With Kind Permission From Billy Bragg
Clear Legal Advice For Drug Offence Allegations
Drug cases are often built on detailed evidence such as phone data, financial material and forensic findings. That means early decisions matter.
Whether you have been arrested, asked to attend a voluntary interview or already charged, we provide clear, confidential advice and representation throughout.
From our offices in Bingley and Durham, we support clients locally and in the surrounding areas, handling cases from the police station stage through to the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. You will always know where you stand and what the next step is.
Combined years of post-qualified legal experience in Criminal Law
Types Of Drug Offences We Defend
We represent clients across the full range of offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Each allegation is different, and the detail of the case will always matter. The following outlines the main types of drug offences we deal with.
Possession
Possession relates to having a controlled drug in your custody or control. This can include drugs found on your person, in a vehicle or at a property linked to you.
Even at this level, cases can become more complex depending on the circumstances, including the type and quantity of the substance.
Possession With Intent to Supply (PWITS)
Possession with intent to supply is more serious than simple possession. The allegation is that the drugs were not for personal use, but intended to be supplied to others.
These cases often depend on interpretation of evidence rather than a single clear fact.
You can read more about what PWITS means and how possession with intent to supply cases are assessed in our dedicated guide.
We regularly advise clients facing PWITS allegations and build a defence based on the full picture.
Supply & Offering to Supply
Supply offences cover situations where a person is said to have provided drugs to another person. This includes actual supply as well as offering to supply.
Evidence in these cases can involve communications, financial activity or witness accounts. Each element needs to be carefully assessed.
Conspiracy To Supply & “Concerned in Supply”
Conspiracy allegations arise where the prosecution says that more than one person was involved in an agreement to supply drugs. These cases are often large-scale and can involve multiple defendants.
Being “concerned in the supply” does not require direct handling of drugs. The prosecution may rely on indirect involvement, such as communication or coordination.
Our conspiracy solicitors have experience dealing with multi-handed investigations and complex evidence in these cases.
Production & Cultivation (Cannabis)
Production offences often relate to cannabis cultivation. This can range from small-scale setups through to more organised operations.
Cases may involve property searches, forensic evidence and links to other individuals.
The circumstances surrounding the allegation will be key.
Importation & Trafficking
Importation offences involve bringing controlled drugs into the UK. These cases are treated seriously and often involve investigation by specialist agencies.
Evidence may include travel history, communications, and financial records. These cases require careful preparation and a clear defence strategy from an early stage.
Urgent Advice: Police Station Representation & Voluntary Interviews
If the police have contacted you about a drug allegation, you should seek legal advice before answering questions or providing any statement. This applies whether you have been arrested or invited to attend a voluntary interview under caution.
Police interviews are a key stage in any investigation. What is said, and what is not said, can affect how the case is handled going forward. In many situations, the police will also be looking to examine mobile phones or other digital material. Advice before this stage is essential.
We provide police station representation and support during voluntary interviews. This includes:
- Advising you before the interview takes place
- Attending with you and protecting your position during questioning
- Reviewing the available evidence where possible
- Helping you avoid unnecessary mistakes
Early legal advice is often the difference between a controlled, informed approach and one that creates avoidable problems later in the case.
Possession Vs PWITS: How “Intent” Is Inferred
A common concern is how the police decide whether a case involves simple possession or an allegation of intent to supply.
There is rarely a single piece of evidence that determines this. Instead, the prosecution will often rely on a combination of factors, such as:
- Quantity of drugs
- Packaging or division into smaller amounts
- Presence of scales or other items
- Cash or financial evidence
- Messages or call data suggesting supply
- Multiple phones or contact lists
Each case depends on its own facts. These indicators are not conclusive on their own, and they must be properly examined in context.
What Happens Next: Investigation To Court
If you are under investigation for a drug offence, the process usually follows a number of stages.
Investigation
The police gather evidence, which may include searches, phone downloads and witness statements.
Interview
You may be interviewed under caution, either following arrest or by voluntary attendance. This is a key stage where legal advice is essential.
Charging Decision
A decision is made on whether to charge. In some cases, further investigation may take place before any decision is reached.
