Conspiracy to Supply Drugs
What does conspiracy to supply drugs mean?
A criminal conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to carry out behaviour that will involve a criminal offence being committed.
A conspiracy can include an agreement to sell, transfer, pass or distribute drugs or money to other people or the planning or advancing the supply of drugs. It does not matter whether the supply actually takes place or whether there has been any kind of financial gain.
Actions that may be viewed as ‘conspiracy’ include:
- Discussing drug deals with other people, for example via text message.
- Travelling to collect deliveries of drugs or money, known as a courier.
- Allowing premises to be used for the supply of drugs.
Conspiracy charges can be very complex and usually involve a large volume of evidence. This evidence requires careful analysis and an excellent knowledge of the law to provide sound legal advice.
What evidence is required to prosecute a conspiracy to supply drugs?
Involvement in the planning, or contributing to the advancement of a drug supply, can lead to a criminal conviction. The police do not need to find someone with drugs to convict of this offence. Evidence in conspiracy cases can be circumstantial such as CCTV, police surveillance or telephone contact with purported co-conspirators. The police will also carry out an investigation into bank accounts.
What sentence could you receive for a conspiracy to supply drugs to found guilty?
The sentence will depend on the class of drugs involved and the role attributed to involvement.
The sentence will depend on whether the case is heard in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court. In the Crown Court, the maximum sentence for a conspiracy to supply class A drugs can range from an unlimited fine to life imprisonment.
Factors which can reduce a sentence include:-
- Whether a plea of guilty was entered or convicted after trial;
- Role in the conspiracy;
- Any previous convictions.
Further factors the court may consider could be awareness of the operation and whether someone was pressured or coerced into taking part.
In addition, the Crown Prosecution Service can impose a Restraint Order on assets and further apply for Confiscation Proceedings to recover proceeds of criminal conduct.
Should you be represented at the Police station?
If you are arrested by the police or the National Crime Agency (NCA), you are entitled to free legal advice at a police station. This applies if you are invited for a voluntarily interview under caution. This legal advice is available to everyone and is not means tested. The duty solicitor is available at every police station or you can request your own named solicitor.
Having a Solicitor at the police station is very important in cases of this nature. Having experienced and knowledgeable representation can make a difference to whether the case progresses to Court but can also impact the outcome.
Legal Aid for court proceedings
You can make an application for legal aid. To qualify, you will need to pass a means test to show that you cannot afford your own defence and a merit test to prove that you require a legal defence in the Interests of Justice.
If you are facing Crown Court proceedings, a means test will be used to determine how much you will need to contribute to the cost of your defence. If you are found not guilty, any payments you make will be refunded, with interest.
Private funding
We are also able to offer representation at police stations and at courts throughout the country for an agreed fee by one of our experienced team.
Our team are experienced in representing clients in drug conspiracies and securing excellent outcomes. Our team are highly rated on www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk, a testament to the team’s client care and knowledge.
If you are currently represented, but are unhappy with the representation you have, it may be possible to make an application to transfer legal aid. Please contact us for further information.
Conspiracy cases are complex and have significant consequences. It is essential you receive advice and representation from lawyers who are experienced in this area of the law. Please contact our specialist team on 0800 542 4245 or email us at info@sillslegal.co.uk to discuss your case.
