*UK* My house was just raided...

[CheeseBlazer]

They found 2 ounces, 3 8ths, 2 immature plants,scales and texts on my phone. My 1st offence, any idea what will happen to me?

[DOUGAL25]

No idea.

Why did they raid you in the first place?

[flyingimam]

donno UK laws

but if u had them packed in baggies, precisely weighed for sale (Gr, 8th, etc) and had scales, they will probably charge u with something like distribution or intent to deliver, something along those lines... at least thats what would probably happen to u if u were in US

hope u get thru this without much of problem tho, sorry to hear another stoner busted

[Reefer Rogue]

You'll get possession with intent to distribute, you'll probably get jail time, but English jails are kinda kushy, tv's radios, pool tables, in some, no need to join a racist gang. That sucks man, dunno what else to say, hope you get off lightly but they hate drug dealers.

[stoned88911]

Man weed isnt a DRUG. Thats so f@$%ed up

[Greenthing]

Possession with intent to supply, they have to prove that you intended to supply and having scales is that proof.

[flyingimam]

Possession with intent to supply, they have to prove that you intended to supply and having scales is that proof.

not necessarily, it also depends on amount of weed and other material like baggies.

here in the states I know of a former friend who was a dealer, got caught with like 10 grs of his remaining oz for sale, along with only 1 scale and no baggies

his defense proved to work against the delivery/distribute/supply charge:

"I need the scale to prevent dealers from ripping me off as a mere smoker, its a false assumption that I used it to sell marijuana" but he was lucky it was the last of his stash and he didnt have any baggies on him, so he only got charged with a possession, plus he had a tough lawyer who didnt even let him serve the time he would have served had he chosen any other lawyers

however, in this case we are talking about weed in excess of 2 oz which totally exceeds personal consumption amounts by any means in the eyes of law

[Greenthing]

not necessarily, it also depends on amount of weed and other material like baggies.

here in the states I know of a former friend who was a dealer, got caught with like 10 grs of his remaining oz for sale, along with only 1 scale and no baggies

his defense proved to work against the delivery/distribute/supply charge:

"I need the scale to prevent dealers from ripping me off as a mere smoker, its a false assumption that I used it to sell marijuana" but he was lucky it was the last of his stash and he didnt have any baggies on him, so he only got charged with a possession, plus he had a tough lawyer who didnt even let him serve the time he would have served had he chosen any other lawyers

however, in this case we are talking about weed in excess of 2 oz which totally exceeds personal consumption amounts by any means in the eyes of law
Hi flyingimam, It can depend on where you live in England the more rural the area the harsher the police will deal with you.
Just having scales can be enough to convict you.
There are many excuses for possessing scales but the courts have heard them all, if they want to make an example of someone to deter the use of drugs they will, no doubt about it.
Two Oz is quite a lot to plead personal use, but some do get a lenient sentence the case can go either way.

[imagoober]

That really sucks, get the best laywer you can afford. GOOD LUCK!

[flyingimam]

Hi flyingimam, It can depend on where you live in England the more rural the area the harsher the police will deal with you.
Just having scales can be enough to convict you.
There are many excuses for possessing scales but the courts have heard them all, if they want to make an example of someone to deter the use of drugs they will, no doubt about it.
Two Oz is quite a lot to plead personal use, but some do get a lenient sentence the case can go either way.

i was just pointing it out, police will always put as much weight as they can when charging people everywhere in the world, im sure not familiar with UK, but I'm quite certain a good lawyer will not let his client to be made an example of for others, no matter the locality. Courts are courts and operate by certain rules and a good lawyer can always take advantage of those rules, however as i said im no expert on UK laws at all and as u mentioned this is not by any means an amount thats considered personal

it mostly comes down to defense team/lawyer, that was my main point along with a real life example

courts hear many repeated things, it just matters how the defense presents the argument, weak defense and it will not fly, strong defense with a good backup and argument and it may do the job.
nowhere in the modern world police are the ones to convict citizens to the best of my knowledge, they can at best make a case and charge someone

[CheeseBlazer]

The worst thing is, ive just been accepted at a new job, in AMSTERDAM!! Well Apeldoorn to be exsact. Hopefully I can use the fresh start new career excuse an get let off with a hefty fine. A lot of people have told me I won't go to prison but a few people say maybe.

