In a just society cannabis would not be a crime

Welcome to Bush Lawyer

Bush Lawyer is a New Zealand based legal support service for those charged with cannabis offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

Do not plead Guilty to unjust laws like the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975

This website is dedicated to helping defendants challenge cannabis charges in court. Standing up to this unjust law will not only improve the chances of a favourable verdict, but will also add to the growing tide of support for reforming the cannabis laws.

Make yourself aware of how to beat a cannabis charge

Clog the courts and help overturn prohibition!

Defending a Cannabis Charge Strategies

In general there are four different strategies that can be employed when defending a cannabis charge:


 1. Roaring Lion
idea: Fuck this law - I don't recognise it

NORML says: The ROARING LION is proud, and staunch with it. The Lion resists every step of the way, making the police and court work for a conviction. First appearance: enter “no plea” and seek legal advice. Second Appearance: “No plea” again. Say you refuse to recognise the charge, because you don’t think you’ve committed a crime. Third Appearance: this is your chance to tell the judge exactly why you think the law stinks, in the politest possible way. Then tell the judge that you will not pay a fine, or do PD. If the court is determined to punish you, it will have to send you to jail, putting strain on an already full up prison system. The more we clog up their system, the less it will be able to cope.

NORML New Zealand's Suggested Lawyers

A list of lawyers suggested by NORML NZ who appear to be sympathetic to cannabis law reform and may be interested in helping you to get the best outcome from your cannabis charge:

Disclaimer:
These lawyers are suggested as having some experience and expertise in defending cannabis cases.

Please note that they are not endorsed by or acting for Bushlawyer or NORML and we can offer no guarantees.

Whangarei:
David Sayes 09 434-4377 or 021 127-4966
Nick Leader 09 438-4039

Auckland:
Peter Winter 09 379-7658
Johnnie Kovacevich 09 309-3364

Know Your Rights

Civil Rights Guide - You and the Law
source: http://norml.org.nz/page11.html
Demand to be treated with respect, but show some respect in return. Be clever, not smart.

Suspected ?

Workplace Drug Testing

Many places of employment require their employees to submit to drug tests under certain circumstances. Unfortunately this practice is disproportionately discriminatory against cannabis users because the standard urine test for cannabis in New Zealand does not indicate current cannabis use, it only indicates use within the past 4-6 weeks. This is due to the test looking for the presence of the inactive metabolite as opposed to the active metabolite.

can police charge a defendant for the cost of evidential testing

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 11:28 — Dave Campbell

Several recent cases have highlighted the practice of Police attempting to coerce defendants into incriminating themselves via the use of threats. In many of these cases the Police will ask the accused if the substance they uncovered is cannabis. Of course admitting that a substance in your possession is cannabis is a guarantee of a guilty verdict, and no defendant in their right mind would incriminate themselves in that way.

Going through Court

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 15:42 — Julian

Going through Court
The next step after being released on bail is your first court appearance. Bide your time. There is not need to rush into making a plea, as you will most likely have two or three preliminary appearances before anything really happens.

Talk to the duty soliciter as tell them that you wish to enter No Plea while you consider your options.

The legal system wants to find you guilty and sentence you as soon as possible. Do not oblige them.

Getting Arrested

Sat, 01/09/2010 - 15:40 — Julian

If you are arrested, it is wise to use your right to silence.

Do not make any incriminating statements to police

Do not confess because you have been caught. Remember cannabis should not be a crime. Do not make the job of the police any easier than it already is.

Know your rights

You have the right to decline from making a statement. This is good advice that you should get if you contact a lawyer.

New Drupal Site

Fri, 01/08/2010 - 16:13 — Julian

High guys, I have instatlled a new drupal content management system to help organise legal documents, etc. Over time we hope to build up a comprehensive legal database of court documents relating to cannabis cases. These will be avaliable to browse, and hopefully act as an important resource to anyone facing prosecution.

We also plan to outline a number of legal strategies that can be used to defend cannabis charges and challenge the legitemacy of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

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