For some people, drugs are seen as a part of life and their misuse may not be taken as seriously as other crimes like assault or theft. However, drug charges are extremely serious and having these offences on your criminal record can ruin your reputation, your career and affect your prospects for the future.
There’s a wide scale of drugs related offences, from possession, to manufacture or distribution, and the charges can vary depending on the nature of the drug. If you’ve been accused of a drug related offence then you’ll probably be feeling overwhelmed, worried and anxious about the future. These charges can be serious, but there are professionals out there who can help. If you’ve been accused of any crime relating to drugs and are worried about what to do next, read on for our brief guide.
The type of offence you’re accused of will affect the potential charges, so it’s worth familiarising yourself with the law so you know exactly what you’re dealing with. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 constitutes the following as an offence:
●Unlawful possession of a controlled (illegal) substance.
●Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to supply.
●Permitting owned/managed premises to be used for the growth/production of controlled substances.
●Importing/exporting controlled drugs and trafficking.
The potential punishment will also depend on the type of drugs involved in the offence and whether they are Class A, B or C. Class A drugs like heroin or cocaine tend to carry far heavier penalties than class B or C drugs like cannabis or ketamine.
If you’ve been accused of a drugs related offence, contact a professional solicitor as soon as possible. They’ll be able to offer legal help and advice and defend you in court if necessary. They can also help you to understand exactly what you’ve been accused of and the potential consequences, and support you during the police interview process.
If you’re looking for professional help and advice regarding drug related offences, get in touch with the experts at Lefevre Litigation. We have extensive experience handling a number of cases involving drugs, with an in-depth knowledge of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the related legal proceedings. Don’t hesitate to act, get in touch with us today for professional help and advice or visit our website to book an appointment.