Drug Supply Sentencing Guidelines Explained
Defendants and families often ask what sentence a supply allegation could carry. A useful answer needs the actual charge, evidence and individual circumstances. Peter Bonner & Co advises on plea, disputed facts and sentencing preparation. Call 020 8297 1727 or contact us.
Harm and role
For adult supply and possession-with-intent cases, the court assesses harm and culpability. Drug quantity is relevant, but direct supply to users has particular guideline rules. Role is assessed as leading, significant or lesser, weighing the whole picture. Control, knowledge, expected gain and pressure or exploitation can affect that assessment.
A starting point is not the final sentence
The applicable category gives a starting point and range. The court considers aggravating and mitigating factors, statutory provisions and the effect of any guilty plea. Where several offences are involved, the overall sentence must be assessed as well. Children require a separate approach; adult tables should not simply be applied to a child.
Guilty pleas and disputed facts
The stage at which a guilty plea is indicated affects the reduction available. The usual maximum at the first stage is one-third, subject to the guideline’s exceptions; later pleas normally attract less. No one should plead guilty to something they did not do simply to obtain a reduction.
If you accept an offence but dispute significant allegations about your role or conduct, obtain advice before agreeing a basis of plea. A factual dispute may need to be resolved by the court. We explain the evidence and the consequences of the available options.
Prepare the individual case
Tell us about health, caring responsibilities, work, treatment, age and maturity, coercion and steps taken since the offence. We identify relevant supporting material and help prepare accurate mitigation. Useful advice explains both the realistic risks and the matters that can properly be advanced; it does not promise a sentence.
Frequently asked questions
Does the drug’s class tell me the sentence?
No. The charge, scale, role and individual circumstances all require consideration.
Can a lesser role be argued?
Where supported by evidence, we can challenge the role alleged. The court decides on the facts; a role label should not simply be accepted without examining it.
Can confiscation follow?
Yes. POCA confiscation is a separate financial issue that may follow conviction.
What if the case involves exploitation?
Tell us early. Read our county-lines defence guidance and, for a child, our youth page.