Drug offences are taken very seriously by the courts and even the most low-level charges can have severe consequences. Get expert confidential legal advice as soon as possible to reduce the risk.
What are drug offences?
These are offences covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and can include everything from simple possession of a class C drug to intent to supply a class A drug, importing, exporting, or producing illegal substances and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in drugs cases
Stryders are experts when it comes to defending people accused of drugs offences. Our exceptional experience covers all aspects of drug-related activity and our solicitors have represented defendants in a variety of high-profile cases across the UK, including those arrested in large-scale police operations for conspiracy to import Class A and B drugs and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking.
Our specialist team acts proactively to protect your reputation and get the best possible outcome, including avoiding a conviction wherever possible and always presenting the best case for a reduced sentence.
All our discussions are confidential,and we can visit you at home, meet you at another convenient location, in prison or in custody if necessary.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police, even to deny the allegation, without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about drugs offences
- All drugs-related offences carry the risk of imprisonment, with the most serious cases attracting significant custodial sentences. Stryders will make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to minimise this risk.
- The police and prosecution service will look at various factors to decide whether the drugs are for personal use, such as: the amount of drugs, unexplained cash you have in your possession, lists of names that could be customer lists, packaging and equipment linked with supply. They may use forensic evidence as well as mobile phone evidence and satnavs from cars to build a case against you. Stryders will source assess all evidence and commission additional evidence where necessary.
- The court may reduce the sentence in certain cases where there has been cooperation with the police or an early guilty plea. They may also take the age of the offender, whether the dealing was to fund a drug habit or as the result of any pressure from other dealers into account. Your Stryders representative will work with you to understand your position and present your case in the most sympathetic way.
Advice for people facing a drugs charge
In all but the lowest level crimes, if police have evidence to support a drug charge it is likely that you will be arrested and taken to the police station immediately or asked to come to the station for an interview.
It is very important that you do not say anything to the police at this stage, as any early statements, even a denial, could seriously limit your options later on. Even if it seems simple or minor to you, do not attempt to handle the situation yourself because the law on drugs is very complex. It is vital to get legal advice as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know is at the police station already, ask for Stryders by name. You may be offered the duty solicitor but not all duty solicitors are experts in drug offences, particularly if they are serious in nature.
Stryders’ defence specialists are available 24/7 and will support you at the police station completely FREE. We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
Specialist support for children and young people facing drugs offences
Stryders have a lot of expertise in supporting young people, many of whom are first time offenders. We are also a member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Specialist legal support for people facing a drug charge
We understand how you feel
We understand how a drugs-related charge can affect your life, reputation and those around you. With Stryders, you can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named solicitor who will have access to all the expertise in our wider expert team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected within the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending drugs offences
We offer a very competitive fee structure for all our fraud work. In serious cases representing a public interest, legal aid may be available. We will discuss making an application with you as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.