Specialist Drug Defence Lawyers Serving The Hills District and Greater Sydney
A drug conviction in New South Wales carries consequences far beyond a simple fine. It can lead to an immediate loss of employment, permanent international travel restrictions, and for serious matters, significant terms of imprisonment.
At Hughes Law, we specialise in defending drug-related charges with a level of insight few other firms can offer. Led by Belinda Hughes, a former government prosecutor, we understand the “inside” of a drug investigation, from how police conduct searches to how they analyse phone data. Whether you are facing a minor possession charge or a complex supply allegation, we provide the strategic advocacy needed to protect your future.
Specialist Drug Offence Services
With practical experience from both sides of the criminal justice system, we provide a robust, non-judgemental defence for all matters under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, including:
- Drug Possession: Defending charges involving the presence of prohibited substances like Cocaine, MDMA, Cannabis, or Ice.
- Drug Supply and Deemed Supply: Strategic defence for allegations of supplying drugs, including “social supply” and matters where you are “deemed” to be supplying based on the weight of the substance.
- Commercial Quantity Supply: High-stakes representation for serious indictable offences involving commercial or large commercial quantities.
- Drug Driving: Representing clients charged with “Presence of a Prescribed Illicit Drug” or “Driving Under the Influence” (DUI) of drugs.
- Cultivation and Manufacture: Defending charges related to the growing of prohibited plants or the manufacture of prohibited substances.
- Prescription Medication Matters: Legal assistance for charges involving the unlawful possession of precursors or restricted prescription medications.
Why Your Choice of Lawyer Matters
Drug laws in NSW are highly technical, particularly regarding the legality of police searches. When you engage Hughes Law, you benefit from:
- The Prosecutor’s Perspective: We analyse the “Brief of Evidence” like a prosecutor would, identifying where the police may have overstepped their powers or failed to follow proper search protocols.
- Evidence Challenges: We often successfully argue to have evidence excluded if it was obtained through an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or home.
- Rehabilitation Focus: We guide clients through programs like MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment), which can significantly improve your prospects of a “non-conviction” result in court.
- Expert Negotiations: We work to have “Supply” charges downgraded to “Possession” wherever the evidence allows, often saving our clients from custodial sentences.
Understanding Drug Quantities in NSW
In NSW, the penalty for a drug offence is largely determined by the weight of the substance. It is critical to understand these thresholds:
- Small Quantity: Usually dealt with in the Local Court with a focus on rehabilitation.
- Trafficable Quantity: If you possess more than this amount, the law “deems” you to be a supplier unless you can prove the drugs were for personal use only.
- Commercial and Large Commercial: These carry the risk of long-term imprisonment and are usually heard in the District Court.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know is drug charges in Sydney, please reach out for a confidential discussion.