Drug Importation

A ‘Border-Controlled Drug’ is a term defined in Australia’s Criminal Code Regulation 2002 (Cth), specifically in Schedule 4. It refers to substances regulated due to their potential for abuse, harm, and impact on public health. These substances are strictly controlled, particularly for import and export.

Examples of ‘Border-Controlled Drugs’ include cannabis, cocaine, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), heroin, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and others. They are heavily regulated due to their misuse potential and risks to society.

A “border-controlled drug” refers to substances listed in Schedule 2 of the Criminal Code Regulations 2002. This list compiles drugs strictly regulated for potential misuse and public health impact. It covers both recognised “illicit” drugs and certain pharmaceuticals.

Schedule 2 outlines substances considered border-controlled drugs and specifies “commercial” and “marketable” quantities for each. These categories determine offense severity and penalties.

To view the complete list and quantities, visit: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2017C00598.

“Import” refers to the act of bringing a ‘border-controlled drug’ into Australia from another country. Once the drug arrives within Australia’s borders, it is then delivered to a specific location and remains within the country.

In the context of drug-related charges in New South Wales (NSW), “possessing imported drug charges” pertain to situations where an individual knowingly possesses a ‘border-controlled drug’ that has been unlawfully imported into Australia. Notably, law enforcement authorities are not required to prove that you personally imported the drug; rather, they need to demonstrate that you knowingly possessed it.

“Possessing” something involves knowingly having exclusive physical custody or control over it, to the exclusion of others who are not acting in concert with you.

Generally, the Australian federal police may use these charges as a back up when they encounter challenges in proving the direct importation of drugs. In cases where establishing direct importation is difficult, authorities may opt to pursue charges of possessing an imported drug, relying on evidence of possession rather than direct importation.

Importing drugs into Australia is a serious federal offence that falls under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Australia. Regardless of the quantity of drugs involved, those caught importing drugs can face severe penalties, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

KPT Defence Lawyers is highly experienced in defending individuals facing drug importation charges. The strength of importation cases can vary greatly, and our legal experts are adept at crafting defence strategies to counter circumstantial and unreliable evidence. Our lawyers meticulously challenge co-accused informants who provide information to protect themselves, and they scrutinise police experts who interpret conversations as coded references to drug importation.

For clients who choose to plead guilty, our legal team is dedicated to securing the most lenient sentences possible. Our lawyers are committed to providing expert legal representation and achieving the best outcomes for individuals facing drug importation charges.

If you have been charged with drug importation, contact KPT Defence Lawyers on (02) 9267 5555.

In Australia, import and export offenses related to drugs are outlined in the Criminal Code Act 1995, specifically under Division 307 – Import-Export Offences, Subdivision A – Importing and Exporting Border Controlled Drugs or Border Controlled Plants. These offences are categorised based on the quantity of border-controlled drugs or plants involved, each with varying charges and penalties. The categories are as follows:

1.Importing and Exporting Commercial Quantities: This involves importing or exporting significant quantities of border-controlled drugs or plants for commercial purposes. The law treats these offences as particularly serious due to their larger scale and potential impact.

2.Importing and Exporting Marketable Quantities: Charges under this category relate to the import or export of border-controlled drugs or plants in quantities deemed suitable for distribution or sale in the market.

3.Importing and Exporting Border-Controlled Drugs or Plants: This category covers general import and export offences involving border-controlled drugs or plants, without necessarily reaching the thresholds for commercial or marketable quantities.

4.Importing and Exporting Border-Controlled Drugs or Plants—No Defence Relating to Lack of Commercial Intent: This category addresses cases where the accused’s intent to engage in commercial activities is not a valid defence. It means that even if the accused can’t prove a lack of commercial intent, they could still face charges.

The charges and penalties for each category vary, reflecting the seriousness of the offence and the potential harm associated with drug trafficking. It’s important to note that Australian law takes these offences very seriously, and the legal consequences can be severe.
In Australia, the terms “commercial quantity” and “marketable quantity” are defined in the Criminal Code Regulations 2002 (Cth), specifically in Schedule 1. These definitions provide thresholds that determine whether a particular quantity of a controlled substance falls under the category of “commercial quantity” or “marketable quantity.”

