Drugs offences range from the relatively minor such as possession of a small amount for personal use right up to offences involving trafficking in large amounts. Being convicted of a drug-related offence can have serious, long-term and far-reaching consequences. Many people are not aware of the full ramifications of using, possessing or even sharing small amounts of prohibited drugs.
Drug Offences Lawyers Fife, Alloa, Falkirk, Stirling, Edinburgh & Dundee
The law relating to drugs offences in Scotland is largely contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Drugs offences, particularly those involving supply, are complex and require the assistance of a specialist drugs law solicitor.
A quarter of Scottish adults admit to having used drugs at some in their lives, and over 7% admit to having used them at some point in the last year. As such, many people, many of whom have jobs, careers, families and responsibilities, may face prosecution for drugs offences at any time.
It is an offence to possess any substance which is banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act (cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and amphetamines are among the most common) but the sentence will depend on the type of drug, the amount possessed and the purpose for which it was possessed.
Drugs are split into three ‘classes’ in the UK. Class A includes ecstasy, cocaine and heroin, class B includes cannabis (‘hash’) and amphetamines (‘speed’) and class C includes things like anabolic steroids.
The purpose for which the drug is possessed is also important. Possession for personal use is less serious than possession with intent to supply, for instance. If the person accused is involved with the production, importation or exportation of the banned substance then the penalties are much more serious again.
Given the large numbers of otherwise law-abiding people who may become implicated in a charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act, as well as the ramifications on their personal and professional life, we would advise anyone who has been charged with a drug-related offence to contact us without delay.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Our legal firm is widely recognised as one of Scotland's leading criminal defence teams and will work hard to ensure you have the best possible outcome. We defend our clients in Alloa, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Methil, Perth, Falkirk, Stirling, Dundee and throughout Scotland.
Contact our Drug Defence Lawyers Scotland
Our criminal solicitors can assist by discussing your options with you confidentially, and are ready to fight your corner. We provide a fully comprehensive legal service from liaising with the police through to representing you in court. Call our criminal defence lawyers for a free, initial consultation in Dunfermline on 01383 730 466, in Kirkcaldy on 01592 640 680, in Alloa on 01259 725 922 or make an online enquiry.