Drug Charges
If the Gardai wish to take a statement from you in relation to any drugs offence or if you receive a summons or are charged in relation to a drugs charges, you should immediately seek advice from one of our criminal defence solicitors. Penalties for drugs offences include a fine and prison sentence as well as the consequent affects of a criminal record, difficulty in travelling or obtaining visas and reputational and career damage.
The Misuse of Drugs Acts set out a number of different offences including:
Possession of controlled drugs - cannabis or cannabis resin
Under the Misuse of Drugs Acts anyone found in possession of cannabis or cannabis resin or any other controled drug is guilty of an offence. The penalty imposed by a court depends on what type of drug it is, whether it is a first offence and whether the case is dealt with in the District Court or on indictment in the Circuit Court. Penalties include a fine and/ or prison sentence.
Growing cannabis plants or opium poppies
It is also an offence to grow cannabis plants or opium poppies and your case may be dealt with in the District or Circuit Court.
Possession of controlled drugs for sale or supply
Under the legislation, it is an offence to be in possession of a controlled drug with the intention of selling it illegally. Anyone found guilty of this offence is liable to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Where the market value of the drugs is €13,000 or more, the person convicted is liable for a minimum sentence of 10 years. This does not apply, however, where the court is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances. Similar penalties apply to somone convicted of importing drugs with a value of €13,000 or more.
Possession of drugs at music festivals (Electric Picnic, Longitude, Forbidden Fruit, Body & Soul, Castlepalooza, Indiependence)
We act throughout the country for individuals summonsed to appear in court having been found in possession of drugs at a music festival. For many of these clients, a criminal conviction may end a prospective career or the ability to travel and work abroad.
Michael J. Staines Company Solicitors have a proven track record in advising and defending clients accused of drugs offences.
It is imperative that you contact us and seek advice without delay from one of expert drugs solicitors.
Cases involving Michael J Staines & Company (*click on each title for link):
* Soldier said he got cannabis to ease pain of dying wife - Irish Times, 15 July 2014
* Man sentenced for possessing €1.7 million worth of drugs - The Journal, 5 March 2017