Can drug trafficking charges be dropped?

Drug trafficking is a serious crime, which can have severe consequences. If you're accused of drug trafficking, it's crucial to have a skilled lawyer to help defend you and represent your interests.

If you're facing these charges, you may be wondering if there's a chance they could be dropped. In this article, we'll discuss whether that's possible, any potential defences you might have, and where you can find help and support.

For expert help with drug trafficking charges, get in touch with our solicitors specialising in drug trafficking in Bournemouth by giving us a call, emailing mail@renshawderrick.co.uk, or filling in our online enquiry form.

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking covers a range of serious offences related to drugs. A drug trafficking charge typically involves one or more of the following activities related to illegal drugs:

• Manufacturing
• Cultivating
• Supplying/Distributing
• Importing
• Selling

The term also extends to the illegal transportation or sale of prescription drugs by individuals or groups.

Drug trafficking is often recognised as a multi-jurisdiction matter and can be tied with other forms of serious crime such as firearm offences, modern slavery and immigration crime.

Being accused of drug trafficking is a severe charge with significant legal consequences. If you are facing these charges, it is advisable to seek legal support as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.

What are the charges for drug trafficking?

Charges for drug trafficking differ depending on the class of drugs involved. For Class A substances, the penalties include an unlimited fine, a maximum of life imprisonment, or both. Class B and Class C drugs carry penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or a combination of both.

The severity of the sentence isn’t only determined by the drug class but also factors such as the extent of the defendant’s involvement and the methods they used.

Possessing any amount of drugs beyond what could be considered ‘for personal use’ can also result in serious charges.

Drug trafficking is treated as a serious offence and seeking legal support at the earliest opportunity is essential if you are facing these allegations.

Can drug trafficking charges be dropped?

With a strong defence, it is possible to have drug trafficking charges dismissed. Reaching out to an experienced drug trafficking defence solicitor promptly will help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Depending on the circumstances, your solicitor may construct a criminal defence for drug trafficking. This could be the “reasonable doubt” defence, suggesting the wrong person was arrested and that while the individual may have some involvement, they might not be a drug trafficker.

Another defence is “no knowledge,” where the accused may have been unaware of possession or trafficking. They might have been misled into thinking they were transporting a legal substance, or the drugs could have been planted on them without their knowledge.

Swiftly consulting with a skilled solicitor is essential for exploring these defences and building a robust legal strategy.

What does the Crown Prosecution Service consider when dropping criminal charges?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the police may choose to drop criminal charges, including drug trafficking, for various reasons. One key factor is insufficient evidence to establish the defendant’s involvement in the trafficking operation. Charges might also be dismissed if evidence was unlawfully obtained or pursuing prosecution is not deemed in the public interest.

When considering whether to drop charges, the CPS takes into account factors such as the defendant’s culpability, the severity of the offence, and the defendant’s age. With the right legal support, you may be able to successfully have drug trafficking charges dropped under certain circumstances. It is strongly advised to engage with an experienced criminal lawyer promptly for the best chance of success in navigating these charges.

What should you do if you’ve been charged with drug trafficking?

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, seeking assistance from an experienced solicitor is strongly. At Renshaw Derrick, our team have a strong success rate, and have previously achieved positive outcomes for clients facing a range of criminal offences.

Support from an expert solicitor early on in the process is essential, as without it, you may unintentionally worsen your situation. It's important to seek advice on your legal rights and determine what information should or shouldn't be disclosed during any interaction with the authorities.

Get in touch with our drug offence solicitors today

Get in touch with our solicitors specialising in drug trafficking in Bournemouth by giving us a call, emailing mail@renshawderrick.co.uk, or filling in our online enquiry form.