What the Law states - Possessing Controlled Precursors
Sections 308.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code states:
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person possesses a substance; and
(b) the person intends to use any of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug;
(c) the substance is a controlled precursor; and
The fault element for paragraph (1)(c) is recklessness
What the Police must prove - Possessing Controlled Precursors
In order for the Police to prove their case at Court, they must prove each of the following matters beyond a reasonable doubt.
The accused
1. possessed a substance; and
2. A law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory required the possession to be authorised (however described); and
3. the possession was not so authorised;
the person is taken to have possessed the substance with the intention of using some or all of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug.
It will be necessary for the Police in every offence to prove that the accused was the person who committed the offence. Click here to learn more about identification evidence.
Maximum Penalty - Possessing Controlled Precursors
The Maximum penalty for the offence of Possessing Controlled Precursors is 2 years imprisonment or 400 penalty units or both.
Which court will hear the matter - Possessing Controlled Precursors
This matter is Commonwealth Offence which means it is dealt with in the Supreme Court.
Possible Defences - Possessing Controlled Precursors
Possible defences to this offence include but are not limited to
1. The accused did not possess a substance.
2. The law of the State or Territory does not require the possession of the substance to be authorised.
The accused did not intend to use the substance to manufacture a controlled drug
Criminal Law Article written by Bill Potts (a Queensland criminal defence lawyer who is experienced in the Commonwealth Charge of Possessing Controlled Precursors matters)
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Law Offences A-Z
- Criminal Law Articles
- Criminal Penalties
- Attending a Police Station
- Queensland Courts
- Writing a Character Reference
- Book Now
12/08/2010
Stealing from the Salvos
Bill Potts talks to Today Tonight about Stealing by Finding and stealing from the Salvation Army.Read More
22/07/2010
Boardroom Radio - Justice Mediation Wallabies Star
Charges against Wallabies star dropped after justice mediation completed - Cameron Browne, Director at Potts Lawyers - Wed, 21 July 2010 1:30pmRead More
19/07/2010
Bail granted for baseball bat assault
Mark Williams represents client in successful bail application regarding alleged altercation with a baseball bat and samurai sword.Read More
