Drug Offences Lawyer Norwest, Castle Hill & Parramatta NSW

Charged with a drug offence in Norwest, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, or the Hills District? Drug charges can have serious consequences including imprisonment, criminal records, and loss of employment — but with expert legal representation, many first-time offenders can achieve Section 10 dismissals with no conviction recorded.

At Barsha Defence Lawyers in Norwest, we have a proven track record defending all types of drug offences across Castle Hill, Parramatta, Blacktown, and Western Sydney courts. Whether you're facing drug possession, drug supply, deemed supply, cultivation, or trafficking charges, our experienced criminal defence team appears daily in Castle Hill Local Court and Parramatta Local Court and knows how to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Expert Defence for All Drug Offences in NSW

We defend clients charged with all categories of drug offences under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW). Our areas of expertise include:

Why Choose Barsha Defence Lawyers for Drug Charges in Norwest & Castle Hill?

When facing drug charges, choosing an experienced Norwest-based criminal lawyer who knows the local Castle Hill and Parramatta courts can make all the difference:

• Norwest Office with FREE Parking: Convenient location in Norwest Business Park for Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, and Kellyville clients
• Appear Daily in Castle Hill & Parramatta Courts: We know the local magistrates, prosecutors, and their approach to drug matters
• Section 10 Specialists: Proven track record achieving no-conviction outcomes for first-time drug offenders
• 93% Clients Avoid Conviction: Expert negotiation and strong sentencing submissions
• 15+ Years Drug Law Experience: Defended hundreds of drug possession, supply, and cultivation cases
• Available 24/7 for Bail: Urgent drug charge bail applications handled immediately
• Fixed Transparent Fees: Know your costs upfront
• Free Initial Consultation: Case assessment with no obligation

Common Drug Offences We Defend in Castle Hill & Parramatta

Drug Possession (Section 10 of Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act)

Possessing any prohibited drug for personal use — including cannabis, cocaine, MDMA/ecstasy, methamphetamine (ice), heroin, or prescription drugs without prescription. Maximum penalty: 2 years imprisonment and/or $2,200 fine. Section 10 dismissals commonly achieved for first offenders.

Drug Supply (Section 25 of Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act)

Supplying, selling, or giving drugs to another person, or possessing drugs with intent to supply. Maximum penalties range from 15 years (small quantity) to life imprisonment (commercial quantity). Deemed supply applies when you possess more than the "trafficable quantity".

Deemed Supply / Trafficable Quantities

If you possess more than the trafficable quantity, the law presumes you intended to supply. For cannabis: 300g (or 30g for hydroponic). For cocaine: 3g. For MDMA: 0.75g. For methamphetamine: 3g. This creates a legal presumption of supply that requires strong defence.

Drug Cultivation (Section 23 of Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act)

Cultivating, growing, or manufacturing prohibited plants — typically cannabis. Penalties depend on number of plants: Small quantity (5-50 plants), Indictable quantity (50-250 plants), Commercial quantity (250+ plants). Maximum penalties range from 10 years to life imprisonment.

Supply Prohibited Drug on Ongoing Basis (Section 25A)

Supplying prohibited drugs on three or more separate occasions within 30 days. Serious indictable offence with maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. Requires proof of ongoing supply operation.

Participate in Criminal Group (Section 93T Crimes Act)

Participating in activities of organized criminal group involved in drug supply. Maximum penalty: 5 years imprisonment. Often charged alongside drug supply offences.

Import Commercial Quantity of Drugs (Commonwealth Offence)

Importing drugs across Australian border. Prosecuted under Commonwealth law with maximum penalty of life imprisonment for commercial quantities.

Penalties for Drug Offences in NSW

Defences to Drug Charges in NSW

There are several legitimate defences to drug charges that an experienced Castle Hill or Parramatta drug lawyer can raise:

Lack of Knowledge

You were not aware the drugs were in your possession — for example, someone else left drugs in your car or home without your knowledge. Prosecution must prove you knew the drugs were there.

Lack of Custody or Control

The drugs were not in your custody or under your control. For instance, drugs found in a shared house where multiple people have access.

Duress

You were threatened or coerced into possessing or supplying drugs. Requires proof of serious threat and lack of reasonable alternative.

Honest and Reasonable Mistake

You genuinely believed the substance was not a prohibited drug — for example, you reasonably believed it was a legal substance.

Deemed Supply - Personal Use Defence

For deemed supply charges (possessing trafficable quantity), you can prove the drugs were solely for personal use, not supply. Requires expert legal submissions and often expert evidence.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

Police conducted illegal search without warrant or proper grounds. Evidence obtained through unlawful search may be excluded from court.

