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My legal matter concerning an application for a Domestic Violence Order was managed by Mr Thomas Allen. I am grateful for the outcome he obtained. Without Mr Allen and his ongoing support, I would be certain of a different result. It has been an extremely stressful period. Mr Allen’s astute ability to liaise on my behalf and his expertise was invaluable and for which I am grateful as I am now able to move forward. Thanking you

- Client

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Armstrong Legal and specifically Mr Thomas Allen for representing me in my recent case. At the outset, I would like to thank Mr Allen for the very professional delivery of his legal service. From the first time that I met Mr Allen, I was very impressed with his demeanour and delivery as he made me feel at ease knowing the severity of my case. Mr Allen not only gave me the possible positive outcomes of the case but also the realisation of the worst-case scenario as far as sentencing goes. … I will certainly be recommending Armstrong Legal to any of my friends or family needing representation in criminal matters. Thank you so very much.

- Client

Thank you for your representation and help. Fingers crossed for the next step and parole. I just want to say that from the first phone call to your office, your service has been outstanding and have put my mind at ease. I am glad I picked your number to ring.

- Client

Thank you Armstrong Legal, the lawyers that have helped over the past 3 years but more importantly, thank you to Thomas Allen for the major part you and Mr Buckland played. Cannot thank you enough. Cheers.

- Client

Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.

- Client

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!

- Client

I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.

I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks

- Client

Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.

- Client

Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.

- Client

Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.

- Client

"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."

This article was written by Andrew Fraser - Managing Associate - Canberra

Andrew works in the areas of criminal law and traffic law, providing practical advice in all of his clients’ matters. Andrew has, over many years, developed positive working relationships with prosecutors, magistrates and judges. His no-nonsense approach means he has a reputation for putting forward the best case possible for clients. Andrew has won many matters for his clients, including...

Possession of Controlled Precursors

It is an offence in the ACT to possess a controlled precursor to a drug. The maximum penalty for possessing a controlled precursor varies from seven to 25 years’ imprisonment, depending on the quantity. A precursor is an ingredient or substance that can be used along with other ingredients or substances to make an illegal drug. Precursors include chemicals, plants, fungi or other natural organisms.

Legislation

In the ACT it is an offence according to Section 612 of the Criminal Code 2002 to possess a large commercial quantity of a controlled precursor:

with the intention of using any of it to manufacture a controlled drug; and
with the intention of selling any of the manufactured drug or believing that someone else intends to sell any of the manufactured drug.

The maximum penalty is 2500 penalty units and/or 25 years imprisonment. If a commercial quantity is involved, the maximum penalty is 1500 penalty units and/or 15 years imprisonment. In non-commercial cases, the maximum penalty is 700 penalty units and/or imprisonment for 7 years.

It is presumed that a person who possessed a controlled precursor with the intention of using any of it to manufacture a controlled drug, intended or believed that the drug would be sold, unless that person proves otherwise.

What actions might constitute possession of precursor?

Examples of acts that could give rise to a charge include:

having 10 boxes of pseudoephedrine in your car;
being found with a jug which contains benzaldehyde (a chemical used to make methamphetamine) in your garage;
having several small canisters of methylamine (a gas used to make methamphetamine) in your backpack;
storing multiple chemicals and plants.

What the police must prove

To convict a person of possessing a precursor, the police must prove each of the following matters beyond a reasonable doubt:

that they were in possession of a substance;
that the substance was a precursor to a prohibited drug; and
that they were aware you were in possession of the substance.

To convict a person of manufacturing a precursor, the police must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they:

intended to manufacturing a controlled drug; and
intended selling any of the manufactured drug or believing that someone else intended to sell any of the manufactured drug; or
intended to sell any of it to someone else; and
believed that the other person intended to use it to manufacture a controlled drug.

Possible defences

A person charged with this offence may argue in their defence that:

to argue that they were not in possession of the substance;
to argue that the substance is not a precursor to a prohibited drug;
to argue that they were not aware they were in possession of the substance;
to argue that they had the substance for a lawful activity or that they otherwise had a reasonable excuse for having it; or
to argue that they did not manufacture or sell the precursor;

Which court will hear your matter?

The more serious of the precursor charges – those with maximum penalties of more than 10 years’ imprisonment – are strictly indictable and must be decided in the ACT Supreme Court. The seven-year offences can be dealt with in the ACT Magistrates Court.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

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