[SketchyTom]

i dowt u wud get jail time .. i no a geezer that got cort with half a bar and only got 200 quid fine and 48 hours community service

[Greenthing]

The worst thing is, ive just been accepted at a new job, in AMSTERDAM!! Well Apeldoorn to be exsact. Hopefully I can use the fresh start new career excuse an get let off with a hefty fine. A lot of people have told me I won't go to prison but a few people say maybe.
Is it your first offence or have you been busted before, if it is your first offence get a lawyer that has a good rep with drug cases and you should be ok, anyway good luck to you.;)

[Greenthing]

=flyingimam;1937255]i was just pointing it out, police will always put as much weight as they can when charging people everywhere in the world, im sure not familiar with UK,
No problems flyingimam, it is up to the police to press charges in the uk.

nowhere in the modern world police are the ones to convict citizens to the best of my knowledge, they can at best make a case and charge someone
That is correct, what i should have said in my previous post was the police press charges but the Crown prosecutor decides if they have a case before it goes to court.
Sorry for any confusion.
Depending on how severe the case is it can be heard in a Magistrate court or the Crown court.

[CheeseBlazer]

It's my 1st drug offence. I have a couple of drivin offences, only speedin. It is going to Crown Court.

[tuscani]

why was your home raided in the first place?

[CheeseBlazer]

suspision of supplying a class C drug.

[Algag]

Wow if that happend to me in america i wouldn't have the opputrunity to go on the internet and ask for advice lol

[flyingimam]

Wow if that happend to me in america i wouldn't have the opputrunity to go on the internet and ask for advice lol

:S2: tru

[Greenthing]

It's my 1st drug offence. I have a couple of drivin offences, only speedin. It is going to Crown Court.

Driving offences are petty they wont even come into it, as its your first offence I reckon you will be ok if you have a good lawyer.:thumbsup:

[mattmao]

get yourself a lawyer and try to get the intent to supply droped,thats the one that they really want.with simple possetion you will be alright.try saying you had just bought all that for yourself,the reason you have scales is to check your not being ripped off.most of all be carefull what you say to the pigs.!!!

[mattmao]

i have been caught with 2 keys and got away with personal use all depends on how you play it.

[CheeseBlazer]

Well we've been to court once already, we're tryin to say I just sell to 4 or 5 close friends, I said we all blaze and thought it made sense to chip in together to get it cheaper, i was just the guy to go get it. Then a few more freinds started getting involved. Im sayin I only ever had little more than 2 oz on me at a time as it was intentionally for personal use me and my freinds, and that cos im an easy going person other people started to call and always ask for it, i never dealt them it, they just thought id be a better option than an arsehole drug dealer and assumed id sell on to them.

[CheeseBlazer]

Im not trying to say i'm a G' but I also No Commented the whole police interview aswell.

[dlovejah]

Well I cant say, because I live in the U.S . I just wanted to wish you luck, You seem like a nice guy and intelligent. I hope they will treat you fairly and off to the Netherlands you will go, to start your new job..:thumbsup: Good luck Cheese Blazer, POSITIVE ITATIONS d:rastasmoke:

[CheeseBlazer]

Thanks man.
I bet in the US i'd be looking at prison. Fuck a US prison!
Im only moving cos of our shit weed and the shit laws.

[flyingimam]

Thanks man.
I bet in the US i'd be looking at prison. Fuck a US prison!
Im only moving cos of our shit weed and the shit laws.

dude, these days being an EU citizen and total easy travel or immigration n work in Netherlands is a true blessing, u guys should appreciate it and cherish it

[dlovejah]

Oh yes In the U.S you would be locked up brother. And we know what happens in U.S prisons..... Ive lived in England, Ireland, and the United States.. Im a world citizen.....d:rastasmoke: travel on...