The chart below outlines the different drug weight categories.

Section 5E of the Criminal Code Regulations 2002 outlines the list of border-controlled plants along with the designated quantities classified as “commercial quantity” and “marketable quantity.” This section is crucial in defining the legal thresholds for these quantities and plays a significant role in regulating and addressing offenses related to border-controlled plants.

The maximum penalties for different types of importation charges are outlined below. It’s important to note that the judge may consider various factors before sentencing, which could potentially lead to a reduction in the severity of the penalty.

KPT Defence Lawyers has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing drug importation charges. This includes successfully reducing charges and securing more lenient sentences. For those who plead not guilty, our firm has a strong history of successfully defending against importation charges.
MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR DRUG IMPORT CHARGES

1.Less than a marketable quantity: 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $220,000.

2.Marketable quantity: 25 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of $550,000.

3.Commercial quantity: Life imprisonment and/or a fine of $825,000.

Getting advice from experienced legal experts is essential if you find yourself confronted with importation charges. Importation, in this context, refers to the act of bringing a particular substance into Australia and engaging with that substance in relation to its import. For an importation offense to be established, certain conditions need to be met: controlled drugs and their precursors must enter Australia from a foreign location and must be received at a point that causes these goods to remain within the borders of Australia. This can transpire as the goods clear customs, are taken possession of by an offender or their representative, or upon their arrival at their intended destination, such as a residential address.

The proficiency and knowledge of experienced legal professionals can significantly impact the final outcome of your case. Their expertise plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of the legal process and building a strong defence strategy. Contact KPT Defence Lawyers today.

To have a successful defence against charges of importing drugs or precursors, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1.Import or Export Action: The first requirement is to demonstrate that you were involved in the importation or exportation of a substance.

2.Intent for Manufacture: The prosecution must establish that either of the following conditions apply:

• You intended to use any part of the imported substance to produce a controlled drug.
• You held the belief that another individual intended to use the substance to manufacture a controlled drug.

3.Border-Controlled Precursor: It must be established that the substance in question falls under the category of a border-controlled precursor.

4.Quantity: The weight of the substance imported or exported is a factor in the case.

To undermine drug importation charges successfully, the prosecution has several obligations:
– Identification and Knowledge: The prosecution must be able to conclusively identify you as the involved party in the importation or exportation activity. Additionally, they need to prove that you were aware of your involvement and actions.

– Disproving Defences: Any defences you raise against the charges need to be disproven beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires the prosecution to counter any claims or arguments you present in your defence.

To effectively contest these charges, we can help you:

1.Challenge Evidence: Scrutinise the evidence provided by the prosecution. If any weaknesses or inconsistencies are found, they can be used to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

2.Question Intent: If there is no solid evidence to support the intent for manufacturing controlled substances, this aspect of the charge can be contested.

3.Evaluate Identification: If there are doubts about your involvement or identity in the importation or exportation, this can be a point of contention.

4.Present Valid Defences: If you have valid defences, such as lack of knowledge about the substance or misunderstanding its intended use, these can be raised to counter the charges.

5.Examine Chain of Custody: If the prosecution’s evidence includes physical substances, the chain of custody must be proven. Any lapses in this chain can weaken their case.

6.Expert Witnesses: Depending on the circumstances, expert witnesses can be brought in to challenge the scientific validity of the evidence or to provide insights that support your defence.

7.Procedural Errors: If there were any irregularities in the arrest, evidence collection, or other procedural matters, these can be used to challenge the validity of the case.

In summary, to successfully defend against drug or precursor importation charges, it’s crucial to scrutinise the elements the prosecution needs to prove and strategically challenge their case through evidence, expert witnesses, and valid defences. An experienced legal team like KPT Defence Lawyers will play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities and increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

In addressing charges of drug importation, the following defences may be advanced:

Duress: The defendant was compelled to manufacture or participate in the drug-making process due to exigent circumstances or coercion.

Honest and Reasonable Mistake: The defendant lacked the knowledge that their activities were facilitating the production of illicit drugs.