Court Proceedings
If charged, the case will proceed through the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court depending on the seriousness of the allegation.
At each stage, decisions made early on can affect how the case develops. That is why early legal advice is always recommended.
Sentencing Factors: What Affects Outcomes
Sentencing in drug cases depends on a range of factors. The court will consider:
- The classification of the drug involved
- The role attributed to the individual
- The quantity of drugs
- Any relevant background or personal circumstances
- Other aggravating or mitigating factors
Sentencing guidelines provide a framework, but outcomes vary depending on the details of each case. Advice tailored to your situation is important before drawing any conclusions.
Funding: Legal Aid & Private Fees
Legal Aid may be available for criminal cases, depending on eligibility and the nature of the allegation. This is assessed based on financial circumstances and the seriousness of the case.
Where Legal Aid is not available, private funding options can be discussed. We will explain the position clearly so you understand what is involved before any decisions are made.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors
Choosing the right solicitor matters, especially in drug cases where the evidence can be complex and the consequences serious.
We provide:
- Clear and practical advice from the outset
- Representation from police station through to court
- Experience in serious and complex drug cases
- Support with large-scale and multi-defendant investigations
- A confidential and straightforward approach
You will always know where you stand and what the next step is.
Speak To A Drug Offence Solicitor
If you are facing a drug allegation, or have been asked to attend a police interview, do not wait to get advice.
Speak to our criminal defence solicitors in confidence to understand your position and the next steps.
To get legal advice now you can call us on 01274 561 666, email us at solicitors@chiveerssolicitors.co.uk request a consultation, or fill in our online contact form to speak to a drug offence solicitor.
We offer
At Chivers, we offer 24/7 police station representation for serious and complex cases.
Conspiracy cases often start with:
- Arrests in coordinated operations
- Early questioning around roles
- Requests for phone passwords
Call us immediately if the police contact you. We can provide free legal advice at the police station.
Remember that early, expert legal representation can prevent damaging mistakes.
Why Choose Chivers Solicitors?
We are specialists in serious conspiracy cases and can provide you with solid legal representation from the start.
By appointing us, you can be sure that we:
- Are experts in multi-defendant and organised crime investigations
- Have over 25 years of experience
- Have 196+ years of combined post-qualification experience
- Are experts in ENCROCHAT and digital evidence defence
- Always offer straightforward, honest advice so you don’t feel left in the dark
- Take a sensitive and supportive approach throughout
Legal Aid may be available for your case. Get in touch today to discuss your circumstances.
Drug Offences FAQs
What counts as a drug offence in the UK?
Drug offences include possession, supply, intent to supply, production, and importation of controlled substances under UK law.
What is the difference between possession and intent to supply?
Possession relates to personal use, while intent to supply involves allegations that drugs were meant to be distributed to others.
What evidence is used in drug cases?
Evidence can include drugs themselves, phone data, messages, financial records, and items such as scales or packaging.
Do I get free legal advice at the police station?
Legal advice at the police station is available. You should always request a solicitor before answering questions.
What happens after a police interview?
After the interview, the police may take no further action, continue investigating, or make a charging decision.
Can I get Legal Aid for a drug offence case?
Legal Aid may be available depending on your financial circumstances and the nature of the case.
How We Work
01
Initial Advice
We will meet with you to give you instructions and gather key information about what happened, regardless of your situation. Our team will consider initial disclosure and any other evidence to provide clear and realistic advice.
We’ll clearly explain the court procedure and the sentencing options available so you know what to expect on the day of your hearing. We’ll be there with you, every step of the way.
02
Case Preparation and Evidence Collection
During the next stage, we will arrange to take any witness statements, if necessary. We can advise you of the additional costs involved.
Our team will then conduct further preparatory work, obtain additional instructions from you if appropriate, and answer any follow-up queries.
Representation in Court
We provide full representation in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and on appeal.
On the day of your hearing, we will meet with you beforehand, represent you in court, and explain the outcome clearly afterwards.
If an appeal is appropriate, we will advise you on the next steps and any additional costs involved, too.
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our trusted legal experts
“Chivers Solicitors are dedicated to providing honest, straightforward advice to clients in a friendly and cost effective way.”
Marcus Farrar, Principal