Summary
Our client was arrested as part of an undercover police operation where he was found supplying Class A drugs to an undercover police officer. For offences concerning the supply of drugs, typically out-of-court-disposals (OOCDs) are not an option and individuals will face prosecution at court. However, thanks to our team’s intervention at the police station, our client was offered a conditional caution, avoiding court and a conviction entirely.
Details of the Case
Hertfordshire Police had launched an undercover operation to infiltrate drug dealing operations by targeting known drug users and asking where they had been supplied from. As a result, our client unknowingly met with undercover officers and supplied heroin and cocaine to them directly. This was captured on video and our client was later identified via the recording from previous custody images.
Trainee Solicitor Lauren Gilbert represented our client during his police station interview, where our client explained that his involvement in supplying drugs was extremely limited and had been the result of financial pressures. He asserted that he had only supplied a small amount before stopping his involvement in the situation entirely.
Our Defence
Offences relating to the supply of Class A drugs are understandably viewed seriously under UK law. Even for individuals with minor roles in supply operations, such as our client, there is risk of facing up to four years in prison.
Due to our client’s personal circumstances and his limited involvement, Lauren discussed with the officers whether alternative outcomes to prosecution could be made available to our client. Following this, the police agreed that they would be willing to offer our client a conditional caution if he made admissions to the offence and engaged in out of court rehabilitation, rather than taking the matter to court.
A conditional caution is an alternative to prosecution where the individual is required to adhere to certain conditions, such as attending rehabilitation programmes. Although this is not a conviction, a conditional caution will still be recorded on the Police National Computer. As part of the conditional caution, our client is required to attend a drug awareness course, after which the matter will be concluded.
Considering the severity of the offence, for which OOCDs are rarely issued, the fact that our client avoided prosecution entirely is an excellent outcome. Our client was extremely pleased and grateful to Lauren for her assistance. Had it not been for Lauren’s involvement and intervention with the police, our client likely would have been taken to court and may have faced a significant prison sentence. In this case he avoided prison and was offered support to help him to continue to turn his life around.
How can Lawtons help you?
With over 200 years collective experience, we are well equipped to deal with all manner of criminal cases and are accustomed with the intricacies of the criminal justice system. We understand how distressing criminal allegations can be so we will do all we can to secure you the best outcome and minimise any disruption on your future.
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