Contamination or Identification Issues

Police cannot prove the substance is actually a prohibited drug, or evidence was contaminated. Requires forensic analysis and expert evidence.

Section 10 Dismissals for Drug Possession in Castle Hill & Parramatta

For first-time drug possession offenders with good character, a Section 10 dismissal is often achievable at Castle Hill Local Court or Parramatta Local Court. This means:

• No Conviction Recorded: Your criminal record stays clean
• No Fine: Court may impose good behaviour bond without fine
• No Jail Time: Dismissal without penalty
• Employment Protected: No criminal record for background checks
• Travel Unaffected: No visa issues from drug conviction

To maximize chances of Section 10 for drug possession, you need:

• Experienced Norwest or Castle Hill drug lawyer who knows local magistrates
• Strong character references (3-5 letters from employers, family, community)
• Evidence of rehabilitation (counselling, drug treatment, lifestyle changes)
• Early guilty plea and genuine remorse
• Demonstration that conviction would cause exceptional hardship
• Comprehensive written submissions addressing Section 10 factors

Drug Diversion Programs in NSW

For minor drug offences, you may be eligible for diversion programs instead of court:

Cannabis Caution

For small amount of cannabis (under 15g), police may issue a caution instead of charging you. Available twice in lifetime. No court, no conviction, no criminal record.

Court Assessment and Referral for Drug Diversion (CARD)

For summary drug offences at Castle Hill or Parramatta Local Court, magistrate may refer you to drug assessment and treatment. If you complete program, charges may be dismissed under Section 10.

Court Process for Drug Charges in Castle Hill & Parramatta

The typical court process for drug offences at Castle Hill Local Court or Parramatta Local Court is:

1. Arrest or Court Attendance Notice: Police charge you and give you court date
2. First Mention (Arraignment): You (or your Norwest lawyer) appears in court and receives police brief of evidence
3. Brief Review: Your lawyer reviews police evidence including forensic certificates, search warrants, body camera footage
4. Negotiations: Your lawyer negotiates with Castle Hill or Parramatta police prosecutor for withdrawal, downgrade, or favorable facts
5. Plea Decision: Decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty based on evidence strength
6. Sentencing (Guilty Plea): Lawyer presents character references, medical reports, rehabilitation evidence, Section 10 submissions
7. Defended Hearing (Not Guilty): Lawyer cross-examines police, challenges forensic evidence, presents defence case
8. Outcome: Magistrate delivers verdict and sentence

Most drug possession matters resolve within 3-6 months. Drug supply matters (especially indictable) may take 6-12 months or longer.

How a Norwest Drug Lawyer Can Help You

An experienced drug offence lawyer from Barsha Defence Lawyers in Norwest will:

• Review all police evidence for procedural errors, unlawful searches, and weak points
• Challenge forensic certificates and drug analysis if contamination or identification issues
• Obtain expert toxicology and pharmacology reports where needed
• Negotiate with Castle Hill and Parramatta police prosecutors for withdrawal or downgrade
• Prepare comprehensive Section 10 submissions with character references and rehabilitation evidence
• Run defended hearings and cross-examine police officers on search legality
• Apply for drug diversion programs (CARD) where eligible
• Arrange drug assessment and treatment to strengthen sentencing case
• Appear in Castle Hill Local Court, Parramatta Local Court, Parramatta District Court, and all NSW courts
• Provide realistic advice on likely outcomes and best strategy

Drug Offences and Employment

A drug conviction can seriously impact your employment, especially if you work in:

• Healthcare (nurses, doctors, aged care workers)
• Education (teachers, childcare workers)
• Government roles requiring security clearance
• Transport (truck drivers, taxi drivers, pilots)
• Law enforcement or corrections
• Any role requiring Working With Children Check or police check

This is why achieving a Section 10 dismissal (no conviction) is so important — it protects your livelihood and career.

Why Drug Charges Require Immediate Legal Advice

If you've been charged with a drug offence, early legal advice from a Norwest or Castle Hill drug lawyer is crucial because:

• Bail Applications: Drug supply charges often refused bail by police — we can apply for court bail immediately
• Police Interviews: Never participate in recorded police interview without lawyer present
• Avoid Admissions: Police often obtain admissions that damage your case — we prevent this
• Early Withdrawal: Strong legal submissions early can result in charges withdrawn before court
• Preserve Evidence: CCTV footage, phone records, and witness memories deteriorate quickly
• Section 10 Preparation: Character references, drug counselling, and rehabilitation take time to organize