Police Drug Diversion Program
The Police Drug Diversion Program (PDDP) is a legislated diversion program that enables police to offer eligible persons, apprehended for a minor drugs offence, with an opportunity to attend and complete a Drug Diversion Assessment Program (DDAP) instead of having to go through the normal court process.
What is A Minor Drug Offence?
Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, a minor drug offence is an offence against the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 that involves either or both of the following:
- possession of not more than 50 grams of cannabis;
- possessing a thing for use, or that has been used, for smoking cannabis.
This program is only available for offences involving cannabis. For diversion programs involving other illicit drugs, please see our page on the Court Diversion Program.
Am I Eligible for the Police Drug Diversion Program?
Eligibility for the Police Drug Diversion Program requires the following:
- The person has not committed another indictable offence in circumstances relating to the minor drug offence
- The person has not previously been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for trafficking, supplying or producing a dangerous drug
- The person has not previously been convicted of an offence involving violence against a person (or has been convicted but the rehabilitation period has expired)
- The person made admissions to the offence
- The person has not been offered an opportunity to attend a PDDP.
How Does The Police Drug Diversion Program Work?
Once a person is found to be eligible, police will make an offer to attend a DDAP. The DDAP is a single session which lasts about 2 hours and covers an assessment and education/brief intervention program. Attendance at the DDAP is mandatory to successfully complete the diversion program.
Benefits Of The Police Drug Diversion Program
- You will not receive a criminal charge;
- You will not have to go to court;
- You will not receive a criminal record.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
This article was written by Michelle Makela
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (State and Federal Industrial Tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...
About Armstrong Legal
Originating as Brezniak Neil Smith in a small Sydney office, Armstrong Legal is now a national law firm with more than 30 years of experience assisting Australians with serious legal matters through clarity and care. Experienced lawyers at our firm help clients navigate a wide range of legal concerns with professionalism and empathy.
Our national team includes lawyers across Australia who support clients from a diverse range of backgrounds with expert advice, capable of and ready to answer your questions about "criminal lawyer sunshine coast", "lawyers for inheritance disputes" or "making a claim against an estate nsw". Whether navigating divorce and separation, dealing with sexual assault offences or needing support on insider trading matters, our lawyers can guide you to act swiftly where deadlines may apply.
We may offer a "No Win No Fee" agreement on a case-by-case basis for some family provision claims if you're considering your funding options for legal support while researching "criminal lawyers melbourne cbd", "contest a will law firms melbourne" or "contesting a will solicitors near me". In some matters involving estate litigation, we may also offer a Pay-at-End arrangement according to the client's circumstances, so get in touch with our friendly team today for an assessment of your case.