Lack of Intent: It is incumbent upon the prosecution to substantiate that the defendant deliberately intended to import border-controlled substances or flora and aimed to realise the intended outcome.

Uncertainty of the Importer’s Identity: The onus is on the prosecution to incontrovertibly establish the identity of the accused party.

Mental Illness: For further information, please refer to the dedicated section on the defence of mental illness.

Discrepancy in Drug Quantity: The actual weight of the drug is lesser than the alleged amount.
To secure a verdict of ‘not guilty’ for our clients, we rigorously scrutinise the testimonies of co-defendants who betray their peers to preserve themselves. We question the credibility of police experts who decipher dialogues as clandestine codes for importation. We contest the police’s visual and auditory identifications which purportedly correspond to our clients.

Furthermore, we assert that the police fail to confirm that our clients had cognisance of their transgression in drug importation. Specifically, we argue that if our clients did indeed engage in such importation, they operated under a mistaken belief (deemed reasonable) and hence, should be absolved of guilt.

In drug importation scenarios, the exact weight of the drugs is of paramount importance. It dictates the specific offence one is indicted for and the maximum legal penalty one might face. Additionally, it designates the precise provision of the statute under which the indictment will occur.

The provisions for conspiracy and joint participation permit law enforcement to act based on evidence pointing towards a mutual agreement to bring a border-regulated drug into the nation. This agreement is presumed to involve multiple parties who concurred and intended to effectuate the said importation. If the police invoke the conspiracy provisions, it is not obligatory to present evidence of an actual importation.

If there is a consensus that an offence has been committed, and the police can validate the claim, it may be advisable to enter a guilty plea. Frequently, this results in a reduced sentence, reflecting your remorse and repentance. Our seasoned legal representatives can liaise with the prosecutors, facilitating a plea to a lesser offence or a milder set of facts.

The severest penalties for importing border-controlled precursors hinge on both the quantity and kind of the precursor. An import or export of a commercial amount of border-controlled drugs or plants carries a maximum sentence of 25 years of incarceration. For a marketable amount, the maximum is 15 years, whereas for any other amount, it stands at seven years. Generally, these stern penalties are reserved for the gravest offences. Due to the gravity of importing offences, reaching out to our firm posthaste upon being charged is crucial.

For an exhaustive list of potential sentencing alternatives, including the possibility of avoiding a conviction record, please consult the relevant section on our website.

Regarding Character References in Guilty Pleas for Drug Charges
We strongly advise procuring multiple solid character references if you intend to plead guilty to a drug-related offence. This can significantly sway the court towards a gentler sentence. Our web page titled ‘Court Procedures and References’ offers guidance on crafting impactful character references.

Why Choose KPT Defence Lawyers?
Specialising in drug importation cases, our criminal law practitioners are adept at securing optimal outcomes for our clients. For such transgressions, an adept lawyer can mean the difference between incarceration and freedom, or between possessing a criminal record and emerging unblemished.

Manufacture and Production of Banned Drugs
Manufacturing or producing prohibited drugs contravenes section 24 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW), with penalties ranging from two years to life imprisonment. Schedule 1 of the same Act enumerates all banned drugs.
What Must Be Established by the Prosecution
The prosecution is tasked with conclusively demonstrating that:
1.An individual was involved in the manufacture or production of banned drugs or was aware of and participated in such activities.
2.The substance in question, whether manufactured, produced, or assisted in such processes, was indeed a prohibited drug.
The act of “manufacturing” spans multiple activities, not limited to “extraction” or “refinement”, as defined in Section 3 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.
The Act further details the broad spectrum of actions that can be construed as “knowingly taking part” in manufacturing, emphasising the point that physical involvement in the production process is not a prerequisite, including:

• Where a person takes, or participates in, any step, or causes any step to be taken, in the process of manufacturer
• Where a person provides or arranges finance for any step in that process
• Where a person provides a premises in which any such step in the process is taken, or permits or suffers any such steps in that process to be taken in the premises of which the person is the owner, leasee or occupier or in the management of which the person participates

Defences to Consider:
Possible defences include lack of knowledge of involvement or the substance not being a banned drug.

