Our client was charged with the importation of 6.8 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a serious Commonwealth offence carrying the risk of a substantial term of imprisonment.

Before retaining our office, the client had sought advice from other lawyers and had been told that a full-time custodial sentence was effectively unavoidable. The closest comparable case identified involved a fixed term of approximately four years’ imprisonment.

After the client instructed our office, the matter was prepared in significant detail and proceeded before the District Court at the Downing Centre. Working closely with counsel, we prepared extensive written and oral sentencing submissions, supported by detailed material addressing the client’s personal circumstances and the particular features of the offending.

Despite the seriousness of the charge and the sentencing outcomes in comparable cases, we were able to achieve an outcome that allowed our client to serve the sentence in the community rather than in full-time custody.

This was an exceptional result in a serious Commonwealth drug matter and demonstrates the importance of meticulous preparation, experienced counsel and persuasive sentencing advocacy, particularly where a lengthy custodial sentence initially appears likely.