Pervert the Course of Justice

Perverting the Course of Justice is considered a very serious offence in NSW. Lying to the authorities, or in court, is considered as an attack on the justice system, and can lead to the imposition of terms of full time imprisonment.

It is important that you know your rights and speak to a Criminal Defence Lawyer immediately, if you have been charged with pervert the course of justice.

Your options:

Plead not guilty

In order to be convicted of this offence, the police must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. You did a act, or made any omission with,
2. The intent to pervert the course of justice

Examples of this offence include:

• Destroying or fabricating evidence
• Tampering with evidence
• Threatening a witness

If the above elements can be proven beyond reasonable doubt, you will still be found not guilty if any of the following defences can be established:

• Duress
• Necessity
• Self-defence

Our experienced criminal lawyers will advise you of your prospects of successfully defending any charge brought against you and fight to have you found not guilty of the offence.

Plead guilty

If you agree with what the police are alleging against you, the way to get the best result is often to plead guilty as it demonstrates remorse and contrition as well as meaning that you will be entitled to a discount on your sentence. Alternatively, it may be the case that one of our experienced solicitors can negotiate with prosecutors for you to plead guilty to a less serious charge.

The offence of perverting the course of justice is strictly indictable and must be finalised in the District Court. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Generally, penalties that a court can impose for any criminal offence in NSW are:

• Section 10 – No conviction recorded
• Fine
• Section 9 – Good behaviour bond
• Community service order
• Section 12 – Suspended sentence
• Intensive correction order
• Home detention
• Prison sentence