Guide to Violent Offences – Criminal Lawyers in Campbelltown

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If you have been accused of committing a violent offence, you need criminal lawyers in Campbelltown that can potentially defend you and help minimize the severity of your punishment.

Being aware of what some of the violent offences in NSW are can help you avoid committing them in the future. Continue reading to learn more about some of the common violent offences that occur and what the maximum sentences are for each. Note that the maximum sentences are not the most common penalties; they are simply the worst-case scenario.

 

Affray

Affray occurs when a person acts or threatens unlawful violence and behaves in such a way that causes a third-party person at the scene to fear for their safety. Verbal threats alone aren’t enough for someone to be charged with affray – there should be some kind of serious physical violence (or threat thereof) that causes another to be afraid. Examples include getting into a brawl in a public place or engaging in road rage.

The maximum penalty for affray is 10 years imprisonment. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown may be able to help reduce the severity of the penalty.

 

Common assault

pointing a gun

Common assault occurs when a person causes another person to perceive unlawful and immediate violence. The person may or may not have actually performed a violent act – they may have just caused a fear of violence occurring. It may result in no injury or minor injuries. Examples of common assault include slapping or hitting a person (or almost doing so) and throwing an object at someone (even if it misses them).

The maximum penalty for common assault is 2 years imprisonment. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown can attempt to minimise this penalty.

 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping involves taking someone by force and confining them without their consent and without a lawful reason.

This is a serious offence with a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown could potentially help reduce this sentence.

 

Dangerous dog offences

Dangerous dog offences are those in which an owner’s dog bites, rushes at, attacks, chases or harasses another animal or person (besides vermin), regardless of whether or not injury occurs and whether or not the owner was present at the time of the incident.

The maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment or 4 years imprisonment if the dog is of a dangerous or restricted breed. The owner may be disqualified from owning a dog for a certain amount of time if they do not receive a conviction. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown can try to reduce the penalty.

 

Murder/manslaughter

Both murder and manslaughter charges are considered homicides (the killing of a person by another), though there are several distinctions between the two offences. Manslaughter is generally considered to be an unlawful killing which was not motivated by the intent to seriously harm or kill (such as in the case of a motor vehicle accident). By contrast, murder is the unlawful killing of a person by someone with the intent to cause grave harm or to kill.

Both murder and manslaughter are very serious, potentially complex cases and legal advice should be sought by criminal lawyers in Campbelltown in order to have a strong defence.

 

Throwing rocks & other objects

Intentionally tossing or dropping an object on or at a vehicle in which there are people present, where the conduct risks the safety of others is an offence.

The maximum penalty is 2 years imprisonment if handled in the Local Court or 5 years imprisonment if handled in the District Court. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown may be able to help lessen this sentence.

 

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