Criminal & Traffic
Drug lawyers defend charges from possession to supply and importation.
Drug charges vary enormously in seriousness. A lawyer examines how the drugs were found, the lawfulness of searches, the quantity alleged and whether diversion programs are available for minor possession.
Drug charges range from minor possession to serious supply and importation, with penalties that vary enormously depending on quantity and circumstances.
Possession and supply are state offences, with thresholds for trafficable and commercial quantities. Importation is a Commonwealth offence under the Criminal Code. Several states offer diversion for small quantities.
Drug Offences firms in the directory
138 firms
Abledale Law provides legal services in Ipswich, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drug Offences and Bail Applications.
Gosford, NSW · Central Coast
Inner West Criminal Lawyers provides legal services in Gosford, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Assault & Violent Offences.
Clarity Law provides legal services in Pialba, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Assault & Violent Offences and Fraud & White Collar Crime.
Brookwater, QLD · Ipswich
Abledale Law provides legal services in Brookwater, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drug Offences and Bail Applications.
Surfers Paradise, QLD · Gold Coast
Abledale Law provides legal services in Surfers Paradise, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drug Offences and Bail Applications.
Gympie, QLD · Sunshine Coast
Smith Criminal Law Sunshine Coast provides legal services in Gympie, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Drug Offences.
Thuringowa Central, QLD · Townsville & North Queensland
Anderson Telford Lawyers provides legal services in Thuringowa Central, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Assault & Violent Offences and Fraud & White Collar Crime.
Surry Hills, NSW · Sydney CBD
Benjamin & Leonardo Criminal Defence Lawyers provides legal services in Surry Hills, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drink & Drug Driving and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Punchbowl, NSW · Southern Sydney
Chidiac Legal provides legal services in Punchbowl, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Personal Injury.
Harris Park, NSW · Western Sydney
CPC Lawyers provides legal services in Harris Park, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Drink & Drug Driving.
Brisbane City, QLD · Brisbane CBD
George Criminal Lawyers provides legal services in Brisbane City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Bail Applications, Criminal Law and Drink & Drug Driving.
Brisbane City, QLD · Brisbane CBD
Guest Lawyers provides legal services in Brisbane City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Drink & Drug Driving and Traffic Offences.
Sutherland, NSW · Southern Sydney
Inner West Criminal Lawyers provides legal services in Sutherland, NSW. Listed practice areas include Criminal Law, Traffic Offences and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Townsville City, QLD · Townsville & North Queensland
Legal Aid Queensland provides legal services in Townsville City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Coronial Inquests and Business & Commercial Law.
Port Augusta, SA · Eyre, Yorke & Mid North
Port Augusta Magistrates Court provides legal services in Port Augusta, SA. Listed practice areas include Traffic Offences, Criminal Law and Drink & Drug Driving.
Southport, QLD · Gold Coast
Potts Bill provides legal services in Southport, QLD. Listed practice areas include Domestic Violence & AVOs, Criminal Law and Traffic Offences.
Parramatta, NSW · Western Sydney
Proctor & Associates provides legal services in Parramatta, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Criminal Law and Traffic Offences.
Melbourne, VIC · Melbourne CBD
Robyn Greensill & Associates provides legal services in Melbourne, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Criminal Law and Bail Applications.
Understand the next step
Explain the exact allegation and whether the matter is at investigation, charge or hearing stage. The substance, alleged conduct and available evidence should be assessed from the documents.
Avoid treating all drug allegations as the same matter; ask the lawyer to explain the particular charge and process.
Send the charge, summons, bail paperwork and hearing dates through the method requested by the lawyer. Identify whether you are enquiring for yourself or someone else.
Ask what evidence is available and what must be obtained. Decisions about a plea or statement should follow advice on your own circumstances.
Confirm who will attend the next event, where to meet and what preparation is included. Ask how changes in the case would affect the estimate.
One mention, a contested hearing and an appeal are different scopes of work. Ask about preparation, barrister fees and additional appearances.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Make hearing dates and bail conditions clear at first contact. If the firm cannot assist in time, ask about an available practitioner or the relevant legal-aid service.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Many states offer diversion or cautioning schemes for small quantities, depending on the drug and your history.
Get advice first. A lawyer can check whether the police followed proper procedure, whether a defence is available, and whether the charges can be reduced or withdrawn before you enter any plea.
It depends on the reading, your record and your state's laws. In some cases a lawyer can argue for a reduced disqualification period or a work licence where one is available.