[psychocat]

Well we've been to court once already, we're tryin to say I just sell to 4 or 5 close friends, I said we all blaze and thought it made sense to chip in together to get it cheaper, i was just the guy to go get it. Then a few more freinds started getting involved. Im sayin I only ever had little more than 2 oz on me at a time as it was intentionally for personal use me and my freinds, and that cos im an easy going person other people started to call and always ask for it, i never dealt them it, they just thought id be a better option than an arsehole drug dealer and assumed id sell on to them.

You stated all this in court ?
I hope not.
Did you elect to go to crown ?
I had 2 oz on me the last time I got caught and got a caution for it , I had it on me when I got arrested for ABH.
Never ever admit "I get for friends" as that constitutes distribution , it's ALWAYS percy.

BTW
Percy is slang for personal for those who don't know.

[CheeseBlazer]

Well anyway, i'm going to see my solicitor in the morning and have Magistrates court Friday. Then Crown Court in maybe 10 weeks. My job starts halfway through November though.

I feel I can get off lighter if I explain to the courts;

1. Ive had to sign in for bail 3 times a week at a police station 9 miles away from home, for 8 weeks, costing around £120 in petrol.

2. Ive lost my girlfriend of a year an a half, due to bail conditions saying I couldnt have any contact with her for 8 weeks, even tho she was released with no charge and not used as a witness. (She was in my room when they raided.)

3. Missed a paid for week abroad in egypt due to bail conditions, I also paid for my girlfriend so in total lost £1100 there.

4. I was told by police by giving them information about suppliers they could help my case, I gave them information, (False info mind you) only to be told they couldnt help me. I still gave them information though didn't I?

5. I have been offered a job in the netherlands as an Operations Support Engineer for a top Satalite Navigation company after years of searching for a job to make use of my college course I passed.


I think if I put this, with my reasons for having the weed mentioned before, I just might get the result im after.

[CheeseBlazer]

Has this thread been closed?

[Greenthing]

Has this thread been closed?
No otherwise you would not have been able to post this.

[CheeseBlazer]

Seen.
So greenthing, after reading what ive said, do u have any sort of idea if ill get away with this and be able to accept the job?

[SketchyTom]

you have my sympathy mate

seems u hav been fucked over by the cops

i would of been pissed of just payin for petrol fees let alone missing a holdiay

bail condisions suck i wasnt ment to see my friend and had to be in at 7 30 pm the annoying thing is the cops never came to check i was in

[Greenthing]

Seen.
So greenthing, after reading what ive said, do u have any sort of idea if ill get away with this and be able to accept the job?
You will not get of totally there has to be some sort of retribution, I think
maybe a probation order, a fine court plus costs, community service.

=CheeseBlazer I said we all blaze and thought it made sense to chip in together to get it cheaper, i was just the guy to go get it. Then a few more freinds started getting involved. Im sayin I only ever had little more than 2 oz on me at a time as it was intentionally for personal use me and my freinds,
IMHO I dont think that was very wise to say because you are supplying in a sense.

[CheeseBlazer]

Even if I say my friends wait at my house while I go get it, then I bring the 2 oz's home, hand em out then we all smoke together?

[SketchyTom]

Even if I say my friends wait at my house while I go get it, then I bring the 2 oz's home, hand em out then we all smoke together?


The Thing Is That Is Technicly Surplyin

Because... You Have The Weed And Your Giving it To Your Friends To Smoke

And I am Sure The Cort Will Look At It Like That

i aint a lawyer so dont go by what i say this is just my thoughts

ALWAYS consult a lawyer when the Cops are involved

[Greenthing]

Even if I say my friends wait at my house while I go get it, then I bring the 2 oz's home, hand em out then we all smoke together?
You are going to get it then you give it to your friends, therefore it stands to reason that you have supplied your friends technically speaking.
Wish you luck and all turns out well for you.

[flyingimam]

yeah dude, u totally gave them what they needed to charge u with supplying.

u should never ever talk to police or courts, without consulting with your lawyer first.

[CheeseBlazer]

I havent said it yet, but my solicitor reckons I cant rely plead not guilty due to the fact they have evidence I to say I have been. I think tho if I make it look as if I wasnt intending on being a drug dealer, and it was just so me an my friends could smoke for cheaper, the courts might be a bit sympathetic.

