First offence penalties - stealing
Generally the Penalties Imposed by a Court for a First Offence are Less than for Repeat Offenders. The Reasons for a Reduction in Penalty May Include:
- Good character
- Need for rehabilitation
- Greater remorse
- Extra curial punishment – The effect that a harsh penalty may have upon someone’s employment, travel and membership with associations
It is possible for all offenders charged with stealing or break enter and steal to avoid a criminal conviction if the court makes an order under section 10 Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act. However, a first offender is far more likely to receive a section 10 than a repeat offender.
The table below outlines the percentage of section 10’s issued to first offenders for stealing or break enter and steal type offences against all other penalties imposed. Obviously, the more serious the offence the lower the percentage.
For more serious offences, where a section 10 is unlikely or unavailable, we have listed the average jail term for first offences.
Examples:
| Offence | Percentage of first offenders who get a section 10 | Average jail term for first offenders |
| Break, Enter and Steal | CRIMINAL LAW >13% |
|
| Car Stealing | CRIMINAL LAW >17% |
|
| Goods in Custody | CRIMINAL LAW > |
6 months |
| Illegal Use of Motor Vehicle | CRIMINAL LAW >19% |
|
| Receiving Stolen Goods | CRIMINAL LAW >18 months |
|
| Steal from Dwelling House (up to $2000) | CRIMINAL LAW > |
7% |
If you would like us to advise you on your chances of obtaining a section 10 for a stealing or break enter and steal offence, please contact us.
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