CRO No Conviction Recorded

AL was charged with one count of ‘Possess prohibited drug’, namely cocaine, contrary to s 10(1) Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985. James Castillo represented AL in proceedings.

James tendered a sentence bundle and made oral submissions in support of a Conditional Release Order (CRO) without conviction.

The Magistrate ultimately agreed with James’ submissions, sentencing AL to a CRO without conviction for a period of 12 months.

This is a very pleasing result for AL, particularly given her employment could be terminated if convicted of a criminal offence.  

Sentenced to CCO on First ‘Drug-Related’ Offence

PS was charged with ‘Owner / occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises – 1st offence’, contrary to s 36y(1)(A) Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, and ‘Organises or conducts or assists in organising drug premises – 1st offence’, contrary to s 36Z(1)(A) Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985.

James Castillo acted on instructions from PS. Following negotiations with the Prosecution, sequence 2 ‘Organises etc. in organising drug premises’ was withdrawn and a plea of guilty to sequence 1, ‘Owner / occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises’ was entered. The matter then proceeded to Sentence, where James tendered written materials and made oral submissions on PS’s behalf. Ultimately, His Honour Sentenced PS to a Community Corrections Order for the duration of 8 months.

This is a pleasing outcome for PS, notwithstanding his criminal history.