Background

Our client, a university student in their early twenties, was searched by police at a music festival in Sydney. Police located a small quantity of a prohibited drug and issued a court attendance notice for possession.

The client had never been in trouble with police and was worried about how a criminal record would affect their studies and future career.

Our approach

William met with the client the same week and talked through exactly what would happen at court. Together they:

  • reviewed how and why the search was carried out
  • gathered character references from an employer and a university tutor
  • arranged for the client to complete a drug education program before their court date

The outcome

William appeared at the first court date and made submissions on the client’s behalf. The magistrate accepted that the offence was out of character and dismissed the charge without recording a conviction.

The client left court with no criminal record and was able to continue their studies without disruption.