NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO ROBBERY OFFENCES IN NSW
The NSW Government has taken a measured and balanced approach in response to high rates of robbery offences in NSW. Of particular concern to the NSW Government and communities has been the excessive youth crime in regional areas, with robbery offences one of the most prevalent categories of crime being committed by young offenders in regional areas.
Statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research record that people who reside in the town or Moree in Northern NSW are eight times more likely to have their homes broken into and almost seven times more likely to have their car stolen than the average NSW person.
These extraordinary figures compelled the NSW Government into action and a substantial part of NSW Premier Chris Minns’ response was to establish an NRL supported program offering at-risk adolescents one-on-one mentorships with NRL players, sports clinics and trips to Sydney to experience training and matches.
The Premier’s NRL program was criticised by some experts, including Associate Professor of Criminology Xanthé Mallett from the University of Newcastle, for not allowing youth already convicted of criminal offences to take park.
The program was one part of the NSW Government’s broader response to robbery offences in NSW. The NRL program came only a matter of weeks after the Premier announced tougher bail laws for young people, also enacted substantially due to the prevalence of robbery offences in NSW.
WHAT ARE ROBBERY OFFENCES IN NSW?
Section 94 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) defines ‘Robbery or Stealing from the person’ as robbing or assaulting with intent to rob any person, or stealing any chattel, money, or valuable security from the person of another.
Being convicted of a robbery offence can have serious ramifications.
If you have been accused or charged with a robbery offence in NSW, contact our expert criminal lawyers with proven results in robbery offences immediately, so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR ROBBERY OFFENCES IN NSW?
An individual convicted of the robbery offence of ‘Robbery or Stealing from the person’ is liable for up to 14 years imprisonment. In accordance with Section 95 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), if the robbery offence of ‘Robbery or Stealing from the person’ is found to have been committed in circumstances of aggravation, the maximum penalty is increased to 20 years imprisonment.
Section 96 of the same Act imposes a tougher maximum sentence of 25 years imprisonment if the robbery offence is committed with wounding.
Section 97 of the Act imposes a maximum sentence of 20 years for being armed with an offensive weapon, or instrument, or being in company with another person and robbing, or assaulting with intent to rob any person, or stop any mail, or vehicle, railway train, or person conveying a mail, with intent to rob, or search the same. If armed with a dangerous weapon, this robbery offence would be constituted as aggravated, increasing the maximum sentence to 25 years.
TEEN CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY IN WAGGA WAGGA
A teenager has been charged with the broad daylight assault and robbery of a man in Wagga Wagga. The alleged offender and another individual are alleged to have approached a 45-year-old man, and assaulted him, threatening him with a broken glass. The alleged victim handed over cash before the alleged offenders departed the scene.
The 17-year-old alleged offender was subsequently arrested by police and charged with the criminal offence of armed robbery with an offensive weapon, whilst investigations into the alleged assault continue.
OUR PROVEN RESULTS
Our expert lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group have secured an extraordinarily high proportion of Not Guilty verdicts and Withdrawal of Charges for clients across NSW who have been charged with robbery offences. In circumstances where our clients have decided to plead guilty to robbery offences, we have obtained among the lowest possible penalties available to the Court.
CONTACT US NOW
If you or someone you know has been accused or charged with a robbery offence in NSW, contact us now for a free consultation, so that our specialised expert criminal lawyers may plan and secure the best possible outcome for you or your family or friend.