[SketchyTom]

its a shame u aint my age

us youths get many chances to fuck up

i dont know if the corts give a sympathy vote but i think the best thing you could do is try and find out egzactly what they have on you and then you and your lawyer have a proper talk

BUT if they have PROOF you had intent to surply i would plead guilty because you proberly know if you deniy the shit then they throw the proof in your face you would get more punishment and that is not good

goood luck

[buttyrekka]

unlucky mate but reading back through this youve done everything wrong,tis just a case of damage limitation now
"suspision of supplying a class C drug"=they were watching you,one of your "friends" got pinched and grassed you up..they saw your customers/friends leaving and promptly raided you.
" I bring the 2 oz's home, hand em out then we all smoke together?"=intent to supply.
" 2 immature plants,scales "=intent to distribute
sounds bad but think/talk about pleading guilty to possesion with your barrister.CPS just want a result they dont like crown court and jurys(you never know what them crazy fuckers think)hold your hands up to the supplying your buddys...i dont think youve got much chance of pleading not guilty on possession/supply but the distribution maybe..
scary times mate,but try not to worry to much(last time for me i was shittin bricks for months)whatever will be,will be.talk to your barrister get as many opinions as you can,you'll probably end up with a big fat fine,and some community service.GOOD LUCK BRO

[buttyrekka]

you dont mention money...when you were busted did you have 20k in used notes under your bed?did you have NOTHING?..
if you had NO money when arrested it is VERY important to let your barrister know,dealers have money/stoners do not...if you go to a jury drugs+money=dealer...try the tough stories,tell em about the job(dont mention amsterdam hehe)tell them you WERE a student(all lawyers/barristers were at college/uni)tell them your sorry..you know you did wrong and your excepting responsability...and good luck bro

[CheeseBlazer]

Thanks for the advice mate, they didn't find any money at all.
I dont know if it makes a difference but ive told my solicitor to point out the fact its only bush weed with a street value of £160. Police dont know whats good or whats bad or how much its worth, and it was bullshit weed anyway, hence the plants.

[psychocat]

I havent said it yet, but my solicitor reckons I cant rely plead not guilty due to the fact they have evidence I to say I have been. I think tho if I make it look as if I wasnt intending on being a drug dealer, and it was just so me an my friends could smoke for cheaper, the courts might be a bit sympathetic.

This will not work !
You admit nothing other than possesion for personal use.
The second you say "I got some for Harry" they have you on a supply charge.

First rule of breaking the law is admit nothing .... EVER !
Second rule of law is if you can't do the time then don't do the crime.

BTW
I once spent a little time in French custody for an attempt to bring a couple of kilos into England , a couple of oz is piddling stuff and I really can't see you getting any time (as long as you stick to "it is for my own use") even if they do decide to be arsey I doubt you would get anything above 6 months.

[CheeseBlazer]

Thing is tho mate ive gotta few tx's on my phone of people asking if I can get a henry, so I cant really deny it.
If I say its because of what me and my friends we're doing an people had heard and assumed id be selling it, although i didnt and never gave weed to anyone outside my group of friends who i split with.

[buttyrekka]

( i'm point ing up)couldnt agree more,the police tell you "do not say anything you are under arrest" now if you tell me what you got i'll let you off"..for fuks sake SHUT YOUR MOUTH!.if they search/find your shit SHUT YOUR MOUTH its not your friends/your not looking after it/shut your mouth IT IS YOURS possesion is fuk all..give it/share/sell to your friends you are a supplier...deliver it and you are a distrubeter(?)...
edit sos cheese i didn't mean to rant then just postin for otherfolks...:thumbsup:good luck m8

[CheeseBlazer]

So even tho I am technically supplying, the courts wouldn't look at my statement and see im not intending on being a drug dealer, earning a living by selling weed, but just a stoner who doesn't want to be ripped off and so chips in with close friends to save us all money.
Im not gonna deny supplying, but won't they take the facts into consideration before handing out a sentance?

