Summary Offences Law Specialists in NSW
Summary offences, while not considered serious offences, can still have serious consequences if not dealt with properly. Stacks provides legal assistance and advice if you’ve been charged with a summary offence, to help get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
If you find yourself charged with a Summary Offence under NSW law, Stacks can come to your assistance and advise you on your legal rights, responsibilities, and help defend you in the case of criminal proceedings.
What are Summary Offences?
Summary offences are matters that are tried by a judge alone in the Magistrates Court, and not a jury, and generally have a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment. They may also carry other penalties such as community service or a fine.
Because they are not decided on by a jury, they often move through the court system much quicker than other types of minor offences and serious offences. Be aware though that if the prosecution decides to take the matter to a higher court, you may face more serious charges and penalties, and may require legal advice and representation.
Summary offences are laid out in The Summary Offences Act 1998 (NSW), and include:
- Offensive conduct
- Offensive Language
- Obscene Exposure
- Obstructing Traffic
- Unauthorised Entry of a Vehicle or Boat
- Damaging Fountains
- Damaging or Desecrating Protected Places
- Climbing or Jumping from Buildings
- Continuation of Intoxication Following Move on Direction
- Possession of Liquor by Minors
- Violent Disorder
- Custody of Offensive Implements
- Custody of Knife in Public Place
- Parents Who Allow Children to Carry Knives
- Wielding Knife in Public Place
- Sale of Knives to Children
- Using a Laser Pointer
- Loitering by Convicted Child Sex Offender
- Intimidatory Use of Vehicles and Vessels
- Minors in Sex Clubs
- Not Displaying Notices at Sex Clubs
- Trafficking into a Place of Detention
- Introducing Syringes to a Place of Detention
- Unlawful Possession of offensive Weapons
- Failure to Comply with Search
- Hunting on Private Land
There is also a range of prostitution-related Summary Offences, including:
- Living on Earnings of Prostitution
- Causing or Inducing Prostitution
- Prostitution or Soliciting in Massage Parlours
- Allowing Premises to be Used for Prostitution
- Advertising Premises Used for Prostitution
- Advertising for Prostitutes
- Soliciting Clients by Prostitutes
- Soliciting Prostitutes by Clients
- Public Acts of Prostitution
If you need help with a matter related to being charged with a summary offence, or if you have questions, get in touch with the specialist lawyers at Stacks today
