Drug possession offenses have severe implications in Sydney. Sydney, the capital city of NSW and the most populous city of Australia, is home to around 4,991,644 people. According to the NDSHS, drug abuse in NSW is the most prominent among people aged 14 and older. Since Sydney has a large student population, the city has strict laws to minimize drug possession and abuse. Hiring a drug Lawyer when accused of drug crime is a good decision. If you are charged with a drug possession offense in the city, you may want to get in touch with drug lawyers Sydney at the earliest. Here is How a Drug Lawyer Help If Accused of a Drug Crime in Sydney?
What Qualifies for a Drug Offense in Sydney?
Section 10 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 deals with drug possession offenses. As per the act’s provisions, any person who possesses an illicit drug could be charged with a drug possession charge. The prosecution does not have to go through the trouble of proving that the accused used the drug or distributed it. The mere act of possessing a prohibited drug could land the accused a maximum jail term of 2 years or a penalty of $2200.
Drug possession offenses in Sydney could be categorized as summary offenses or indictable offenses. Summary offenses are heard in the local court, while indictable offenses are more severe offenses taken to the district court.
A person supplying or influencing other individuals to take drugs like cocaine or ecstasy could be charged with more severe charges. It would be impossible to avoid conviction in a drug charge without the help of drug lawyers in Sydney.
Proving the Drugs Were Not in Your Possession
Your lawyer may be able to assist you in proving you were unaware of the fact that the drugs were in your possession. If the prohibited drugs belonged to a housemate and you were genuinely unaware of the fact that the drugs were in your residence, your lawyer can use legal knowledge and strategies to prove your innocence.
The prosecution has to prove that you were aware of the prohibited and illegal nature of the drug. An expert drug attorney may be able to help you avoid conviction using this point.
Suppose the drugs were detected at a party or event, then your attorney may be able to prove you were unaware of the availability and distribution of prohibited drugs at the event.
If You Administered the Drugs
You will most likely face conviction if you self-administered the drugs. You might not face charges if the drugs were prescribed for medical use by a doctor. Reports suggest that 54% of drug possession crimes in Sydney involve Heroin and 8% of crimes involve non-prescribed use of medically permitted drugs.
If you choose not to plead guilty, you will have to attend a hearing. Your lawyer can defend you in court and use legal points to bring down your punishments. Your lawyer may be able to reduce the magnitude of the punishments with his/her legal expertise and knowledge. Your lawyer may also be able to prove that the search conducted was unlawful.
Litigation and Submissions
A knowledgeable lawyer who has a comprehensive understanding of the law can argue on your behalf in front of the jury. You will also need to draft and prepare submissions to prove your innocence besides filing forms and other legal deeds. An attorney can take care of all the paperwork and draft a submission that may help you avoid conviction.
Choose the Right Attorney
Schedule an initial appointment with a few shortlisted attorneys and choose the best attorney based on track records, fees charged, and experience profile. The lawyer you choose should encourage free and open communication. Working with an experienced lawyer can help you minimize the stress of dealing with a drug possession charge which has serious legal consequences.
