A member asked almost 9 years ago

Importing Cocaine

Hi. I'm looking to have someone represent me for a trafficking charge for cocaine into Australia from the United States. I have a court date in 2 months in Sydney. Was looking to get an idea of pricing and administration costs for the case. Also where would I get information about the maximum and minimum sentence for this amount of substance ie how what does the law state is the minimum and maximum allowable sentence and fine.

Nicholas Stewart
Partner at Dowson Turco Lawyers

Hi mate, this is very serious and we'd be happy to chat free of charge to give you guidance. Typically, you should consider our advice before entering a plea. We'd need more information about the facts of the case and how you were caught. We'd also need to know more about you and your background.

If this was a guilty plea, we'destimate $7,000.00 + GST for sentencing including reps to police to negotiate the charges, psych report, pre-sentence report, extensive submissions, character reference material and all incidental mitigation work.

If this was adefended hearing youwould be looking at $20K +.

You can checkus out at www.dowsonturco.com.au


Suggested way forward

Speak to a lawyer about your case and get an idea of whether you plead guilty or not. If the earlier, start preparing mitigation material and consider negotiating the charges with police.

Answered over 8 years ago   Legal disclaimer

Brennan Ong Kristy Howell
2 lawyers agree with this answer
Thank
Rhys Ryan
Legal Researcher at LawAdvisor
Drug importation is a serious criminal offence in Australia carrying significant penalties. The penalty for importing a ‘border controlled drug’ such as cocaine is 2 years or $72,000*, or both. If the amount of cocaine imported is greater than 2 kilograms, the maximum penalty increases to life imprisonment and/or $1.35 million*.

In Australia, if a person is found guilty of a crime, the court will impose a sentence that reflects the severity of the offence in all the circumstances of the case. This means that the maximum penalty available will not necessarily be imposed by a court.

When sentencing an offender, the court will consider many factors such as the nature and circumstances of the offence, the impact on the victim, the offender’s remorse and cooperation with police, and the offender’s character and personal circumstances. Any previous offences will also be considered by a court.

Given the seriousness of the penalties attached to drug importation, it is recommended that you speak to a lawyer about your case. By pressing the "Take Action" button - which opens late July - LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services. Costs for legal advice and representation will vary between providers based on experience and the scope of services.

(*Penalty amounts effective from 31 July 2015)

Answered almost 9 years ago   Legal disclaimer

Nicholas Stewart Kristy Howell Mai  Truong
3 lawyers agree with this answer and 1 member found this useful
Thank
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Mai Truong

Hi, I agree with what has been stated on the above posts. This is the kind of work I do. If you still require legal representation, please contact me via email: mailawyers@gmail.com or mobile on 0416 283 182. Thanks.

over 8 years ago

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