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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.
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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."
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This article was written by Fernanda Dahlstrom - Content Editor - Brisbane
Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has also completed a Master’s in Writing and Literature. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory and in family law in Queensland.
Drug Offences
In Queensland, the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 sets out the maximum penalties for drug offences including possessing, supplying, trafficking and importing prohibited drugs. There are numerous offences involving drugs that a person can be charged with, including drug driving offences.
Offences under the Drugs Misuse Act
Offences under the Act include possessing a prohibited drug, supplying a prohibited drug and trafficking in a prohibited drug.
Possessing drugs
Possessing a dangerous drug is an offence under section 9 of the Act. This offence can attract long terms of imprisonment. However, if the court sentencing a person for this offence is satisfied that the person was a drug-dependent person at the time of the offence, a lesser maximum penalty applies.
The maximum penalty that applies to a drug possession charge depends on the drug alleged to have been possessed and the quantity alleged to have been in the accused’s possession. When dealt with in the Magistrate Court, these offences carry a maximum of three years imprisonment. When dealt with in the higher courts, much longer terms of imprisonment can be imposed.
Offences involving cannabis can attract sentences of up to 15 years imprisonment where the amount possessed was less than 500 grams or 100 plants, and up to 20 years where the amount was more than 500 grams or 100 plants.
Offence involving cocaine can attract sentences of up to 15 years imprisonment where the amount possessed was under two grams, up to 20 years imprisonment where the amount was over two grams, and up to 25 years where the amount possessed was 200 grams or more.
Supplying drugs
Supplying a dangerous drug is an offence under section 6 of the Act. This offence carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment when dealt with summarily (in the Magistrates Court).
To find a person guilty of supply a dangerous drug beyond a reasonable doubt, the prosecution must establish that the accused knowingly supplied a dangerous drug to another person without a lawful excuse.
When the offence of supplying a dangerous drug involves a large quantity of a Schedule 1 or 2 drug and the supply occurs under aggravated circumstances (for example, the drug is supplied to a child), the matter will be charged as aggravated supply of a dangerous drug and will be dealt with in the Supreme Court, which may impose a penalty up to 25 years imprisonment.
Trafficking drugs
Drug trafficking is an offence under section 5 of the Act. It carries a maximum penalty of either 20 or 25 years imprisonment depending on the drug trafficked.
It is not necessary for a commercial enterprise to have been a particular size to support a finding of guilt for drug trafficking; however smaller operations between individuals are more likely to result in a charge of supplying a dangerous drug.
Producing dangerous drugs
Producing dangerous drugs is an offence against section 8 of the Act. It can attract a maximum penalty of between 15 and 25 years imprisonment depending on the type and quantity of drug involved.
A person may be found guilty of producing a dangerous drug if they take part in any of the acts required to prepare, produce or manufacture a drug. This includes acts as diverse as growing a cannabis plant from a seed, importing a tablet press and buying pseudoephedrine from a pharmacy to be made into a dangerous drug.
If a person knowingly took part in the preparation, manufacture cultivation, packaging or production of a dangerous drug without a lawful excuse they may be found guilty under this provision.
Drug diversion programs for offences under the Drugs Misuse Act
In Queensland, a person charged with minor offences under the Act may be given the opportunity to take part in a police drug diversion program if they are eligible. A person who is pleading guilty to minor drug offences in Queensland may also have the opportunity to take part in a drug court diversion program This will involve attending a drug assessment and education session and having a conviction recorded against them for the offence.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
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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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