If you are facing criminal charges, Taylor & Scott can help. Taylor & Scott have diverse experience in this field – the following offences provide some examples of our expertise:
Assault
It is a criminal offence when you intentionally or recklessly without consent assault another. This is known as a common assault. Aggravating circumstances, such as the assault of a police officer in the line of duty increases it to the offence of “aggravated assault” and as such attracts a heavier penalty. There are more serious offences where wounding (breaking of skin) or grievous bodily harm (permanent and serious disfigurement) is inflicted. These offences attract imprisonment of up to 25 years.
At its extreme, if a death is involved, the police will lay a charge of murder or manslaughter. The offence of murder attracts a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Sexual acts
Certain sexual acts are prohibited by law because the victim has not given consent, it is offensive to public morality etc. Examples include sexual assault/rape, indecent assault, incest, soliciting clients for prostitution in certain areas, and malicious and intentional transmission of a sexually transmitted disease.
Drugs
Drug related offences include consumption, possession, manufacture, distribution, and importation of a range of prohibited drugs. The court deals with such offences severely and penalties range from fines to imprisonment and often both.
Breaking and entering
Breaking and entering into a property and stealing or causing damage to property, is a serious criminal offence which attracts imprisonment of 14 years. If there is no theft, breaking and entering with the intention of doing such an act attracts imprisonment of 10 years. There can be aggravating circumstances, such as the use of a weapon, the presence of two or more offenders which increases the penalty to imprisonment of 25 years.
Stealing
It is a criminal offence to take property without the consent of the owner. This offence attracts a penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment. It is not relevant whether you intended to return the property. It is also a crime to receive or dispose of property which is known to be stolen either in NSW or elsewhere.
Destruction of property
It is a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy property. This applies regardless of whom the property belongs to. This offence attracts imprisonment of 5 years, however if there is fire or explosives involved, this increases to 10 years. If the police can prove an intention to cause injury to another person in the process of destroying the property, the penalty is 7 years’ imprisonment.
Whatever criminal charge you may be facing, Taylor & Scott have the expertise to handle it. We appreciate the unique nature of each case and our skilled criminal law team is well-equipped to generate the best outcome for your situation.
Key Contacts:
At Taylor and Scott Lawyers, we care for you. Contact Jayne O’Sullivan on 1800 600 664 or email us by filling the contact box on the right of this page.