• Consequences and Penalties for Manufacturing and Production of Prohibited Drugs
• Manufacturing and Production of Prohibited Drugs is a grave offence, and those convicted typically face rigorous penalties. A conviction invariably results in a criminal record and potential imprisonment. The duration of imprisonment is contingent on the specific drug and its quantity:
• Small Quantity (for substances like Cocaine, Methylamphetamine, Ecstasy, and Heroin): Penalties can range up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,500 when dealt with summarily.
• Indictable Quantity: Penalties can escalate to 15 years imprisonment and/or a substantial fine of $220,000.
• Commercial Quantity: Convictions might result in up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $385,000.
• Large Commercial Quantity: The gravest of offences can attract life imprisonment and/or a staggering fine of $550,000.

Section 24(1A) introduces a distinct offence, penalising those who manufacture a prohibited drug while concurrently exposing a child to this process. The maximum sentence for this transgression is 18 years in prison.

For quantities surpassing commercial amounts, a standard non-parole duration of 10 years is applicable. Exceeding large commercial quantities ups the standard non-parole period to 15 years.

The penalty imposed is determined by a confluence of factors, including:

• The quantity of the drug involved.
• The sophistication and scale of the manufacturing operation.
• The presence of financial incentives or the underlying motivations for the offence.
• The individual’s specific role in a broader manufacturing network.
• Furthermore, the court will also consider personal factors like an offender’s remorse, any evidence pointing to rehabilitation, and other pertinent subjective elements.

To explore the full spectrum of sentencing possibilities, refer to our Sentencing Options section. For a comprehensive and complimentary initial consultation, we urge you to reach out to our criminal law specialists.
Contact one of our criminal law specialists for a detailed consultation.

Possession of Precursors Intended for the Manufacture or Production of Illegal Drugs

Within New South Wales, the law deems it unlawful to be in possession of a substance termed as a ‘precursor’ to a prohibited drug. Precursors are essentially ingredients or substances potentially used in combination with others to produce illegal drugs. Such precursors range from specific chemicals to plants, fungi, and other organic materials.

An individual may face charges if they are found with a substance identified as a precursor without a justified reason for its possession. The gravest penalty for this offence can amount to 5 years of incarceration or the equivalent of 1000 penalty units.

Legislative Framework

The possession of precursors is codified in section 24B(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, which states that an individual possessing a precursor in quantities exceeding prescribed limits is committing an offence.

Incidents Potentially Leading to Charges of Possession of Precursors

Examples of situations potentially leading to charges include:

• Finding ten boxes of pseudoephedrine in an individual’s vehicle.
• Discovering a container with benzaldehyde in one’s garage.
• Seizing canisters of methylamine from a backpack.
• Uncovering various chemicals in a rudimentary drug lab.

Prosecutorial Burden – What the Police Must Prove
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must indisputably demonstrate:

• The individual’s possession of the substance.
• The substance’s categorisation as a precursor to an illegal drug.
• The individual’s awareness of possessing the said substance.

Potential Defence Strategies
Defensive strategies might encompass:

• Denial of committing the act 
• Refutation of possession.
• Argument against the substance being a precursor
• Claims of unawareness about possessing the substance.
• Justification for possessing the substance legally.

Jurisdictional Matters

This offence is categorised as a Table 1 offence, implying it typically concludes in the Local Court, unless either party (you or the Prosecutor) opts for the District court.

Significance of Personal Appearance in Court

While the option to respond via written notices may appear tempting, it is crucial to recognise the inherent risks. The court may pass judgments in the defendant’s absence, often without considering individual circumstances. This will reflect poorly on you and you will have no chance to advocate for yourself or for the case.

Please contact KPT Defence Lawyers if you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter

Cultivation of Prohibited Plants Through Enhanced Indoor Techniques
In New South Wales, severe penalties are attached to:

• Cultivating prohibited plants, either outdoors or through enhanced indoor techniques.
• Distributing such plants.
• Possessing these plants.

The gravity of penalties intensifies if:

• Cultivation occurs with commercial intent.
• Enhanced indoor cultivation takes place in a child’s presence.

