A Nonbinary client pleaded guilty to cultivation of drugs

Our client identified as nonbinary, and their family ostracised them as a result. They sought validation from members of a sophisticated drug syndicate and were enticed to commence working on their behalf. Our client was charged with cultivation of cannabis (commercial quantity). We not only strived to reduce the charges against our client to something less serious, but also educate the court and prosecution as to the profound personal challenges experienced by our client and the relevance of these challenges to the outcome.

Through comprehensive analysis of the factual issues and legal complexities of the case we persuaded the prosecution to amend the charges from commercial quantity to traffickable quantity. By engaging a forensic psychologist specialising in LGBTIQ+ language, culture and welfare, we educated the prosecution and Court as to the impetus to our client’s conduct to concede a non-custodial deposition with a focus on therapy was warranted.

Our client avoided jail and received a Community Corrections Order with conditions to engage in rehabilitation and community work. We also persuaded Corrections to enable our client to be involved in community engagement and educational programs as part of their community work. Our client felt understood and optimistic about their future.