Cultivation of Narcotic Plants -  Commercial Quantity

A charge of cultivation of narcotic plants - large commercial quality contains the following elements to be proven to be successful:

1. The accused cultivated a plant of a specified type;

2. The plant was a narcotic plant as defined under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic);

3. The quantity cultivated exceeded the large commercial quantity threshold; and

4. The accused knew or ought to have known the plant was a narcotic plant.

Large commercial quantity cultivation charges are heard in the County Court and are treated as serious indictable offences.

Once the case goes to court, it is up to the prosecution to prove all elements of the offence. It is important that you seek expert legal advice in building a defence as the circumstances of the events that led to the charge can assist in a strong defence argument

Sentencing for large commercial quantity cultivation is severe, with courts imposing substantial prison sentences. Factors considered include the scale of operation, sophistication, evidence of supply, and any involvement in organised crime.

To ensure the best chance of a successful defence, it is important to get in contact with an expert criminal lawyer as soon as possible. At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we have experienced criminal defence lawyers who can assist you in defending this charge.