Call for your free consultation (02) 9025 9888

Criminal Law » Fraud and Stealing Offences » Goods in custody

Streeton Lawyers has extensive experience in all aspects of criminal law.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Goods in custody

The offence of goods in custody is committed if a person has anything in their custody which may reasonably be suspected of being stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. This is an offence under section 527C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

The maximum penalty if the goods are a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part is imprisonment for 12 months and/or a fine of $1100.

Maximum penalty if the goods are anything else is imprisonment for 6 months and/or a fine of $550

Why Streeton Lawyers?

  • Proven track record of exceptional results
  • Accredited specialists in Criminal Law available
  • Rated as a First Tier Criminal Law Firm by Doyle’s Guide (2017-2024)
  • Your first consultation is free

Call 24/7 (02) 9025 9888

    Free enquiry

    What the prosecution must prove

    The magistrate must first determine whether there is a reasonable suspicion that the goods were stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained. This suspicion must attach to the goods and not to the accused person.

    The offence may be made out if the prosecution establish that the goods were otherwise unlawfully obtained. For example goods purchased with money obtained from the sale of drugs.

    Defence to a charge of goods in custody

    The Crimes Act provides that it is a defence to the charge if the accused person satisfies the magistrate that he or she had no reasonable grounds for suspecting that the property was stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.

    What sentence will I receive?

    The magistrate will consider a range of matters before passing sentence. This will include whether there was a plea of guilty, the circumstances of the offence, the value of the property, any criminal history of the offender as well as the subjective circumstances of the offender.

    It is possible to avoid a criminal conviction for this type of offence, but this will depend on a number of factors. Contact one of our criminal lawyers for free advice, on (02) 9025 9888.