• Top 1% of Defence Law Firms

  • Defended over 50,000 Cases

  • 5 star google reviews

  • 40 Years of Criminal Law Expertise

Drug Offences Articles

What happens for a first offence of Conspiracy to Supply Steroids?

Possession of drugs- Majad Habib

Conspiracy to supply steroids is a serious offence in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. It is illegal to agree with one or more people to supply steroids to others, even if no steroids have actually been supplied. If you have been charged with or are facing prosecution for conspiracy to supply steroids, it is essential to get legal advice as soon as possible. In this article, we outline the offence of conspiracy to supply steroids, give some examples of how the offence is committed, explain sentencing, and assess whether a first time offender is likely to go to prison for such an offence. We also outline where to get more help.

What is the offence of conspiracy to supply steroids in the UK?

The offence of conspiracy to supply steroids is the agreement between two or more people to supply steroids to others, contrary to section 4(3) or section 5(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The offence of conspiracy to supply steroids can be committed even if no steroids have actually been supplied. It is sufficient that the two or more people have agreed to supply steroids, even if they have not yet taken any steps to do so. For example, imagine two people agreeing to sell steroids to a group of bodybuilders. The pair have not yet obtained any steroids, but they have agreed to sell them and have made arrangements to meet with the bodybuilders to do so. This would constitute the offence of conspiracy to supply steroids.

As we explain in more detail later, the offence of conspiracy to supply steroids is a serious offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. For this reason, it is imperative that you seek legal advice as soon as possible if you are facing charges of conspiracy to supply steroids or are already being prosecuted for the offence.

What are some examples of conspiracy to supply steroids offences in the UK?

  • Here are some examples of conspiracy to supply steroids offences in the UK:
  • Two gym owners agree to supply steroids to their members.
  • A doctor agrees to prescribe steroids to patients for non-medical reasons.
  • A personal trainer agrees to sell steroids to his clients.
  • A steroid dealer imports steroids from abroad with the intention of selling them in the UK.
  • A group of people set up a website to sell steroids online.
  • Two people agree to sell steroids at a music festival.
  • A person uses social media to advertise and sell steroids.

What happens if you are suspected of committing conspiracy to supply steroids in the UK?

Being suspected of committing conspiracy to supply steroids in the UK is very serious and you are likely to face legal consequences. The specific steps and consequences vary depending on the details of the case, the extent of your involvement, and other factors, but here is a general overview of what can happen if you are suspected of conspiring to supply steroids in the UK:

  • Investigation: The police and potentially other specialist agencies such as drugs squads will conduct an investigation into the suspected conspiracy to supply steroids. This may involve surveillance, gathering evidence, and interviews.
  • Arrest: If there is sufficient evidence and reasonable grounds to suspect your involvement, you may be arrested by the police. You will be informed of the reasons for your arrest and your rights.
  • Questioning: You are likely to be questioned by the police. Be aware of your right to remain silent and to have legal representation during questioning.
  • Charges: If the investigation yields enough evidence, you may be formally charged with conspiracy to supply steroids. Charges will be presented, and a charge sheet will outline the allegations against you.
  • Court Proceedings: You will have to appear in court, where you can enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a trial will be scheduled.
  • Trial: The trial will take place in a Crown Court, and the prosecution will present evidence against you. You and your legal representation will have the opportunity to present a defence. If found guilty, you will be sentenced.
  • Sentencing: The penalties for conspiracy to supply steroids vary depending on the specifics of the case. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, or both.
  • Confiscation Orders: In some cases, the court may issue a confiscation order, requiring you to forfeit any assets or profits gained from the conspiracy to supply steroids.

Please understand that conspiracy to supply steroids is a very damaging and very serious criminal offence in the UK, and the legal consequences can be significant. Seek legal representation immediately if you find yourself in such a situation.

What is the sentence for an offence involving the conspiracy to supply steroids?

The sentence for an offence involving the conspiracy to supply steroids can be up to a maximum of life imprisonment, but most cases will not be considered this serious.

To determine the sentence, the judge will use the Sentencing Council’s guidelines. The guidelines set out a range of sentences for different types of offences, taking into account the factors including:

  • The quantity and value of the steroids involved: The more steroids involved and the higher their value, the more serious the offence will be considered.
  • The offender’s role in the conspiracy: If the offender was playing a leading role in the conspiracy, or was responsible for a significant quantity of steroids, they are likely to receive a more severe sentence.
  • Any previous convictions the offender has: If the offender has previous convictions for drug offences, this will aggravate the offence and they are likely to receive a harsher sentence.

In addition to these factors, the judge will also consider the offender’s personal circumstances, such as their age, health, and employment status. Note that the sentencing guidelines are not mandatory, but judges are expected to follow them unless there are exceptional reasons not to do so.

Using the guidelines, the judge will then consider any aggravating or mitigating factors. Aggravating factors are things that make the offence more serious, such as the offender’s previous convictions or the fact that they were playing a leading role in the conspiracy. Mitigating factors are things that make the offence less serious, such as the offender’s age or health problems.

Once the judge has considered all of the relevant factors, they will select a sentence from the range of sentences set out in the guidelines for the offender’s category.

If you have been charged with conspiracy to supply steroids, it is critical that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. A criminal defence solicitor will be able to advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you to build a strong defence.

Will I go to prison if it is my first time committing an offence involving a conspiracy to supply steroids?

Whether or not someone will go to prison for their first time committing an offence involving a conspiracy to supply steroids will depend on a number of factors, including the quantity and value of the steroids involved, the offender’s role in the conspiracy, and any previous convictions the offender has.

First-time offenders are unlikely to receive a custodial sentence for conspiracy to supply steroids, unless the quantity of steroids involved is significant or they were playing a leading role in the conspiracy. That said, they may be given a community order, such as a curfew or unpaid work.

In some cases, a first-time offender may be able to avoid a conviction altogether through the use of a diversion scheme. Diversion schemes are designed to help people who have committed low-level offences to avoid a criminal record. If the offender is eligible for a diversion scheme, they will be required to attend a number of meetings with a probation officer and complete a course of rehabilitation. If they successfully complete the diversion scheme, the charges against them will be dropped.

If you are a first-time offender who has been charged with conspiracy to supply steroids, seek legal advice as soon as possible. A criminal defence solicitor will be able to advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you to build a strong case for your defence.

Where to get further help

If you or someone you care about is facing a charge or prosecution for conspiracy to supply drugs, it is vital that you obtain the advice of an experienced drugs defence solicitor as soon as you can. Getting the right help at the right time greatly increases your chances of a lesser sentence, or indeed of having your case dismissed from the outset. Get in touch with the team at Stuart Miller Solicitors today for a free consultation about your options.

OUR COMMITMENTS TO YOU:

  • Responsive

    A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.

  • Empathetic

    We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.

  • Specialised

    Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.

  • Proactive

    We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.

  • Engaged

    You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.

  • Caring

    We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.

  • Tenacious

    We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.

Google Rating
4.6
Based on 403 reviews
×
js_loader

Further Reading

Emergency?

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.