[psychocat]

Thing is tho mate ive gotta few tx's on my phone of people asking if I can get a henry, so I cant really deny it.
If I say its because of what me and my friends we're doing an people had heard and assumed id be selling it, although i didnt and never gave weed to anyone outside my group of friends who i split with.

Never ever communicate in text , if you do then use a code only you and your mates will understand.

I'm afraid you may have to scratch this one down to "lesson learned".

Good luck :thumbsup:

[zihowie]

I think i read this right and you said you didnt tell them what you were planning.

Dont self-incriminate yourself, thats probably the worst you could do and certainty that you will be found guilty rises dramatically.

You have some good points in your favor, but what I and this community think are/can be completely different than what the judge decides. Point out the low street value, no extensive money count when raided, no previous record and you recently accepted a high level job in which you will need to relocate promptly.

Let us know how it goes. I wish you luck and take something from this if nothing else.

[buttyrekka]

cheese dude you really need to get out of this biz..good luck bro

[CheeseBlazer]

thanks for all the advice you lot.
I have magistrates court on friday, i think this is just for police to show what evidence they have on me, then I think it gets adjourned for a crown court hearing in a few weeks.
Hopefully my bail conditions will be lifted Friday, then I can take the job and just come back for court. Hopefully it will look better once im working and getting on with life like a normal behaved citizen.

[psychocat]

So even tho I am technically supplying, the courts wouldn't look at my statement and see im not intending on being a drug dealer, earning a living by selling weed, but just a stoner who doesn't want to be ripped off and so chips in with close friends to save us all money.
Im not gonna deny supplying, but won't they take the facts into consideration before handing out a sentance?

Sorry mister CheeseBlazer but you were blatantly breaking the law and the jury is instructed that you are a CRIMINAL ;)

Believe me man they aren't too interested in justification , some judges are pure anti cannabis .

Cocentrate on admitting as little as possible and lay it on thick that you are a reformed character .
Go cap in hand and say "I'm really really sorry your honour" ! :thumbsup:

PS
Don't forget to hang your head. :D

[SketchyTom]

If They Have Texts To Prove You Might Be In The Shitter

as stated earlyer onif you say about your new job n stuff and make out that your truly sorry and realise now that it was a mistake (my lawyer told me to say same thing when i had my drunken offence)

they would hopefully realise your not a criminal .. it worked with me i was looking up to a year in a young offenders place

basicly dont give them any new info because at the moment they only have a few peices to this puzzle and you need to work on that

as for your texts i spose you could jus say word got about u having a large amount (thats proberly how they found out u had grade anyways from a grass)

[geoluv]

i know of at least three people in new jersey, usa who were charged with delivery of a controlled dangerous substance; two sold weed to undercover officers and one took the rap when the cops busted up a party and found a qp on a coffee table when he was a juvenile.

in new jersey the sale of 50 grams or less is a minor charge, punishable by no more than 6 months in jail.

in all instances the individuals were put on probation and were given fines around 1 to 2 grand i bet. no jail.

i also know of a dude who got pulled over and searched for a reason unknown to me, and the cop found 30 grams bagged up and he tossed out 29 of them and gave him simple possesion.

i have smoked weed all my life, have known countless dealers, and i havent heard of ONE instance of anyone ever "doing time" for weed regaurdless of the charge; selling, smoking, possesing, whatever. most just get a fine or the cops just toss the weed or the cops just dont even give a fuck and let you keep your weed (where i live in nyc :hippy:). but i live in the north east, we are very lax on the weed unless its an uptight bedroom comunity. mass just decrimmed!

my guess is that theyll do the same to you, unless you have been doing this for a while and you obviously do it for a living, then they might go slightly harder. youll get a few grand in fines and probation, whatever the english version of those things are. england is mad lax, just say you dont like selling drugs but moneys tight, thats the argument that has gotten countless dealers light sentences. i can tell the judges in nj and nyc go SUPER easy on the dealers with familys and children.

[buttyrekka]

how did you get on cheese?good luck anyhow

[CheeseBlazer]

Got to court and the damn thing was adjourned for another 2 weeks! Was there for 5 minutes. They didn't lift my bail conditions though, so I can't take that job, which is a bit of a shitter really.

