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

Anastasia Qvist is an outstanding lawyer. My criminal law situation (family violence order) was difficult, complex and Ana's diligence saved me as I was going through the most difficult period of my life. Ana is down to earth, commonsense and she even kept our costs to a minimum. She is a skilled litigator and knows the ins and outs of the ACT Magistrates Court. She dealt skillfully with the DPP and is an excellent negotiator. You will get a fair representation and she genuinely cares about her clients. She has my complete recommendation. The lady goes to bat for her clients.

- Client

I would strongly recommend Anastasia to anyone who is seeking legal representation. As a first-time offender who was charged with a Level 2 Drink Driving offence, she walked me through every step of the matter and was very upfront and clear on all aspects of my case. She was always accessible when I needed advice. Her approach and advice were excellent. Under her representation, I received the best possible outcome and managed to avoid a criminal conviction. She was a pleasure to deal with throughout the whole matter.

- Client

Anastasia Qvist was very professional and helpful in every step of my matter. I got a very good outcome and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work and the Armstrong Legal team in Canberra. I would highly recommend her!!!

- 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 - Senior 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...

Supply Controlled Drug To Child For Selling

In ACT, it is an offence to supply a controlled drug to a child or possess a controlled drug with the intention of supplying it to a child. This is a very serious offence, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment if the quantity is less than a commercial quantity. Where a commercial quantity is involved, the maximum penalty, rises to life imprisonment depending on the quantity of the drug supplied.

The Offence Of Supplying Controlled Drug To Child For Selling

Section 622 of the Criminal Code 2002 outlines that a person commits an offence if they:

supply a commercial quantity of a controlled drug to a child; or
possess a commercial quantity of a controlled drug with the intention of supplying any of the drug to a child;
and the person does so believing that the child intends to sell any of the drug.

If it is proved that the defendant:

supplied a trafficable quantity of a controlled drug to a child; or
possessed a trafficable quantity of a controlled drug with the intention of supplying any of it to a child;

it is presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that the defendant had the belief about the sale of the drug by the child required for the offence.

What actions might constitute Supplying a Controlled Drug to a Child for Selling?

Giving a 17-year-old enough ecstasy tablets to be a trafficable quantity, ie more than 10 grams, as defined in the Criminal Code Regulations 2019 believing that the teenager was to sell them at a music festival.
Giving a 15-year-old cannabis to give to their friends in exchange for money.

What the police must prove

In order to a person to be found guilty of this offence the police must prove that:

the person either:

supplied a drug to a child. “Supply” includes “sell”, “give” and “share” but does not include “administer”; or
possessed a drug with the intention of suppling it to a child; or
the person knew or believed that the child would sell the drug.
what was supplied or possessed was a controlled drug which is proven with analytical certificates to this effect;
the drug was of a commercial or trafficable quantity, depending on the specific charge.

Possible defences

The possible ways to defend the charge include:

maintaining your innocence if you did not commit the act alleged;
arguing that you did not supply a drug;
arguing that you did not posses the drug with the intention of supplying it to a child;
arguing that the drug was not in the quantity alleged;
arguing that you did not have the requisite intent;
arguing that the person supplied was not a child;
arguing that you did not believe the child intended to sell any of the drug;
arguing that you considered whether the person was a child and had no reasonable grounds to believe that he or she was a child;

Which court will hear your matter?

The offences are strictly indictable matters and will be finalised in the ACT Supreme Court.

Some less serious versions of the charges carry 10-year and five-year maximum sentences and can be heard in either the Supreme Court or the ACT Magistrates Court, where the maximum that can be imposed on any individual charge is a fine of $15,000, imprisonment for 5 years or both.

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

WHERE TO NEXT?

If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.

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