What should you do if you are accused of supplying a dangerous drug?

 

When charged with supplying a dangerous drug, you need an expert drug lawyer representing you. You need a lawyer who has experience with drug cases and who knows the issues encountered with them. Our Brisbane drug lawyers have represented clients charged with various drug offences. They have the skills and experience to achieve you the best outcome.

 

Definition of Supplying a Dangerous Drug

 

In Queensland, supplying a dangerous drug is a serious offence and has severe consequences. Queensland has taken a strong stance against drugs to protect the public from the harm caused by illegal drugs. The police are doing their best to crack down on offenders.

Drug supply refers to providing or distributing illegal drugs to another person. When you supply a dangerous drug to someone it does not need to be for financial gain. Merely giving a drug to a person for free, or at cost price will be caught by this offence.

In Queensland, the definition of “supply” in the Drugs Misuse Act (Qld) is wide. Section 4 of the Drugs Misuse Act (Qld) defines supply as: 

• Giving (or offering to).
• Distributing (or offering to).
• Selling (or offering to).
• Administering (or offering to).
• Transporting (or offering to).
• Supply (or offering to).

 

It also includes doing or offering to do any act preparatory to, in furtherance of, or for the purpose of any of the above things.  

 

The above definition includes situations where a person offers to give a person a dangerous drug. There does not need to be any physical drug handed from one person to another. The mere offer to give a person a dangerous drug is enough for the police to prove the crime.

When the courts sentence a person for a supply offence, they focus on the type of drug supplied, the quantity of it and who it was supplied to. If a drug is supplied to a minor, a person with an intellectual impairment, in a school, in a prison the penalties are greater.

 

Types of Dangerous Drugs in QLD

 

Being convicted of suppling a dangerous drug in Queensland is serious. The penalties can be severe and can include a term of imprisonment. There are a broad range of substances falling into the category of dangerous drugs in Queensland. The Drugs Misuse Act 1986 has categorised these drugs based on their potential for harm and abuse. Understanding the different types of dangerous drugs can help individuals avoid legal trouble and potential consequences.

Schedule 1 Dangerous Drugs include:

• Amphetamine
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Lysergide
• Methylamphetamine
• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
• Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA)
• Paramethoxymethamphetamine (PMMA)
• Phencyclidine

 

Cocaine is one of the most well-known dangerous drugs. It is derived from the coca plant. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant known for its euphoric effects. Possessing even a small quantity of the drug can lead to severe penalties.

Ecstasy, known as MDMA, is a popular party drug classified as a dangerous drug in Queensland. It is a synthetic substance which is both a stimulant and hallucinogen. The drug is often found in the form of a tablet or a pill.

Methylamphetamine (also referred to as ICE) is a dangerous drug. It is not a natural substance and is one which is often produced in a drug laboratory.

 

Schedule 2 Dangerous Drugs include:

• Alprazolam
• Cannabis
• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Ephedrine
• Fentanyl
• Ketamine
• Lysergic acid
• Oxycodone

 

Alprazolam is a prescription medication commonly sold under the brand name Xanax. It is used to treat persons who experience anxiety and panic disorders.

Cannabis (also known as marijuana) is another dangerous drug in Queensland. Cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant and the buds of the plant are used by individuals to smoke the drug. The drug is smoked in a bong (glass water pipe) or rolled up in rolling paper into a joint.

Diazepam is a prescription medication commonly prescribed to treat people with anxiety, insomnia, alcohol withdrawals amongst other things.

There are many different types of dangerous drugs in addition to the ones mentioned above. The classification of dangerous drugs in Queensland changes over time with the creation of new drugs.

Queensland has strict laws regarding the supply of dangerous drugs. If you are facing a drug charge, it is important to get advice straight away from a specialist criminal lawyer.

 

Maximum Penalty for Drug Supply in Queensland

 

 

The consequences of being convicted of drug supply offences in Queensland can be severe. The maximum penalty for drug supply can vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as other aggravating factors. Offenders may face significant jail time, hefty fines, or both.

The maximum penalty is Life Imprisonment if you supply a Schedule 1 drug to a minor under 16 years of age.

The maximum penalty is 25 years imprisonment if you supply:

• a Schedule 1 drug to:
• a minor who is 16 years or more;
• an intellectually impaired person; or
• a person within an educational institution; or
• a person within a correctional facility; or
• a person who does not know he or she is being supplied with the thing.

 

• a Schedule 2 drug to a minor under 16 years of age.

 

The maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment where a Schedule 2 drug is supplied to:

• a minor who is 16 years or more; or
• an intellectually impaired person; or
• a person within an educational institution; or
• a person within a correctional facility; or
• a person who does not know he or she is being supplied with the thing.

 

The maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment if a person supplies a Schedule 1 drug and none of the above circumstances of aggravation apply.

The maximum penalty is 15 years imprisonment if a person supplies a Schedule 2 drug and none of the above circumstances of aggravation apply.

If you are charged with a drug supply offence in Queensland, it is crucial to get legal advice from experienced drug offence lawyers. A criminal lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help you understand the potential penalties you may face. They will work to build a strong defence strategy tailored to your case and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

 

Legal Advice for Drug Supply Offences

 

If you are facing drug supply charges you should get legal advice. The penalties for drug supply charges can be severe. If you have an experienced criminal lawyer by your side this can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

The offence of supplying a dangerous drug usually arises from a police search. It is commonly the case a mobile phone containing drug related text messages will be located during the search. If the police did not follow the law when performing the search, then it may be deemed unlawful. If the search is unlawful, then your lawyer can apply to the court to have the search deemed inadmissible. If the court deems the search inadmissible, then the police will not be able to rely on the drug related text messages located on your mobile phone. The prosecution will then be forced to discontinue the charge against you.

A lawyer will guide you through the legal process and explain each step of the way to you so you can make informed decisions. They will advocate for your best interests and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. In court they can advocate for you to achieve you the most favourable outcome.

It is crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing drug supply charges. The earlier you get legal advice, the better chance you have of building a strong defence and minimising the consequences. Remember, a conviction for a supply charge can have lifetime consequences for you. Investing in strong legal representation is worth it.

Do not delay. Reach out to a trusted criminal lawyer today to make sure your rights are protected, and your case is handled effectively.

 

Contact Us

If you are facing a supply charge, our drug lawyers are here to help you now. Do not risk representing yourself. Engage an expert.

Contact our Brisbane drug lawyers today on (07) 3153 6215 to discuss your situation.