This is a case study on drug trafficking in Sunshine resulting in a sentence of a Community Correction Order.
What is alleged to have occurred?
Our client was facing two charges of trafficking drugs of dependence, one charge of supplying schedule 4 poisons and various charges relating to using and possessing identification information belonging to others. The client also had over $10,000 cash found in their possession which was alleged to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
The evidence pointed to what can only be described as a sophisticated operation from our client’s garage, with various illicit substances including steroids and testosterone sold and distributed.
What happened at court?
Our lawyer provided legal representation at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court.
We engaged with negotiations with the prosecution at court to resolve the matter on appropriate charges and ensure a fair summary of facts. Our client then provided instructions to enter pleas of guilty to the charges.
Due to the planning and coordination involved in the operation over many years, demonstrating its sophistication, and the fact that this drug trafficking was occurring out of a family home, there was a very high risk that our client was facing a term of imprisonment.
As a parent, this would have meant the separation from the client’s partner and two young children. Our client also ran two local businesses in the hospitality industry, the operation of both likely being in jeopardy were the client to be imprisoned.
Our client was assessed by a forensic psychologist about pre-existing mental health and medical issues dating back to the client’s childhood. This enabled robust submissions to be made on the client’s behalf at the plea hearing as to why the client should remain in the community.
What was the result of the charges related to drug trafficking in Sunshine?
Ultimately, the Magistrate sentenced our client to an 18-month Community Correction Order.
Importantly, half of the hours our client was required to complete in community work were able to be completed through treatment and rehabilitation for various mental health, medical and drug related issues which underlie the offending.
Our client was able to walk away from Court and return to their family and businesses.
Lachie Davine
Lachie is experienced in a broad range of criminal matters including serious indictable crimes. He has extensive exposure to the County Court’s specialist lists including Koori Court, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Court, and bail services including the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP).Lachie strongly believes that rehabilitative interventions as part of criminal proceedings should be holistic in nature.
View Lachie Davine's profile.
DISCLAIMER: This is a real case study of an actual case from our files. Details pertaining to the client have been changed to protect their privacy. The sentence imposed and the charge have not been altered. These case studies are published to demonstrate real outcomes and give an indication of possible tariffs in Court. We do not guarantee a similar case on these charges will get the same result. Please note that we post results at our discretion, therefore while many case studies are average results, others are notable for their exceptional outcomes. PUBLISHED 24/04/2025
