Types of Crimes:

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• Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)
  AVOs aren’t crimes in themselves but civil court orders designed to protect people from violence or harassment. Breaching an AVO (e.g. contacting or coming near the protected person) is a criminal offence punishable by fine or imprisonment.

• Assault Charges
  Any intentional or reckless act that causes another person to fear or suffer immediate unlawful violence. Ranges from common assault (no physical injury) to assault occasioning actual or grievous bodily harm, with penalties from fines and community orders up to lengthy jail terms.

• Break and Enter
  Unlawfully entering a building—usually a dwelling or business—with the intent to commit a serious indictable offence (commonly theft). Maximum penalties reach 14 years’ imprisonment, with aggravating factors (weapons, violence, repeat incursions) pushing sentences higher.

• Fraud
  Dishonest deception to secure financial or personal advantage or to cause loss to another. Includes false representation, forging documents, identity theft, embezzlement and related scams. Penalties under the Crimes Act 1900 go up to 10 years’ imprisonment, depending on seriousness and amount involved.

• Drug Offences
  Offences under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 for possession, use, supply or manufacture of prohibited drugs (e.g., cannabis, methylamphetamine, heroin). Penalties scale from on-the-spot fines and diversion programs to years behind bars for trafficking large quantities.

• Murder and Manslaughter
  Homicide offences:
  • Murder – intentional or “reckless indifference” killing, or death during another serious crime; maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
  • Manslaughter – unlawful killing without the intent for murder (via negligence, provocation or excessive self-defence).

• Offensive Language
  Using words or gestures in public (or within hearing of a public place or school) likely to wound feelings or provoke anger. 

• Theft
  Dishonestly taking property belonging to someone else with the intention of permanently depriving the owner. Covers shoplifting, pickpocketing, larceny by finding and receiving stolen goods. Penalties cap at 5 years’ imprisonment (or 2 years in Local Court) plus fines and demerit points where applicable.

• Traffic Offences
  Breaches of road rules under the Road Transport Act and Road Rules (e.g., speeding, drink driving, mobile-phone use, seatbelt/non-child restraint, red-light running, dangerous or negligent driving). Penalties range from infringement notices and demerit points to licence disqualification, heavy fines and possible jail time for the most serious or repeat offences.