At TV Edwards, our team of solicitors are experts in defending all types of drug-related offences.
We understand that even a minor allegation can have serious consequences on your career, family, and future. If you are being investigated for drug possession, supply, importation or production, our team can help you.
With over 50 years of experience, our lawyers can support you from the police station to the courtroom.
Understanding Drug Offences
Drug legislation covers a wide array of offences, from possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use, to county lines conspiracies and importation operations. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Drug Offences Matter
Drug offences are treated seriously under UK law, and it’s important to get legal advice if you’re arrested or being investigated.
Even a caution for carrying drugs for personal use could affect your ability to travel, apply for jobs, or maintain your professional reputation. Dealing, making, or trafficking drugs can all lead to long prison sentences.
An arrest or conviction for drugs can significantly alter your life, but early intervention by a lawyer could help prevent this.
Types of Drug Offences
Drug offences can be categorised into the following, from minor to more serious:
- Possession of controlled drugs: Being caught with drugs for only your personal use.
- Possession with intent to supply: Having enough drugs to suggest you’re selling or sharing them.
- Being concerned about the supply: Helping someone deal drugs, such as driving them.
- Conspiracy to supply: Being part of an agreement to deal, supply and distribute drugs.
- Importation of controlled drugs: Bringing drugs into the UK from abroad.
- Production of controlled drugs: Growing or making drugs at home or in a laboratory.
The type of drug affects how seriously the offence is treated and the maximum penalty. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 governs most drug-related crimes and classifies substances into three categories:
- Class A – heroin, cocaine, crack, ecstasy/MDMA, LSD, methamphetamine
- Class B – cannabis, ketamine, amphetamines
- Class C – khat, steroids, certain tranquillisers such as benzodiazepines
Penalties for Drug Offences
The penalties for drug offences depend on the severity of the offence and the class of drug involved.
Even accusations of low-level drug offences can have a significant and lasting impact on our clients.
Cautions and convictions for drug possession can lead to travel restrictions and often require individuals to disclose the circumstances to their employer. Receiving a caution or conviction for a drug offence means you will have a a criminal record. We will work with you to address these issues and seek to minimise the impact on your life.
Convictions for more serious drug offences can lead to custodial sentences as well as confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. We have experience in dealing with these cases.
When to Seek Legal Advice
f you are investigated for a drug-related offence, or suspect you will be, contact a solicitor immediately.
We regularly represent individuals subject to police investigation, helping protect their reputation. We engage with investigators early, challenging weak evidence with a view to avoiding prosecution.
Related Criminal Defence Services
Our Approach to Drug Offences
Our team of lawyers, led by Adrienne Wright, Partner and Head of Crime, deliver a client-focused approach to defend you with care and precision. We ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
- Case Assessment: We will review the allegations against you, analyse the evidence and assess any available defences.
- Clear Communication: We will provide regular updates and transparent cost estimates.
- Challenge Procedures: We will challenge any unlawful police conduct.
Our solicitors work with forensic experts, toxicologists, phone experts and experienced barristers. By blending legal expertise with genuine care, we create strategies to protect your freedom and your livelihood.
See our case studies to see what we can do for you.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Immediate emergency support – call us on 020 3440 8000 for round-the-clock advice
- Specialist representation – police station advisors, solicitors, and higher court advocates
- Hardworking problem-solvers – we fearlessly challenge evidence, protecting your interests
- Honest and down-to-earth – we explain your options compassionately, in plain English
Our Accreditations
TV Edwards is recognised in the Times Best Law Firms 2026, with Lexcel and Cyber Essentials accreditations. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and client trust. Our drug offences expertise means your case will be handled with precision, empathy, and integrity.
You can learn more about our Partners and Management Team here.
Contact Our Drug Offence Solicitors Today
Drug Offence Frequently Asked Questions
Do first-time drug offenders go to prison in the UK?
This depends on the seriousness of the drug offence. You may not go to jail in the UK for a low drug offence, such as simple possession. However, you may receive a caution, a fine, or a community order. For more serious offences such as supplying class A drugs, a prison sentence is a more likely outcome. However, even a caution can cause problems for your reputation, which is why it is important to seek advice from a lawyer.
What is the minimum sentence for drug dealing?
The minimum sentence for drug dealing in the UK depends on the type of drug, the amount, and the accused’s circumstances – for example, if they’re a first-time offender or were pressured into dealing. If you were supplying a small amount of a less serious drug, you may get a fine or a community order.
What evidence do police need for drug dealing?
Many types of evidence are used in drug offence cases, including stop and search reports, forensic tests, phone and digital records, CCTV or surveillance evidence, financial records, and witness statements. A criminal defence lawyer can help identify errors and weak evidence, and breaches of your rights.
If I’m arrested for dealing drugs, what should I do?
If you’re arrested for dealing drugs or any other drug offence, it’s important to keep calm and speak to a solicitor as soon as you can. You do not have to answer questions in the police station without a lawyer present. When you get to the police station, you should ask for a solicitor from TV Edwards to represent you. If someone you know has been arrested for a drug offence, call our emergency number on 020 3440 8000 for immediate legal advice.
Will a drug conviction affect my job or travelling?
Yes, a drug conviction can affect your career or where you’re allowed to travel. Convictions can appear on DBS checks, restrict access to certain professions, and prevent entry to countries such as the USA. Our solicitors can advise on disclosure, rehabilitation of offenders, and minimising the long-term impact.
