The maximum penalty for the offence of Stealing Cattle or Killing with Intent to Steal is 14 years in prison.
However, it is important to bear in mind this is the most severe penalty that can be imposed, and the court will take into account a wide range of factors when determining the appropriate penalty in your particular case.
These factors include whether you pleaded guilty or were found guilty after a hearing or trial, your criminal history (or lack thereof), your remorse as can be demonstrated through character references and/or a letter of apology, the likelihood that you will reoffend as can be shown through any courses or programs you have undertaken since the date of the offence and the seriousness of the particular conduct itself, to name a few.
In the Local Courts
The most common penalty imposed for steal cattle (>$5,000 and up to $15,000) under section 126 of the Crimes Act is imprisonment.
The average full term prison sentence imposed for the offence is 1 year and the average non-parole period (the minimum term in prison) is 7 months.
The most common penalty imposed for steal cattle (amount unknown) under section 126 of the Crimes Act is Community Correction Order, followed by fine only and conditional release order with conviction, then section 10(1)(a) dismissal and intensive correction order.
The most common penalty imposed for kill cattle with intent to steal (up to $2,000) under section 126 of the Crimes Act is conditional release order without conviction.
The most common penalty imposed for kill cattle with intent to steal (>$2,000 and up to $5,000) under section 126 of the Crimes Act is community correction order.
The most common penalty imposed for kill cattle with intent to steal (amount unknown) under section 126 of the Crimes Act is intensive correction order, followed by imprisonment and community correction order.
The average full term prison sentence imposed for the offence is 1.5 years and the average non-parole period (the minimum term in prison) is 8 months.
For expert advice and formidable legal representation from an experienced team of specialist criminal defence lawyers, call Sydney Criminal Lawyers on (02) 9261 8881 to arrange a conference and let Australia’s Most Awarded Criminal Defence Law Firm fight for the optimal outcome in your case.