Our expert drug lawyers in Sydney stand ready to guide and assist in drug-related offences.

Clarification of Terms
What does ‘cultivate’ mean?

• ‘Cultivation’ signifies actions from sowing seeds of prohibited plants to their tending, nurturing, or harvesting – ie watering plants is an action that is considered as ‘cultivating’

‘Enhanced indoor cultivation’ pertains to practices within structures or buildings where artificial lighting, heating, nutrient-enriched watering, or root suspension techniques are employed.

‘Prohibited plant’ encompasses plants that are cultivated outside or enhanced through indoors means, like cannabis, and any plant from the Erythroxylon genus or Papaver species.

Cultivation for ‘commercial intent’ implies actions undertaken with selling objectives or in circumstances where there’s a belief of intent to sell by another party.

PENALISATION & JUDICIAL OUTCOMES FOR CULTIVATION IN NSW
The sentencing parameters for the cultivation of restricted plants are contingent upon the amount cultivated and the location of cultivation (indoors or outdoors)
Penal Outcomes for Cultivating, Distributing, or Possessing Prohibited Plants:

• Small Quantity:
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or $5,500 fine
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or $11,000 fine
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Small Quantity:
  • Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail or $385,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail or $550,000 fine

Penal Outcomes for Indoor Cultivation of Restricted Plants:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court:2 years jail or $5,500 fine
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or $11,000 fine
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail or $385,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail or $550,000 fine

Penal Outcomes for Indoor Cultivation for Business Purposes:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail or $220,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail or $385,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail or $550,000 fine

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation of Forbidden Plants:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or a $5,500 penalty
  • District Court: 10 years jail or a $220,000 penalty

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or a $11,000 penalty
  • District Court: 10 years jail or a $220,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail or a $385,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail or a $550,000 penalty

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation for Trade Purposes:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail or a $220,000 penalty

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail or a $220,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail or a $385,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail or a $550,000 penalty

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation by Enhanced Indoor Means: 

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or a $5,500 penalty
  • District Court: 12 years jail or a $264,000 penalty
  • For Trade in District Court: 18 years jail or a $462,000 penalty

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 12 years jail or an $11,000 penalty
  • District Court: 12 years jail or a $264,000 penalty
  • For Trade in District Court: 18 years jail or a $462,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 18 years jail or a $462,000 penalty
  • For Trade in District Court: 18 years jail or a $462,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not subject to Local Court
  • District Court: 24 years jail or a $660,000 penalty
  • For Trade in District Court: 24 years jail or a $660,000 penalty

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation of Restricted Plants:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail and/or $5,500 penalty
  • District Court: 10 years jail and/or $220,000 penalty

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail and/or $11,000 penalty
  • District Court: 10 years jail and/or $220,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail and/or $385,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail and/or $550,000 penalty

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation for Business Objectives:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail and/or $220,000 penalty

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 10 years jail and/or $220,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 15 years jail and/or $385,000 penalty

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not handled in Local Court
  • District Court: 20 years jail and/or $550,000 penalty

Penalties for Indoor Cultivation in the Vicinity of Minors:

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: 2 years jail or $5,500 fine
  • District Court: 12 years jail or $264,000 fine
  • For business purposes in district court: 18 years jail or $462,000 fine

• Indictable Quantity
  • Local Court: 12 years jail or $11,000 fine
  • District Court: 12 years jail or $264,000 fine
  • For business purposes in district court: 18 years jail or $462,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 18 years jail or $462,000 fine
  • For business purposes in district court: 18 years jail or $462,000 fine

• Small Quantity
  • Local Court: Not eligible for Local Court
  • District Court: 24 years jail or $660,000 fine
  • For business purposes in district court: 24 years jail or $660,000 fine

Drug Quantity Categories for Cannabis Plants Cultivated by Enhanced Indoor Means:
Small Quantity: 5
Traffickable: N/A
Indictable Qty: 50
Commercial Qty: 50
Large Commercial Qty: 200

