Areas of Expertise
Drug Offences
Immediate, strategic representation from the outset. Drug cases range from simple possession matters to large-scale conspiracy prosecutions lasting many months — we act across that full spectrum.
Why timing decides outcome
The Prosecution Interpretation Is Not Fixed
Drug prosecutions are rarely limited to the recovery of controlled substances. They are built on a wider evidential picture — mobile phone data, financial analysis, cell site evidence and surveillance — presented as a coherent narrative.
Phone data can be interpreted in different ways. Cell site evidence places a device at a location, not a person. Financial analysis linking cash to alleged supply often depends on assumptions that do not withstand detailed scrutiny.
We begin testing those assumptions from the outset — not shortly before trial.
Our services
Our Drug Offences Services
We act across all categories of drug offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
- Possession of controlled drugs (Class A, B and C)
- Supply and production of controlled drugs
- Conspiracy to supply in multi-handed prosecutions
- Challenges to stop and search and admissibility of evidence
- Cell site, surveillance and covert recording evidence challenges
- Sentencing under Sentencing Council guidelines and appeals
- Possession with intent to supply
- Importation and border-seizure cases, including courier allegations
- County lines drug supply, including alleged exploitation cases
- Analysis of encrypted messaging and device extraction data
- Confiscation and asset recovery linked to alleged supply
Why Chess Law
Why Chess Law Solicitors for Drug Offence Defence
Conspiracy and county lines — structured early
Technical evidence challenged in detail
Lawfulness of stop and search examined
Same standard, every scale of case
Continuity through to appeal
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between possession and possession with intent to supply?
Possession involves holding a controlled drug for personal use. Possession with intent to supply involves holding drugs with the intention of providing them to others. The prosecution does not need to prove an actual supply took place — it relies on evidence such as quantity, packaging, cash and communications.
What is a county lines case?
County lines refers to drug supply networks operating from urban centres into other areas, often using a dedicated phone line. These cases frequently involve allegations of exploitation and multiple defendants.
Can I be convicted if drugs were found near me?
No. The prosecution must prove possession, which requires knowledge of the drugs and control over them. Proximity alone is not enough.
What happens if drugs were found during a stop and search?
The lawfulness of the search is a critical issue. Officers must have reasonable grounds for suspicion. If those grounds did not exist, the evidence may be challenged.
How serious are drug supply charges?
Drug supply offences carry significant custodial sentences. The sentence depends on the class of drug, the role alleged, the quantity involved and other factors.
Can I be charged if I held drugs for someone else?
Yes. Holding drugs on behalf of another can amount to possession with intent to supply. The prosecution must prove knowledge and intention.
What are the different classes of controlled drug?
Controlled drugs are classified as Class A, B or C based on the harm they are considered to cause. The classification affects the seriousness of the offence and potential sentence.
What if I was forced to carry drugs?
Duress may apply where you were threatened with serious harm and had no reasonable opportunity to avoid the situation. The threshold is high and depends on the evidence.
Speak to us now.
If you have been arrested, are under investigation, or have been charged with a drug offence, contact Chess Law Solicitors immediately. Early advice can significantly affect the outcome.
