If you’ve been charged with a public order offence, criminal lawyers in Campbelltown may be able to defend your case and reduce the severity of your punishment.
Stay on the right side of the legal system by educating yourself on what constitutes a public order offence. This article will outline the most common offences you could be charged with and possible sentencing for each.
Failure to provide necessities of life
If you have a legal duty to give another person (such as a child, disabled person or elder) the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter, and you intentionally or recklessly do not provide this and cause the person serious or potential harm or risk of death, you could be charged.
The maximum penalty for this offence is a prison sentence of up to 5 years. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown can help try to reduce this penalty for you.
Hindering an investigation
A person who hinders an investigation or the discovery of evidence or the arrest of another person may be charged with this offence. Actions such as hiding a person or piece of evidence are examples of this offence.
This offence comes with a maximum penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown are willing to try to defend your case.
Offensive Conduct
If you behave offensively in, near, or within view of a public place or school, you could be charged with this offence. Examples of offensive conduct include urinating or defecating in public or being disorderly.
The maximum penalty you could be given for offensive conduct is a prison sentence of up to 3 months or a $660 fine. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown can attempt to limit the penalty you receive.
Offensive Language
You could be charged for using offensive language in, near or within hearing of a public place or school, or verbally abusing someone such as a police officer. This includes using any foul language (anything strongly rude, impolite or disrespectful).
The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of $660.
Perverting the course of justice
If a person prevents justice being served to themselves or another party, they could be charged with this offence. Examples of this offence include giving a false account to the police or court or bribing someone to plead guilty when they’re innocent.
This is a serious illegal act which could incur a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown can try to lessen your punishment.
Resist arrest or hinder police
It is an offence to struggle or try to escape from police whilst being arrested. If you have been charged with this illegal act, it means that the police allege that you tried to stop them from doing their duty. It is also possible to be charged for preventing someone else’s arrest, or warning someone that the police are on their way to their property.
The maximum penalty for committing this offence is 1 year imprisonment or a $1100 fine. Criminal lawyers in Campbelltown may be able to reduce the severity of your sentence.
Starting a Bush Fire (ARSON)
Intentionally starting a bushfire and recklessly encouraging it to spread is a serious offence which can cause severe damage to the environment and property, and may cause injury or death to people and wildlife.
Starting a bushfire can result in a maximum penalty of a 14 year jail sentence. If the bushfire causes death to a person, you may be charged with manslaughter or murder which has a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.