[CheeseBlazer]

Just an update on what happened to me.
I went to Crown court and pleaded guilty in December to possession of a class C drug with intent to supply, and also of cultivating (growing) a class C drug.

I went back to Crown court in January for sentancing.
The judge told me I was a discrace, he told me if I would of pleaded not guilty with the evidence they had on me he would of instantly sent me to prison for 18 months, however he was willing to knock a third off for the honesty.

At this point I was shitting it as this still meant 12 months, although i'd do 6 for good behaviour.
The judge then asked my barrister to do some persuading as to why I shouldn't go to prison.
He managed to persuade the judge prison wasnt the right way to rehabilitate me, and that punishment would be better served in the community.

I got away with 180 hours community service, a 12 month supervision order and a 2 year suspended sentence.

I got raided on September 9th 2008, and was caught with 46 grams of some bullshit green in 4 separate bags sitting next to scales.
I had 4 plants growing under a light in my cupboard.
I got caught with 109 drug related text messages on my phone, I also had an air pistol.

I ended up going to court at least 7 times from September to January.
My house was raided twice over the months, the second time they had no reason and didn't find anything, however the raid was filmed and can be seen on the local newspapers website.
Last week the whole story was in my local paper with the headline "DISCRACE OF DRUGS SUPPLIER", the story mentions my full name, age and address.

Was it worth it? Fuck no! Verdict: Move to Amsterdam!

I was apparently lucky not to go to prison, however a 2 year suspended sentence means I cannot do anything risky for a while.
Cannabis has also recently moved to a class B drug here in England, so I was lucky I just missed it, anyone in a similar situation should watch out because possession, and especially intent to supply will now carry higher sentences and you might not be as lucky.

Thanks to everyone with the help and advice, much appreciated.

[psychocat]

Glad to hear they decided to take it easy on you, they are forced to give credit for a guilty plea because it supposedly fast-tracks it through the courts, that means that they save the time and effort needed to actually find you guilty and they show this with a reduction in sentence.
It's important to remember that to a lot of judges appearances are everything, if you turn up looking like a dealer they will take an instant dislike to you , but if you make a little effort and turn up "well presented" in a suit and tie and make the right noises you will make life a whole lot easier for yourself.

I find the situation in the UK insane, they lock up people for some real petty shit and then a few days later they're letting off some toerag mugger or burglar with a slap on the wrist and a paltry fine. :wtf: :mad:

[CheeseBlazer]

Yea I think presentation went a lot in my favour. I wore a shirt and tie and I also look quite young for my age so I appeared as a youth to the judge.
I had quite a few family members there and many of them were crying so that probably worked in my favour too.

I was due in court late afternoon, and the judge had dealt with 2 murder cases prior to mine. I reckon the judge felt that certain people deserved to go to prison that day while some people deserve another chance, I was one of the lucky ones.

I have to say I had geared myself up for prison. I wasn't looking forward to it but accepted it was likely to happen. I was nervous but thought fuck it i'll hit the gym.
Then came sentencing day.
I was in the waiting area, nervous but still had accepted the possibility, and was thinking fuck it lets just get it over with. My barrister explained he expects i'll get 12 months, but 6 months on good behaviour, in a category C prison.

Then my name was called and in I went after kisses an hugs with the family and girlfriend.
In we go, still not too nervous, more of a 'fuckin come on lets do this' feeling.

Court starts, all the details get read out, the arguments between defence and prosecution gets going. Everything just seems a blur. Now i'm here, an I realise whats happening im getting worried.

By the time i'm asked to stand and the judge starts to call out my name and sentence me there is shit in my pants.
My legs are jelly, the female gaurd next to me whispers 'dont worry mate', im petrified now, is this me, moments from being locked up for months?

I was lucky, but I tell you, at 23 years old that is the scariest moment ive ever had in my life.
Dont get me wrong im no pussy, but prison isnt in my character, and I realised that the moment I walked into that courtroom.

[Greenthing]

That was a good outcome for you nice one.:thumbsup:

[detroitfish]

good luck in the future but if you get caught again lose the getting it for freind line :wtf: