If you are facing charges for a drug offence, our specialist solicitors can help you navigate this process.
We understand that this is likely to be a challenging time for you with impacts on your personal and professional life, and we have the expertise to support you through this.
Our expert criminal defence solicitors are specialists in drug offences and will take the time to assess your options and advise you on your next best steps.
If your case progresses to court proceedings, we can provide robust court representation with a strong defence to ensure you receive a fair outcome.
Our drug defence lawyers are committed to securing the best outcomes for our clients and have experience handling a wide range of drug offences cases.
We can advise on cases including drug possession, possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply, being concerned in the production of drugs and the importation of controlled drugs.
Want to speak with one of our expert drug offences solicitors? Contact your local Bird & Co office in Grantham, Newark or Lincoln, or you can ask us a question.
Our services for drug offences
Drug Possession
Possession of a controlled drug is an offence if you are found with a substance classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in your possession or control. This applies regardless of whether the drugs belong to you or not.
Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 specifies which drugs it is illegal to possess in the UK.
These controlled drugs are categorised into three classes (A, B, and C) based on their potential harm.
Possession with Intent to Supply
Possession with intent to supply refers to the offence of holding a controlled drug with the purpose of distributing it to others, whether for profit or not.
This charge, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, is more severe than possession.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug is life imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class B drug is 14 years’ custody and/or an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class C drug is also 14 years’ custody and/or an unlimited fine.
Conspiracy to supply drugs
Conspiracy to supply drugs involves an agreement or intention to sell, transfer, pass or distribute controlled substances to other people, as outlined under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
This offence can be charged even if the actual supply does not take place or there has been no financial gain, as long as there is a clear plan or intent to distribute drugs.
Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs
In Magistrates’ Court, the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can include either or both:
- A fine of up to £5,000
- Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
In Crown Court, the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can include either or both:
- An unlimited fine
- A prison sentence up to and including life imprisonment
Conspiracy to Supply Class B Drugs
Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs carries a lesser sentence than Class A, with a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Conspiracy to Supply Class C Drugs
Being charged with conspiracy to supply Class C drugs can also carry a maximum sentence of 14 years.
Being Concerned in The Production of Drugs
Being concerned in drug production means that you played a recognisable role in the production of drugs, even if you were not directly involved.
Prosecutors must demonstrate the following:
- A controlled substance was produced.
- You had some connection to the production process (such as providing tools or allowing your property to be used for drug production).
- You were aware that the controlled substance was being produced.
The maximum penalties for involvement in drug production are as follows:
- Being concerned in the production of Class A drugs – life imprisonment.
- Being concerned in the production of Class B drugs – 14 years’ custody and/or an unlimited fine.
- Being concerned in the production of Class C drugs – 14 years’ custody and/or an unlimited fine.
Importation of Controlled Drugs
The importation of drugs is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. The acts specify that it is an offence to bring or take a controlled drug out of the UK.
Importing Class A drugs can result in a maximum life sentence, with typical sentences ranging from 3.5 to 16 years in prison.
For Class B drugs, the maximum penalty is 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, with usual sentences ranging from 12 weeks to 10 years in custody.
Importing Class C drugs also carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine, with sentencing guidelines ranging from a community order to 8 years in custody.
County Lines
County lines is a process where drug suppliers in cities use people in towns and rural areas to supply drugs to those areas.
The people are often young or vulnerable and can be used to carry, store and sell the drugs.
There are a range of criminal offences that can be committed in the county lines process, including drug offences such as those dealing with possession, supply and production.
Other offences include offensive weapons, firearms, violence, sexual offences, modern slavery and inchoate offences.
Common questions about being concerned in the supply of drugs
What are the three classes of drugs?
Examples of Class A drugs include: Cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
Examples of Class B drugs include: Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine).
Examples of Class C drugs include: Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), khat, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and piperazines (BZP).
What are the penalties for possession of drugs?
The severity of the penalty depends on the class and quantity of the drug, where you and the drugs were found, your personal history (previous crimes, including any previous drug offences), and other aggravating or mitigating factors.
Penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, with harsher sentences for Class A substances, such as heroin or cocaine, due to their higher potential for harm.
The maximum penalty for possession of a Class A drug is up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
The maximum penalty for possession of a Class B drug is up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
The maximum penalty for possession of a Class C drug is up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Anabolic steroids are an exception, as it is not an offence to possess them for personal use.
How does the law differentiate between possession and intent to supply?
The punishment for drug possession varies based on the type and amount of the substance, as well as the location where the person and drugs were discovered.
Possession with the intent to distribute is considered a more severe crime, which can be proven through direct evidence, such as witness statements or surveillance.
What factors influence the severity of the sentence?
Several mitigating and aggravating factors can affect the severity of a drug offence sentence.
Some common examples include:
- Aggravating factors such as previous offences or exploitation of children or vulnerable people.
- Mitigating factors such as no prior criminal convictions, a mental disorder or learning disability, or whether the person was pressured or threatened to participate in the supply.
How can Bird & Co help in a drug offence case?
If you have been arrested for a drug offence, it is advisable to instruct a solicitor at the earliest opportunity.
We will start by assessing your case and advise you on the potential outcomes and your options.
If the case progresses to court proceedings, we will gather evidence and put together a robust defence.
We will represent you on your behalf and provide expert guidance to ensure you receive a fair outcome.
Speak to our solicitors about being concerned in the supply of drugs
Want to speak with one of our expert drug crime lawyers? Contact your local Bird & Co office in Grantham, Newark or Lincoln, or you can ask us a question.