THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF MURDER
The criminal offence of Murder is a strictly indictable offence that can result in severe consequences. Criminal Lawyers Group have been nationally recognised as the top criminal law firm in NSW for securing the best outcomes for clients who have been charged with the criminal offence of Murder.
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of Murder, contact our award-winning team of specialised criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation.
WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF MURDER?
Murder is constituted as a criminal offence under Section 18 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and is to be taken to have been committed where the act of the accused, or thing by him or her omitted to be done, causing the death charged, was done or omitted:
- with reckless indifference to human life
- or with intent to kill or inflict grievous bodily harm upon some person
- or done in an attempt to commit, or during or immediately after the commission, by the accused, or some accomplice with him or her, of a crime punishable by imprisonment for life or for 25 years.
Every other punishable homicide shall be taken to be manslaughter.
WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR THE CRIMINAL OFFENCE OF MURDER?
Section 19A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) prescribes a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for a conviction of the criminal offence of murder.
Section 19B of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) mandates a compulsory penalty of life imprisonment for a person convicted of the murder of a police officer, if the murder was committed:
- while the police officer was executing his or her duty, or
- as a consequence of, or in retaliation for, actions undertaken by that or any other police officer in the execution of his or her duty,
and if the person convicted of the murder:
- knew or ought reasonably to have known that the person killed was a police officer, and
- intended to kill the police officer or was engaged in criminal activity that risked serious harm to police officers.
CAN I GET BAIL FOR A CHARGE OF MURDER?
Yes, you may be granted bail on a charge of Murder. Our expert bail lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group were awarded the best law firm in Australia for securing bail for our clients who have been charged with serious criminal offences, including Murder.
DEFENCES TO A CHARGE OF MURDER
Defences available to a person charged with the criminal offence of Murder include, but are not limited to:
- Reasonable Doubt
- Necessity
- Duress
- Self-Defence
- Insanity or Mental Illness
Contact Criminal Lawyers Group now for a free assessment of the defences available to you.
ALLEGED KILLERS FILM MURDER WITH DRONE
The alleged shooting murder of Jack Cheung in Carlingford on 15 June 2026 was reportedly filmed by a drone in what Police referred to as a brazen attack.
The victim was found dead in his driveway after plumbers had arrived to work on the home later that morning.
The drone footage was reportedly accompanied by a message which stated “Hello, this is the Albanian mafia; we have footage of Mr. Cheung’s execution by gangs today in Carlingford.”
Assistant Police Commissioner Scott Cook described the situation as concerning and stated that it is a new era in organised crime. He described the footage as “not unusual” and described “compartmentalisation of contracted people in organised crime” to be a known feature in Sydney’s underworld.
Authorities consider it to have been a targeted attack, with Raptor Squad Officer seen at the crime scene. The victim’s car was reported to have been fitted with a GPS tracking device.
No charges are yet to have been laid.
CONTACT CRIMINAL LAWYERS GROUP NOW
If you or anyone you know have been accused or charged with the criminal offence of Murder, contact our expert criminal lawyers at Criminal Lawyers Group immediately for a free consultation so that we may secure the best outcome for you.
Our award-winning team of criminal law experts are nationally recognised for securing not guilty verdicts, bail and the withdrawal of charges for our clients across NSW who have been charged with the criminal offence of Murder.