Offences
Criminal offences are committed against the state of Western Australia or the Commonwealth. Criminal offences in WA include violent offences like assault and causing grievous bodily harm, sexual offences and drug offences. WA also has offences relating to allowing minors to drink alcohol, and firearm offences. This section of the site contains articles about criminal offences in WA.
Summary, either-way or indictable offences
Criminal offences can be summary offences (which are finalised in the Magistrates Court or Children’s Court) either-way offences (which can be finalised either in the Magistrates Court, District Court or the Supreme Court) or strictly indictable offences (which must be finalised in the District Court or Supreme Court).
Aggravating Factors
An aggravating factor is a factor that in the court’s opinion increases the culpability of the offender. An offence is not aggravated by the offender entering a plea of not guilty, the offender’s criminal record or that a previous sentence has not deterred the offender.
An aggravating factor might be that an assault was premeditated and prolonged, that it was committed in company with others or that the victim suffered injuries.
Mitigating Factors
A mitigating factor is a factor that in the court’s opinion decreases the culpability of the offender.
A mitigating factor might be that the offender is remorseful for their offending and that they have no prior criminal record.
Our team of criminal lawyers can assist you to navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that the appropriate and relevant factors are put before the court. Should you require our assistance with entering a plea of mitigation, we recommend you contact our specialised criminal law team.
About Armstrong Legal
Armstrong Legal is a national law firm with more than 30 years of experience guiding Australians through serious legal matters under various areas of law, including criminal law, corporate crime and traffic law. With a number of Accredited Criminal Law Specialists on our team, you are looked after by experts in their field, who have passed a rigorous assessment and been conferred with Specialist Accreditation by the Law Society.
Armstrong Legal has held a place in the Doyles Guide for over a decade, recognised both as a firm and through its individual solicitors as among the best criminal lawyers and firms in this space. Our team prides itself on providing clear and easy-to-understand advice, and we keep you informed at each step, no matter whether your search led you here through "disqualified for driving", "criminal and traffic law" or "drug possession lawyer Brisbane".
When you need urgent advice most, our 24/7 phone line for criminal matters lets you speak directly to a lawyer. Our team can assist you with any aspect of criminal or quasi-criminal law, whether your search included "personal restraining order", "avo order", "lawyers for traffic offences" or other terms, so reach out to us by phone call or online enquiry today.