Class B Drug Offences
If you have been charged with a class B drug offence working with a lawyer that regularly defends these cases in court is a must. You will need legal representation that can be there for you at every stage of the proceedings including being on call for emergencies 247/365 to come and provide counsel at the police station, as well as your court appearances.
Also, when charged with a class B drug offence acting fast can help ensure the most positive outcome for your case. After all, anything you say or do while under caution can be used against you in a court of law.
To that end, if you need assistance with a class B drugs offence or any other criminal matter contact our dedicated and tireless criminal law experts today.
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What are class B drugs?
Under the UK illegal narcotics are split into three categories A, B, and C. A is the most harmful category of drug, while C is the least. Class B drugs are considered to be more harmful than class C, but less harmful than class A. Common class B drugs include:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Synthetic cathinones (e.g. mephedrone)
- Cannabis
- Codeine
- Ketamine
What amounts to a conspiracy to supply class B drugs?
There are two main types of offence when it comes to class B drugs. The first is possession, This is when you are caught with an amount deemed suitable for personal use and the maximum penalty for this is 5 years.
The second offence is known as conspiracy to supply class B drugs and holds a much more serious penalty, which will be discussed in detail below. conspiracy to supply class B can be a tricky charge to understand because no supply of drugs has to happen for the law to be broken. Instead, it’s about making the agreement to do it and having the intention of going through with the plan.
What happens when you are arrested for conspiracy to supply class B drugs?
When you are arrested, the police must properly caution you, as well as tell you specifically what offences you have been accused of.
Once you have been arrested you will be interviewed by the police, which can result in several outcomes such as being released with no further action, released under investigation, being detained in custody, and being charged with an offence.
If you are subject to the latter (being charged with a class B drug offence) you will be assigned a hearing date in court. Until that time you may be released on bail, or detained in custody.
What to do if you are arrested for conspiracy to supply class B drugs?
The first thing you must do if arrested on conspiracy to supply a class B drug charge is to contact a lawyer. Remember you have the choice to use the solicitor assigned to you or choose your own legal representative. Where possible choose one with experience in dealing with class B drug charges to maximise the chances of a positive outcome to your case.
It is very important that you do not say anything before your legal representation is there to guide you through the process. In this way, you can avoid saying things that could hurt your defence at a later date.
What penalties you could face for conspiracy to supply class B drugs
The penalty that you may face for a conspiracy to supply class B drugs conviction depends on two main factors including how much of a role you played in the conspiracy, and the volume and quantity of drugs that were supplied. These factors will determine whether the offence is heard at the Magistrates or Crown court, the maximum sentences of which you can find below:
Magistrates Court | Crown Court | |
Fine | £5000 | Unlimited |
A prison sentence of up to | 6 months | 14 years |
In the case of offences dealt with in the Magistrates court, the penalty may be a fine, imprisonment, or both.
Additional penalties that you may be subjected to include:
A Confiscation Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (PoCA): This is an order that allows your assets to be taken away if you cannot prove that they were acquired legally.
Restraint Order: This is an order that stops you from accessing your assets including bank accounts. (Basic living costs are allowed)
