
How Serious Are They and What Can You Do?
Break and enter offences are prosecuted seriously across all Australian jurisdictions, particularly when weapons or an intent to commit serious crimes is involved.
- In New South Wales, Section 113 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) criminalises unlawful entry with intent to commit a serious indictable offence (such as theft or assault).
- Section 114 increases the severity where weapons, tools, accomplices, or physical harm are involved, resulting in aggravated break and enter charges.
- In the Australian Capital Territory, similar offences fall under Sections 308–314 of the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT), with equally strict penalties for aggravated factors.
Aggravating circumstances, such as violence, use of weapons, or unlawful confinement, can significantly increase sentencing.
If you have been charged with break and enter, contact Brightstone Defence Criminal Lawyers. We defend clients across NSW, ACT and nationally. Our experienced team will help you understand your options and fight for the best possible result.
Break and enter occurs when someone unlawfully enters a building or premises with the intent to commit a serious offence, such as theft, assault or property damage.
Laws may vary slightly by state or territory, but the core elements are consistent:
- Unlawful entry
- Intent to commit a serious indictable offence
- Aggravating features such as weapons, accomplices, violence or detention
检方必须证明的要素
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:
- You entered private property without lawful permission
- You intended to commit, or actually committed, a serious indictable offence
- (In aggravated cases) You were armed, acted with others, used violence, or caused injury
可能的防御
Depending on the facts, several legal defences may be available:
- Duress: You were coerced or threatened into acting
- Necessity: Your actions were necessary to avoid greater harm
- Consent: You had permission to enter the property
- Lack of intent: No intent to commit an indictable offence was present
We will advise you on the best available defence based on your individual circumstances.
潜在的处罚
Break and enter offences carry severe penalties across Australia, with the most serious cases attracting up to 25 years imprisonment. Courts will consider factors such as:
- Use of weapons or tools
- Injury to the victim
- Number of offenders involved
- Previous criminal history
Sentencing options may include:
- Full-time imprisonment
- Community Correction Orders (CCOs)
- Intensive Correction Orders (ICOs)
- Fines
- Conditional Release Orders (CROs)
- Section 10 dismissals (in NSW) or equivalents in other jurisdictions

法律程序
& 选项
Once charged, you will be required to appear in court. The process will differ depending on the jurisdiction, the seriousness of the offence, and how you choose to plead. Early legal advice is essential.
恳求
无罪
If you plead not guilty, Brightstone Defence will develop a customised strategy for your case. This may include:
- Arguing that you had lawful entry or lacked criminal intent
- Challenging the use or presence of weapons
- Disputing witness credibility or identification
- Uncovering flaws in police evidence or procedures
We will thoroughly examine the facts and pursue every available defence to secure the best possible result.
恳求
有罪
If you plead guilty, your case proceeds directly to sentencing. Entering an early guilty plea may:
- Reduce legal costs and penalties
- Show remorse, leading to a more lenient outcome
- Improve your chances of receiving a Section 10 dismissal, Conditional Release Order (CRO), or other non-custodial outcomes
Before pleading guilty, speak with one of our experienced lawyers to fully understand the legal consequences.
成功案例和文章
Brightstone Defence全年提供有针对性的刑事辩护服务,并建立了良好的成功记录。
认识我们的律师
世界一流
代表
100 多条 5 星评价
为每个案例量身定制的个性化法律策略
刑事辩护法领域公认的领导者
免费初步咨询和案例评估
在高风险和复杂的案件中证明是成功的
即时获取预估报价
和免费咨询会议
面临刑事指控?我们经验丰富的辩护律师随时为您提供帮助。立即预订免费咨询,讨论您的案例并了解您的选择。
