The Magistrates Court of Western Australia is the first-tier court for adults charged with criminal offences. It handles simple (minor) offences, and also deals with some more serious offences initially, including either-way offences where allowable under law. At WN Legal, we offer representation in criminal matters before the Magistrates Court. From your first consultation through…
The District Court of Western Australia is the State’s intermediate trial court. It sits between the Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court in the court hierarchy. It hears serious criminal cases that are committed from the Magistrates Court and are not reserved for the Supreme Court. At WN Legal, we are a boutique criminal law…
Facing charges in the Supreme Court of Western Australia is one of the most serious situations you can find yourself in. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the State, responsible for both criminal and civil matters, and is the main appeal court in WA. Its criminal jurisdiction deals with only the most serious…
What Is Drug Possession With Intent to Sell or Supply in WA? Section 6(1)(a) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) makes it an offence to possess a prohibited drug with the intention of selling or supplying it to someone else. Prohibited drugs include methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and any other illicit substances named in…
Under Section 474.17 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), it is a criminal offence to use a carriage service to communicate in a way that a reasonable person would consider menacing, harassing, or offensive. This law is designed to address harmful behaviour conducted through telecommunications, including threats, serious abuse, or persistently disruptive messages. What…
Firearm Laws in Western Australia Firearm ownership in WA is tightly regulated. With the introduction of the Firearms Act 2024 (WA) and Firearms Regulations 2024 (WA), the laws around licensing, storage, and use have changed significantly. These new laws came into effect on 31 March 2025 and now replace the previous legislation dating back to…
Under Section 216 of the Child Pornography and Exploitation Material and Classification Legislation Amendment Act 2010, a child is legally defined as a person under the age of 16. The law also criminalises the possession, distribution, and production of child exploitation material, which includes child pornography and any material that depicts, describes, or represents a…
i Under Section 321A, it is a criminal offence for a person to engage in persistent sexual conduct with a child under the age of 16. This offence occurs when a person commits sexual acts with the same child on at least three separate days, regardless of whether the acts are the same type of…
Under Section 204B of the Criminal Code (WA), it is a criminal offence for an adult to use electronic communication to procure a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity or to expose them to indecent material. The law aims to protect young people from online exploitation and inappropriate contact through digital communication, including…
Under Section 322, it is a criminal offence for a person in a position of authority to engage in sexual activities with a child aged 16 or 17 under their care, supervision, or authority. These laws exist to protect young individuals from potential exploitation by those in positions of trust, such as teachers, employers, or…