Criminal Offences

Drug Offences Lawyers Sydney

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, harmful drug use continues to be a serious health issue in Australian society with drug-related deaths even being the highest rate it has been in a 20-year period. As a result, Australian Courts take drug-related offences quite seriously, which can have significant implications on individuals and their families should they be found guilty.

With extensive knowledge and practice in criminal law, Benjamin Leonardo – The Defenders are expert Drug Lawyers based in Sydney and Parramatta and have a broad range of experience in assisting clients with drug-related offences. If you’re facing a drug charge ranging from drug possession, supply, manufacture and importation, our criminal defence lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

Drug Possession

Under section 10 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW), Possession of a Prohibited Drug is a criminal offence and can attract a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,200. Although drug possession is generally deemed as a minor offence in comparison to other drug-related charges, the impact of conviction can still be detrimental to an individual’s lifestyle, employment or potential travel plans.

Drug Supply

Under section 25 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) Supply of a Prohibited Drug is a criminal offence and is defined as a person who supplies or knowingly partakes in the supply of a substance listed under Schedule 1 of the same act. This offence can attract a variety of penalties, all dependant on the particular substance and the quantity discovered.

Drug Manufacture

Under section 24(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act, 1985 (NSW) Manufacture Prohibited Drug is a criminal offence and is defined as a person who manufactures or produces, or knowingly takes part in the manufacture or production of a substance listed under Schedule 1 of the same act. From a legal standpoint, manufacture has been defined in the act as the process and extracting or refining a prohibited substance, and therefore may reflect numerous activities.

Drug Importation

Under section 307 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995, importation of border controlled drugs is a federal offence with very serious penalties. In accordance with The Criminal Code Regulation 2002, Schedule 4 outlines the various quantities associated with each border controlled substance which greatly impact sentencing should an individual be found guilty.