CPS drop drug charges against Finance Professional 

Mr LC was found by police wandering the streets following a road traffic accident. He was clearly disorientated and was shirtless and in a distressed condition. Police arrested him and discovered a quantity of the class C drug Xanax in his possession. Upon being taken into custody Police took a blood sample from him that showed that he had traces of cocaine in his system.

LC was accordingly charged with offences of driving a vehicle with excess cocaine and possession of Xanax, a controlled drug of class C. LC worked in the City at a FCA regulated firm. He was terrified that convictions for drugs offences would lead to him losing his job and being unable to gain employment in his regulated field. He therefore instructed specialist Criminal Barrister Quentin Hunt, on a direct public access basis, to represent his interests and ensure that he did not lose his livelihood.

Quentin set about getting case papers from the CPS. Following analysis of the papers Quentin began taking instructions from LC in conference. It soon became apparent that there were both evidential problems with the prosecution case and enormous mitigating features in the commission of any offence. As such Quentin decided to write a letter of representations to the CPS outlining why prosecution should not take place on these drug charges.

In making a decision as whether to prosecute the Crown are bound to follow a two stage test as outlined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. This contains two ‘hurdles’ that a case must cross before it is judged suitable for taking forward as a prosecution. Under the Code for Crown Prosecutors, prosecutors must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction against each suspect on each charge. If the case passes the evidential threshold, then the second consideration as outlined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors is the question of the public interest in prosecution.

Quentin concentrated on highlighting the problems with the prosecution case and the special mitigating features that attached to Mr LC, especially the effect of losing his livelihood on both LC and his immediate family which included two school age children.

Soon after the receipt of the representations Quentin received confirmation from the CPS that they would not be proceeding on these drug charges. As the matter was already before the Court the prosecution offered no evidence on the charges and formal verdicts of Not Guilty were entered on his behalf. LC was delighted.

If you are a professional person accused of a criminal offence, then the ramifications of any conviction can last far beyond Court. Professional regulators are often interested in convictions and in some cases criminal convictions can lead to disciplinary charges that can lead to people losing their livelihood. If you are a professional facing criminal proceedings it may be wise to secure the most effective representation possible to ensure your livelihood is not under threat.

Quentin Hunt is a criminal Barrister who is highly experienced in defending professional people whose livelihood is under threat. Quentin accepts instructions both through solicitors and directly from members of the public. He understands the level of care and service that such cases require and is meticulous in ensuing that every step is taken to try to ensure that the correct result is reached. If you are in such a situation you may contact Quentin for a no obligation conversation about your case.