If you are charged with a minor drugs offence, you may be eligible for a drug diversion program.

 

Drug diversion is often a convenient and cost-effective outcome for people charged with a minor drugs offence.  Most importantly, it allows your charge to be resolved without incurring a recorded conviction.

 

The overarching aim of drug diversion is rehabilitative.  Other goals are:-

 

• to provide people charged with a drugs offence with an incentive to address their drug use earlier and without incurring a criminal conviction; 

• to increase the number of illicit drug users accessing assessment, education and treatment; and

• to reduce the number of people appearing before the courts for possession of small quantities of certain drugs. 

 

In Queensland, there a two types of drug diversion program.  To find out more about the available drug diversion options, please click on the links below.

 

The Queensland Police Drug Diversion Program

 

The Queensland Court Drug Referall Program.

 

What is a minor drugs offence?

 

Minor drugs offences are set out in the Drugs Misuse Act (Qld) and refer to a charge of possession for a minor amount of drugs.  The drugs must be for personal use.  Examples of common minor drugs are:-

 

• Cannabis - 50 grams or less; 

• Heroin - 1 gram or less; 

• Methadone - 1 gram or less; 

• Amphetamine - 1 gram or less; 

• Cocaine - 1 gram or less; and

• LSD - 3 tabs or less.

 

If you or someone you know has been charged with a minor drugs offence, contact a Queensland Drug Lawyer today.  We will talk to you about whether you are eligible for drug diversion, and provide advice to guide you through the process and ensure the best outcome for you.

 

Diversion Programs