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Drug Offences

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 facing criminal charges in Sydney, please reach out for a confidential discussion.

Call 0422 388 370 | Email: [email protected]

Sydney CBD Office: Level 21, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Hills District Office: Level 5, Nexus Norwest, 4 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

Suburbs We Serve

Our specialist legal services extend across the following areas, ensuring you have a local lawyer who understands the Sydney and Hills District court systems:

  • The Hills District: Baulkham Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Norwest, Bella Vista, Beaumont Hills, Rouse Hill, North Kellyville, West Pennant Hills, Winston Hills, and Dural.
  • Sydney CBD & Inner City: Sydney City, Haymarket, Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Darlinghurst, and Glebe.
  • Western Sydney: Parramatta, Blacktown, Seven Hills, Toongabbie, Northmead, Penrith, and Westmead.
  • Hornsby & Northern Suburbs: Hornsby, Cherrybrook, Epping, Carlingford, Thornleigh, and Wahroonga.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I get a Section 10 for drug possession?
    Yes. For first-time offenders or minor possession matters, we often successfully argue for a Section 10 non-conviction. This allows you to avoid a criminal record entirely, provided you follow court conditions.
    What is "Deemed Supply"?
    In NSW, if you possess more than the “trafficable” amount of a drug, the law presumes you intended to sell it. We help clients rebut this presumption by proving the drugs were for personal use, which can drastically reduce the potential penalty.
    Was the police search legal?
    Police must have a “reasonable suspicion” to search you. If they searched your car or pockets without a valid reason, the evidence they found might be inadmissible in court. We specialise in identifying these legal flaws to get charges withdrawn.
    What is the MERIT program?
    The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) is a voluntary 12-week program for defendants with drug issues. Successfully completing MERIT shows the Magistrate you are serious about rehabilitation and often leads to a significantly more lenient sentence.
    Will a drug charge stop me from travelling overseas?
    Many countries have strict visa entry requirements regarding drug offences. Even a minor drug conviction can lead to a permanent visa ban for popular destinations. This is why our primary goal is always to fight for a non-conviction (Section 10) for our clients.
    What should I do if the police want to interview me?
    You have the right to remain silent. We strongly recommend you do not participate in a recorded interview until you have spoken to us. Simply say, “I wish to seek legal advice before answering any questions.”