Drug and Drug Trafficking Lawyers
Do You Need A Lawyer For Drugs-Related Charges In Melbourne?
In any court proceedings, it is important to understand the implications of the charges against you, as well as your legal rights around the matter. There are countless nuances in criminal law, along with an array of jargon that can be overwhelming to face. At Anthony Isaacs, our Criminal Law Accredited Specialists will work with you to break down the complexities of the case, helping you to gain a clearer understanding of any drugs-related charges against you, their implications, and as the options available to you.
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If you need legal advice immediately, call us on 03 9034 7351
Why Choose Anthony Isaacs?
The legal specialists at Anthony Isaacs practise criminal law exclusively, making us experts in the field. Boasting over 40 years of practising experience, Anthony Isaacs has worked throughout various changes and reforms in the criminal law system and the legal processes surrounding drugs-related offences.
Tony and Tom Isaacs hold a strong belief that any person charged with a criminal offence deserves fair legal representation. They hold themselves accountable to providing the most accurate advice and information possible to their clients. The team works with some of Melbourne’s leading Barristers and KCs, and is one of the leading specialist firms in criminal cases.
If you are in need of a drug offence lawyer in Melbourne, contact Anthony Isaacs for clear guidance throughout your case.
What is a Drugs-Related Offence?
There are two categories of illegal drugs in Victoria; drugs of dependence, and poisons or controlled substances. The former refers to substances such as cocaine, while the latter refers to those that can be possessed legally with a prescription, but are illegal to possess without a valid prescription, like benzodiazepines.
Charges can include:
Cultivation or Processing
This refers to the production stage of drug manufacturing. It can include the growing of marijuana or cocaine plants, or the extraction or synthesization of chemicals used in the manufacturing of drugs. Charges can also be related to analogues of drugs (a substance with a substantially similar chemical structure to a controlled substance).
Trafficking
Drug trafficking is the transportation of drugs, for example, when drugs are transported from Sydney to Melbourne. Trafficking charges are based on the weight of the drugs, and the quantity must meet a certain weight to be considered traffickable.
The traffickable quantity varies depending on the type of drug you are caught with. Some examples are given in the table below.
Drug | Amount(g) |
Amphetamine | 3 |
Cocaine | 3 |
Ketamine | 3 |
Pseudoephedrine | 20 |
Dihydrolone | 500 |
Heroin | 3 |
Acid | 1.5 |
Ecstasy | 3 |
Cannabis | 250 |
The values given above are for mixed or diluted substances (not pure).
Quantities larger than those listed above can be deemed a commercial quantity, or a large commercial quantity and carry a heavier penalty.
Distribution
Distribution charges are related to the transferring or selling of drugs, and are based on movement patterns. Generally, this is in smaller quantities and on a smaller scale than drug trafficking.
Possession
Drug possession refers to the physical custody of the drug. This means that anyone found to have physical custody of drugs can be said to be in possession.
Use
The use of a drug is the consumption of the substance by any means including inhaling, injecting, swallowing, smoking, or otherwise.
These offences can carry varying consequences, including fines and imprisonment. This is dependent on the nature of the offence, the type and quantity of drugs involved, and the age of any other persons involved in the alleged crime.
Factors Affecting the Severity of Drugs-Related Charges
Charges of Possession and Use of illicit substances generally have less-severe penalties than those of Cultivation, Trafficking, and Distribution.
Prison sentences and fines vary depending on the type and quantities of drugs involved, with the four main divisions being:
- Small quantity
- Traffickable quantity
- Commercial quantity
- Large commercial quantity
The repercussions of drug-related trafficking and distribution charges can also be heightened if a minor is involved at any stage, or if the alleged offence was carried out in public or within 500 metres of a school.
Court Outcomes and Sentences
Outcomes of drugs-related offences and charges can vary greatly depending on the severity of the charge. This can be anywhere from a fine or a Drugs Treatment Order (DTO) of up to two years, to a criminal record, and prison sentences of up to 25 years. If you are unsure of the implications of your charge or the potential court outcomes, our Melbourne-based drug offence lawyers are ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you understand every step of the process.
If you need a lawyer for a drug related offence in Melbourne, get in touch with Anthony Isaacs today for expert legal advice!
Verified by Tom Isaacs