The penalties for committing such crimes can be up to life in prison and large fines.
Abduction/Deprivation of liberty
Unlawfully denying someone’s freedom against their will (or against the will of any parent, guardian or other person having lawful custody or care of that person). Offenders can be jailed for up to 10 years.
Assault
Directly inflicting force, injury or violence upon a person or people. Also, the threat of force, injury or violence when there is an understanding that the threat could be acted upon.
The penalty for assault ranges from 18 months to 14 years in prison and a fine of between $18,000 and $36,000.
Breach of Violence Restraining Order
A violence restraining order (VRO) is a court order intended to stop threats, property damage, violence, intimidating behaviour and emotional abuse in the future.
It tells the offender to stay away from a person and/or to stop behaving in certain ways towards them. The order can be worded to suit each individual situation.
Breach of VRO involves breaking the restrictions set out in a VRO. The penalty depends on the seriousness of the breach and the requirements of the VRO.
Homicide
Killing another person where the accused either intended to kill the victim (murder) or did not intend to kill the victim (manslaughter).
The penalty for murder is life imprisonment, unless there are circumstances that partly excuse the crime, or if the accused is a child. The penalty for manslaughter is imprisonment for up to a life term.
Sudden death
A death that occurs unexpectedly, within 1–24 hours after the first sign of symptoms, with or without any known pre-existing conditions. This is not a crime by this definition.
If you have concerns about how a sudden death has occurred, please contact WA Police on 131 444.
Stalking
Pursuing someone to intimidate them or another person.
An offender may be jailed for up to 8 years or be given an automatic penalty (without a trial) of up to 2 years’ jail and a fine of up to $24,000.
Threats
A declaration of a person’s intention to punish or hurt someone – verbally or in writing – in a way that injures their body, property or reputation.
Offenders can be jailed for up to 14 years, including the possibility of an automatic penalty (without a trial) of up to 18 months’ imprisonment and an $18,000 fine.
Any statement or act that creates a false understanding about the existence of a threat or danger can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment or up to a $36,000 fine.
Firearms
Anyone wishing to own or use a firearm must have a Firearms Licence and, with some exceptions, be over the age of 18. Owners must have secure storage for their firearms, each of which must be registered to the owner by a serial number.
Please visit the Police Licensing Services section of the WA Police website for more information.
Bomb hoaxes and threats
Members of the public should call 000 if they receive or are aware of an actual or planned bomb hoax or threat.