Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Commercial Quantity
Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants is a criminal offence found in section 72A of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981. A person will be accused of Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants if the police suspect they cultivated or attempted to cultivate narcotic plants in a commercial quantity.
Have you been accused of Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants? This is a serious allegation which typically results in a term of imprisonment. You must speak with one of our lawyers if you have been accused of Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants.
Police Interview
You will be invited for an interview or arrested for the purpose of an interview if the Police believe you Cultivated a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants. The Police Interview is part of their investigation. You may be asked to attend an interview at a scheduled, or you may be arrested for the purpose of an interview. It is important that you understand your rights before the interview. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before the interview, even if you are calling from the station.Pleading Not Guilty
If you are charged with Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants, it is important to immediately engage one of our expert lawyers to defend you in court. One of our lawyers will:- carefully review the police brief of evidence,
- make a list of issues,
- take your instructions,
- request disclosure material, and
- prepare a tailored defence for you depending on your instructions.
Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to Cultivating a Commercial Quantity of Narcotic Plants, one of our lawyers can advise you of all of the possible consequences so you are properly informed. The plea hearing will most likely be the most significant court appearance of your life. You want a lawyer who is going to prepare a plea strategy for you to reduce the penalty you ultimately receive.Our lawyers have decades of experience appearing in Court and know the types of submissions which work to mitigate the penalty.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the higher courts
- A man grows 10 large marijuana plants in his basement
- A group of people set up a production plant in a factory and make ice
- A woman grows opium poppy flowers in her garden
- A scientist develops a genetically engineered yeast to make morphine for his friends
- The quantity of the drug cultivated was not a commercial quantity
Questions in cases like this
- What is the commercial quantity for the drug you are being charged with cultivating?
- Can they prove you were linked to the cultivation?
Maximum penalty and court that deals with this charge
The maximum penalty for Cultivation of Narcotic Plants – Commercial Quantity (s72A of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981) is level 2 imprisonment (25 years).
It is a very serious offence that will normally result in imprisonment being imposed by the County Court.
