decided for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?

When deciding on the appropriate sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, the court will assess the harm caused (the quantity of drugs involved) and the role of the offender. Additional factors, such as whether a defendant pleads guilty and at what stage of the proceedings, will also be taken into consideration.

When assessing the role of the offender, the courts will assess whether they played a leading role, significant role, or lesser role.

If they are deemed to have played a leading role, the following characteristics apply:

Directing or organising sales on a commercial scale
Having links with others in a chain
Being close to the original source
Expectation of financial gains
Using a business as a cover
Abusing a position of trust or authority

If they are deemed to have played a significant role, the following characteristics apply:

Management function within a chain
Influencing or pressuring others in a chain
Some awareness of the scale of the operation

If they are deemed to have played a lesser role, the following characteristics apply:

Limited function under direction
Engaged by pressure or coercion
Involved due to naivety or exploitation
No influence on others in the chain
Little awareness of the scale of the operation
No, or little, expectation of the scale of the operation

The harm caused is separated into 4 categories.

Category 1 harm involves:

Heroin, cocaine – 5kg
Ecstasy – 7,000 tablets*
MDMA – 5kg
LSD – 250,000 squares
Amphetamine – 20kg
Cannabis – 200kg
Ketamine – 5kg
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (for example ‘spice’) – very large quantity indicative of an industrial scale operation

Category 2 harm involves:

Heroin, cocaine – 1kg
Ecstasy – 1,300 tablets*
MDMA – 1kg
LSD – 25,000 squares
Amphetamine – 4kg
Cannabis – 40kg
Ketamine – 1kg
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (for example ‘spice’) – large quantity indicative of a commercial operation

Category 3 harm involves:

Heroin, cocaine – 150g
Ecstasy – 200 tablets*
MDMA – 150g
LSD – 2,500 squares
Amphetamine – 750g
Cannabis – 6kg
Ketamine – 150g
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (for example ‘spice’) – smaller quantity between categories 2 and 4

Category 4 harm involves:

Heroin, cocaine – 5g
Ecstasy – 13 tablets*
MDMA – 5g
LSD – 170 squares
Amphetamine – 20g
Cannabis – 100g
Ketamine – 5g
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (for example ‘spice’) – very small quantity

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.

Contact our solicitors specialising in conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in West Drayton and St Albans