Being charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (such as cocaine or heroin) or Class B drugs (such as cannabis) is one of the most serious drug offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Many people search for answers on what these offences mean, what the likely sentence is and whether it’s possible to avoid prison.
In most cases, the outcome depends on the strength of the evidence, the defendant’s role and the quality of legal representation.
At Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, we regularly represent clients across the Midlands and nationwide facing drug supply charges – including possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis and drug conspiracy allegations.
If you need urgent legal advice or have been arrested for a drug offence, call 01162 555155 now for immediate help from our drug offence solicitors in Leicester.
The Case
Our client was stopped in his vehicle in Loughborough, Leicestershire, and was seen to discard a bag containing drugs. On arrest, he was found with mobile phones and cash, leading to charges of:
- Possession with intent to supply Class A – cocaine
- Possession with intent to supply Class B – cannabis
He was arrested in March 2023, and we acted for him from the outset. He remained on unconditional bail throughout the case while the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) continued their investigation.
Our Defence and Mitigation
When the case was finally brought to Court, we drafted detailed written mitigation and advanced this at sentence. One of the main issues we raised was the unreasonable delay in the prosecution.
Although the alleged offences dated back to March 2023, our client was not served a postal requisition until June 2025 – more than two years later. We highlighted that the Drugs Expert Witness report relied on by the prosecution had been completed in July 2024, yet the CPS took almost a year to bring formal charges.
This delay was significant and unfair. During that period, our client had remained out of trouble, had found employment and had made real efforts to turn his life around. We provided documentary evidence of his progress, good character references and proof that he was now a responsible father to a young child.
We also agreed early on that our client’s involvement was a lesser role within the Sentencing Council Drug Offences Guidelines, meaning his culpability and responsibility were lower than that of a street dealer or organiser.
The Result – Suspended Sentence
The starting point for sentence was three years’ immediate imprisonment. However, after the Judge (His Honour Judge Spencer KC) hearing our submissions and considering the mitigation, the Court imposed a stand-alone two-year custodial sentence suspended for two years.
This was an excellent result. It meant our client:
- Avoided going to prison
- Did not have to undertake unpaid work or probation supervision
- Retained his liberty
- Could continue working and caring for his young child
Our client was overwhelmed and relieved by the outcome, expressing his gratitude for the preparation and dedication shown by the team at Sahota & Sahota Solicitors.
Why Choose Sahota & Sahota Solicitors for Drug Offence Cases
Drug supply cases are complex, and the difference between a prison sentence and a suspended sentence can often depend on how your case is presented. At Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, our criminal defence lawyers have extensive experience representing clients accused of:
- Possession with intent to supply Class A or Class B drugs
- Drug conspiracy and county lines offences
- Production or cultivation of cannabis
- Importation and supply investigations
- EncroChat and digital evidence cases
We analyse every aspect of the prosecution evidence – including expert reports, phone downloads, and financial material – and prepare powerful mitigation to achieve the best possible result.
We also often seek guidance from drugs expert where necessary.
If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a drug offence, get in touch with our expert criminal defence team today.
Call or WhatsApp us on 01162555155
Visit us at: Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, 25 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 6TE
