Drug Charges
Drug charges can arise when you posses drugs, use drugs, cultivate marijuana (grow), manufacture drugs (cook), traffick drugs (sell, buy or trade). The type and quantity of the drug will determine what you are charged with.
Need an experienced criminal lawyer in Ballarat?
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, received a summons to attend court, been arrested by Victoria Police, or need urgent legal advice, obtaining early legal representation can make a significant difference to how your matter progresses.
At Wilkinson Lawyers, we practise exclusively in criminal law matters across Victoria. We regularly appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and other metropolitan and regional courts.
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Talk To An Experienced Criminal Lawyer
Being charged with a criminal offence is stressful. Many clients contact us after what they describe as the worst day of their life. They are worried about losing their licence, their employment, their reputation, or even their liberty. Our role is to guide you through the legal process, explain your options in plain English, protect your rights and work towards the best available outcome based on the facts of your case.
Whether you intend to plead guilty or contest the allegations, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is one of the most important steps you can take.
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case
Do I need a lawyer?
We represent people in all kinds of drug offences. Trafficking drugs is generally the most serious kind of drug offence, particularly if it is in a large (commercial) quantity. You can also be charged for possessing or using Cannabis, ICE (Methylamphetamine), Ecstacy (MDMA), Speed (Amphetamine) and many other variations of those drugs.
You are not legally required to have a lawyer. However, criminal proceedings involve rules of evidence, legislation, court procedure and sentencing principles that most people have never encountered.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Explaining the allegations.
- Reviewing the prosecution brief.
- Identifying weaknesses in the evidence.
- Negotiating with police where appropriate.
- Preparing your plea.
- Representing you in court.
- Advising whether a charge should be contested.
- Protecting your legal rights throughout the process.
Even where the allegations appear straightforward, obtaining legal advice can significantly improve your understanding of the options available.
Will I go to jail for a drug offence?
Whether you will go to jail for a drug offence depends on the type of offence, the quantity of drugs involved, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the alleged offending. Every case is different, and the court will consider a range of factors when determining the appropriate penalty.
If you are found in possession of a small quantity of drugs for personal use, it is generally unlikely that you will receive a term of imprisonment, particularly if you have no prior criminal history. Depending on the circumstances, the court may instead impose an adjourned undertaking, a fine or a Community Corrections Order.
However, offences involving drug trafficking, selling drugs, offering to sell drugs, cultivating commercial quantities of drugs, or possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking are treated much more seriously by the courts. These offences carry significant maximum penalties, and in many cases, particularly where commercial quantities or organised offending are alleged, a term of imprisonment becomes a realistic possibility.
If you have been arrested or asked to participate in a police record of interview, it is important to obtain legal advice before answering questions. What you say during a police interview can have a significant impact on your defence and may later be relied upon as evidence in court.
If you have been charged with drug possession, drug trafficking, cultivation, selling drugs, or any other drug offence in Victoria, Wilkinson Lawyers can provide expert advice, assess the strength of the prosecution case, and represent you throughout the court process to achieve the best possible outcome.
Talk To An Experienced Criminal Lawyer
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case