“They are phenomenally impressive. If I were in need of a criminal solicitor, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Chambers UK

BCL has extensive experience in representing individuals charged with drug offences, ranging from simple possession to large-scale importation. We are well equipped to represent individuals in what can be complex investigations, often involving high-tech surveillance techniques and voluminous communications evidence. We are aware of the sensitive nature of even minor drug offences and routinely represent professionals and high-profile individuals who have found themselves under investigation.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is still the primary statute regulating the availability of drugs in the UK.

Whilst many of the basic principles in relation to the control and criminalisation of drug use have remained unchanged for decades, more recently the law has struggled to keep up with developments such as the proliferation of “legal highs”. Recent responses such as the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 have attempted to make up for the existing regime’s shortcomings, although the effectiveness of these new measures remains to be seen. In addition to legislative developments, recent changes to sentencing practice have seen the introduction of stiffer sentences for most drug offences.

We regularly act for individuals accused of offences of violence, ranging from low-level assaults to cases involving grievous bodily harm. Our experienced solicitors and advocates appreciate the importance of establishing a clear strategy at the beginning of each case, identifying potential defences and evidential issues at an early stage.

At BCL we pride ourselves in our ability to consider cases from all angles, often successfully arguing for the withdrawal or dismissal of charges early in proceedings. We provide a complete service, guiding clients through the early stages of police investigations to the court process, both at the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court. We regularly represent individuals in appeal proceedings, through which we have successfully overturned convictions and challenged sentences.

Our experts can help you with a wide range of drugs offences, such as:

• Possession of controlled drugs
• Supplying or offering to supply controlled drugs
• Possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply
• Production of controlled drugs
• Importation and exportation of controlled drugs
• Cultivating cannabis
• Supply of articles for administering or preparing controlled drugs
• Concerned in management of premises knowingly permitting or suffering drug-related activities
• Contravention of directions, notices or regulations relating to controlled drugs
• Offences related to psychoactive substances