Drug Quantity Categories for Cannabis Plants Cultivated Outside:
Small Qty: 5
Traffickable: N/A
Indictable Qty: 50
Commercial Qty: 250
Large commercial qty: 1000

TYPES OF PENALTIES THE COURT CAN IMPOSE
For those found guilty of growing forbidden plants in NSW or any other drug-related crimes, a magistrate or judge has the discretion to mete out any of the subsequent penalties:

• Dismissal as per Section 10 (without a criminal record)
• Conditional Release Order, either with or without a recorded conviction
• Monetary fine accompanied by a conviction
• Community Correction Order paired with a conviction
• Rigorous Correction Order accompanied by a conviction
• Incarceration for a full-time duration with a conviction

Available Defences to the Charge
A person will be acquitted of growing banned plants if the following conditions are met:

• The action was taken out of duress or immediate need.
• The cannabis plant was in your possession based on a valid medical prescription.
• Lack of awareness about the plant being restricted and such unawareness was reasonable.
• You neither cultivated nor knowingly contributed to its cultivation.
• The cultivated plant doesn’t belong to the restricted category.
• If the accusation is about indoor cultivation, there’s no proof of indoor growth or any efforts to aid the plant’s growth.
• For charges about commercial indoor cultivation, there’s no evidence of intent to sell or knowledge of another party’s intent to sell.
• In cases where a minor was allegedly exposed due to cultivation, a defence stands if there was no threat to the child’s health or safety.
• An acquittal is also possible if the prosecution cannot establish any essential element of the crime.

PLEADING NOT GUILTY
Upon entering a not guilty plea for the charge of cultivating proscribed plants:

• The case is postponed for a jury trial in the District Court or a defence hearing in the Local Court.
• Before the trial/hearing, the prosecution has to furnish you or your legal counsel with evidence.
• After examining the evidence from both sides, the court pronounces a verdict.
• A not guilty verdict results in dismissal and acquittal, while a guilty verdict moves to the sentencing phase.

For a guilty verdict, the prosecution must demonstrate under section 23(1):

• You engaged in cultivation, distribution, or possession of a restricted plant, or knowingly participated in such activities.
• The plant’s weight or quantity corresponds to the charges, like small, indictable, commercial, or major commercial quantity.

If charged with indoor cultivation with a minor exposed under section 23A, the prosecution must prove:

• Engagement in cultivation or active participation in it.
• The cultivation was done using indoor enhanced methods.
• This cultivation exposed a minor due to the process or stored substances.
• The plant’s weight or quantity aligns with the charges, or if it’s within the small or indictable quantity range, it was cultivated with commercial intent.

You’ll be acquitted if the prosecution cannot irrefutably establish every element of the charge. If there’s inadequate evidence, your lawyer can challenge the evidence through a document called ‘legal representations’ outlining holes in their evidence, to potentially have the charges dropped early.

PLEADING GUILTY
If you decide to admit guilt for the act of cultivating prohibited plants:

The proceedings will be adjourned to a subsequent court date designated for sentencing. The same applies when admitting guilt to any other drug-related offenses.
During the sentencing, the court will consider any statements you wish to make and any supporting documentation you provide. This is done before the court finalises the appropriate penalty for your actions.

In some instances, the court may request an assessment report to be created and presented on the date of the sentencing.

If you feel you need additional time to gather materials or prepare your case for the sentencing, you can request the court to postpone the sentencing to a later date. It’s crucial to be thoroughly prepared for this step, as the outcome can have significant implications.

25% Reduction in Penalty for Early Guilty Plea:

To ensure you’re adequately prepared for your sentencing and to enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome:

There’s a provision for a penalty reduction of up to 25% if you enter a plea of guilty promptly. This early admission can result in a more lenient sentence for offenses related to cultivating. However, it’s important to note that the later you enter your guilty plea during the legal process, the smaller the potential discount becomes. It’s in your best interest to seek legal advice promptly to navigate this aspect effectively.

Drug importation involves bringing prohibited drugs into NSW from another location, whether domestically or internationally, without proper authorisation.

Drug importation is a serious offence in NSW and can lead to significant penalties, including lengthy imprisonment.