SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A CHILD UNDER 10

Under Section 66A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 10 years old is a serious indictable offence, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This offence is initiated in the Local Court but must be finalized in the District Court. A standard non-parole period of 15 years applies. If convicted, various sentences may be imposed, including imprisonment. Given the severity of the penalties, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation if facing such charges.

SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH A CHILD BETWEEN 14-15

Under Section 66C(3) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), engaging in sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16 is a serious offence. Classified as a Table 1 offence, it can be dealt with in either the Local Court or the District Court. In its aggravated form, this offence is a serious indictable offence that must be finalized in the District Court after commencing in the Local Court. The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment; however, if handled in the Local Court, the maximum penalty is limited to 2 years imprisonment. Aggravated sexual intercourse with a child between 14 and 16 carries a more severe maximum penalty of 12 years imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 5 years. If convicted or if you plead guilty, various sentences, including imprisonment, may be imposed.

PERSISTENT SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD

Under Section 66EA of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), persistent sexual abuse of a child is a serious indictable offence, punishable by up to life imprisonment. This offence involves an adult maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child, defined as engaging in two or more unlawful sexual acts over any period. Proceedings commence in the Local Court but are finalized in the District Court. If convicted, various sentences may be imposed, including imprisonment.

PROCURE CHILD UNDER 16 FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Under Section 66EB(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), intentionally procuring a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity is a serious offence. As a Table 1 offence, it can be addressed in either the Local Court or the District Court. If the child is under 14, the maximum penalty is 15 years’ imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 6 years. For children aged 14 to under 16, the maximum penalty is 12 years’ imprisonment, and a standard non-parole period of 5 years applies. However, if the matter is dealt with in the Local Court, the maximum penalty is limited to 2 years’ imprisonment. Upon a guilty plea or conviction, various sentences may be imposed, including imprisonment.

GROOM CHILD UNDER 16 FOR UNLAWFUL SEXUAL ACTIVITY

Under Section 66EB(3) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity is a serious offence. As a Table 1 offence, it can be addressed in either the Local Court or the District Court. The maximum penalty is 12 years’ imprisonment if the child is under 14, and 10 years if the child is aged 14 to under 16. However, if the matter is dealt with in the Local Court, the maximum penalty is limited to 2 years’ imprisonment. For children under 14, a standard non-parole period of 5 years applies, while for those aged 14 to under 16, the standard non-parole period is 4 years. Upon a guilty plea or conviction, various sentences may be imposed, potentially including imprisonment.