If you have been accused of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, we understand you may be feeling concerned and stressed.
Our solicitors can help you address these claims and navigate this process in the best way.
We will assess your case and help you understand your options and the next steps to take.
Drug offences, such as conspiracy to supply, can be complex, if the case proceeds to court, we will ensure you have all of the necessary evidence and represent you on your behalf to ensure a fair outcome.
We have many years of experience representing clients in conspiracy to supply cases and we will ensure your best interests are protected.
Want to speak with one of our expert conspiracy to supply drugs solicitors? Contact your local Bird & Co office in Grantham, Newark or Lincoln or you can ask us a question.
Our services for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
A conspiracy to supply Class A drugs case involves agreeing to sell, transfer or distribute drugs to others.
You can still be charged for this offence even if the supply did not actually take place or you did not make any financial gain.
Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a serious offence that can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
If you are being investigated for this offence, you are likely to be worried about the impact on your personal and professional life.
Our expert solicitors can help you navigate this process in the best way to secure a fair outcome.
Common questions about being concerned in the supply of drugs
Which drugs are categorised as Class A?
Examples of Class A drugs include: Cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone and methamphetamine (crystal meth).
What does conspiracy to supply mean?
Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a serious criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
It involves an agreement to take part in the supply of drugs classified as Class A, such as heroin, cocaine, or ecstasy.
The crime is not limited to the actual act of supplying drugs, the agreement or intent to participate in the illegal activity is sufficient for a charge.
The prosecution must prove that there was a clear intent to engage in the drug supply, even if the supply does not actually take place.
This may involve phone records, surveillance, text messages, undercover officers, or witness statements.
What is the difference between conspiracy to supply and the supply of drugs?
Supplying Class A drugs involves the act of physically transferring drugs to another person.
Conspiracy to supply focuses on the agreement to supply, which can lead to prosecution even if no drugs change hands.
This includes actions such as discussing drug deals with another person, transporting drugs for a deal, facilitating a transaction by being the ‘middle man’ and providing premises for a drug deal.
What should I do if I'm arrested for conspiracy to supply drugs?
If you have been arrested for conspiracy to supply drugs, you should instruct a solicitor at the earliest opportunity.
It is advisable not to answer police questions without a solicitor present.
Drug offences can be very complex, a specialist solicitor can assess your case and advise on whether you may be facing prosecution and what your options are.
If the case does proceed to court, it is crucial to have a solicitor on side to provide a strong defence.
Expert legal representation can ensure you have the best chance of receiving a fair outcome.
What is the legal process for a conspiracy to supply drugs case?
The legal process for a conspiracy to supply drugs case will generally proceed with the following steps:
- Prior to being arrested (such as if you're worried about the possibility of a drugs arrest or have been asked to attend the police station for a voluntary interview under caution).
- Attending the police station
- Throughout the investigation process
- Attending court
- Confiscation hearings
- Advice regarding prison law after conviction
It is generally advisable to instruct a solicitor at the earliest opportunity. Our solicitors can assist you at every stage of the process to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
What are the sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?
The sentencing guidelines for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug indicate that a typical sentence will range from a high-level community order to 16 years' custody.
The maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
What is the minimum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?
The minimum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is a high level community order.
The minimum sentence is typically applied in cases in which the defendant had a lesser role and the potential risk of the drugs is considered to be low.
What is the maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?
The maximum sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs is life imprisonment.
This may apply in cases that indicate a larger-scale operation with a high quantity of drugs.
What factors affect sentencing for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs?
The Judge’s sentence will generally be guided by the following factors:
- The defendant’s role in the conspiracy, categorised as leading, significant or lesser.
- The level of potential harm which is typically based on the weight of the drugs.
- 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.
What are ancillary orders, and how might they affect me?
As well as a sentence, the judge may also include an ancillary order as part of the penalty.
These orders are designed to redress the balance of the offending, for example, a compensation order to pay back any financial gains they made.
Other orders can be made to address issues such as reoffending or repeat victimisation.
Whether an ancillary order is imposed will depend on the crime and the aggravating or mitigating factors.
Ancillary orders are generally used to deter or prevent the defendant from reoffending.
The Sentencing Council lists the following examples of ancillary orders:
- Criminal behaviour orders
- Compensation orders
- Confiscation orders (Crown Court only)
- Deprivation orders
- Disqualification from driving
- Drink banning orders
- Disqualification from being a company director
- Financial reporting order
- Football banning orders
- Forfeiture orders
- Parenting orders
- Restitution orders
- Restraining orders
- Serious crime prevention order (Crown Court only)
- Sexual harm prevention orders
How can Bird & Co help me if I have been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs?
Our criminal law solicitors will review your case and assess the potential outcomes. We can then advise you on the next best steps to take.
If your case proceeds to litigation, we will assist with preparing for the hearing, collecting evidence and putting together a strong defence.
We will then represent you on your behalf to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Our solicitors are specialists in drugs charges and have many years of experience supporting clients through these cases, so you can be assured that you will receive quality legal representation.
Speak to our solicitors about conspiracy to supply Class A 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.