What is this and how can we help in your defence?
Have you been interviewed or charged in relation to an offence of this kind? If this is the case you require experienced legal advice and representation as these charges are highly complex and serious. This quality of representation can make the difference between being found not guilty and spending many years in prison.
What does conspiracy to supply mean?
A criminal conspiracy involves two or more people making an agreement or plan to sell, transfer or distribute drugs to other people. It does not require the supply to actually take place or there to be any form of financial gain. It is not uncommon for people to be charged with this offence for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Actions which can constitute a conspiracy do not themselves need to be criminal they can include:
- Discussing drug deals with other people, such as in text messages
- Travelling to collect deliveries of drugs
- Being a middle man for drug transactions
- Allowing a premises to be used for the supply of drugs
How is a conspiracy to supply proved?
These kinds of charges are highly complex and usually rely on a large volume of evidence that is often circumstantial, such as evidence of telephone calls, text messages, CCTV footage or the presence of drug paraphernalia, such as bags, scales or other related items.
Evidence of an extravagant lifestyle, such as possessing designer items, expensive cars and significant amounts of cash without a legitimate clear source of income to explain this can be another example of evidence to support a charge of this nature.
Class of Drugs
Illegal or controlled drugs are sorted into three categories or classes, A, B and C. The Government classifies drugs depending on the harm that they can potentially cause individuals and society as a whole, Class A being the most serious category.
Examples of Class A Drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy / MDMA
- Heroin
- LSD
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
Penalties for this offence
This largely depends on whether the proceedings are held in the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court. It also depends on your role in the conspiracy, this can be a leading role, significant role or lesser role. The court can also seize your assets and further confiscation proceedings may follow, in addition to this your criminal record may make it difficult to find future employment.
Magistrates Court
The maximum sentence in the Magistrates Court can include either a fine of up to a total of £5,000, up to 6 months in prison or both.
Crown Court
In the Crown Court the sentencing for conspiracy to supply class A drugs can be an unlimited fine and can include a prison sentence of up to life imprisonment, you can receive either one or both of these punishments.
Previous cases where we have successfully defended
Our solicitors have an excellent track record of success in defending clients in drug related cases, and our team have a deep understanding of the legal framework surrounding drug offences.
In 2024 in the case of R v H and Others we successfully represented one of seven co-Defendants in relation to a charge of Conspiracy to Supply Class B drugs at Northampton Crown Court. There was a wealth of evidence including some extremely challenging recorded telephone calls in which drugs were discussed at length. Through meticulous preparation our client was found not guilty following an arduous month long trial.
In 2023 in R v R and Others we represented two of four co-Defendants in relation to a charge of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs at Cambridge Crown Court. There was a large amount of mobile phone data implicating one of the Defendants, they therefore entered a guilty plea early on in proceedings although on a basis which limited involvement. The evidence against the other Defendant was much more circumstantial such as possession of scales and clear plastic bags, therefore they continued to trial where they were found not guilty.
In 2023 in R v F and Others we represented one of three co-Defendants in relation to a charge of being Concerned in the Supply of Class A drugs at Northampton Crown Court. There was a large amount of phone data, including text messages and call data detailing our client’s very limited involvement in this enterprise. As such we advised the defendant to offer an early guilty plea on a basis which limited his involvement. Our client was able to provide several personal references which displayed his vulnerability at the time of his involvement. Our team secured him an incredible suspended sentence allowing him to go back to his family.
How to fund your defence
Police Station Representation
If you are arrested by police, customs or the National Crime Agency you are entitled to free legal advice at a police station or other place of detention, this is also the case if you voluntarily attend an interview under caution. This legal advice is available to everyone and is not means tested, you are able to choose your own representation or use the duty solicitor.
Legal Aid for Court Proceedings
If you have been charged and are due to attend court then you can apply for legal aid, to qualify in the Magistrates court you will need to pass a means test to show that you cannot afford your own defence and a merit test to prove that you require a legal defence in the interests of justice.
If you are due in the Crown Court then a means test will be used to determine how much you will need to contribute to the cost of your defence. If you are found not guilty then any payments you make will be refunded with interest.
Private Funding
If you wish to fund your representation privately or are not eligible for legal aid, we are able to offer this at an agreed fee. Our private fees can be discussed with you and will be the subject of VAT at the prevailing rate.
Transferring your case to Hunt & Coombs Solicitors
If you are currently being represented by another firm and have not yet been charged then it is simple for us to take over and represent you.
If you have already been granted legal aid, you will usually only be able to transfer to us under exceptional circumstances, such as:
- If your current solicitor has to withdraw from the case for professional reasons
- Your relationship with your existing legal team can be shown to have completely broken down
- If there is another “substantial compelling” reason
How can we help
At Hunt & Coombs Solicitors our crime team are extremely experienced in dealing with drug matters and can provide assistance at any stage of your case.
For further information or to discuss your situation please contact the crime team, call 01733 882800, email [email protected] or contact us via our website.
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