Charges
Reckless wounding
Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) s 35(4) (s 35(3) for reckless wounding in company)
What is the maximum penalty for reckless wounding in NSW?
Maximum penalty. s 35(4) reckless wounding: 7 years imprisonment (standard non-parole period 3 years); s 35(3) reckless wounding in company: 10 years (standard non-parole period 4 years). If dealt with summarily in the Local Court: capped at 2 years imprisonment or 100 penalty units.
A maximum is the ceiling the law sets for the worst category of case. It is not what a court is likely to impose, and it is not a prediction about any particular matter.
What the charge covers
Reckless wounding applies where a person wounds someone, meaning the injury breaks both layers of the skin, such as a deep cut or a stab wound, while realising harm was possible but going ahead anyway. Intent to wound is not required; recklessness is enough. A more serious version with a higher maximum applies if the wounding is done in company with another person.
How it is dealt with
Indictable; Table 1 offence, may be dealt with summarily in the Local Court unless the prosecution or accused elects for it to go to the District Court
Where these figures come from
Every figure on this page was taken from the legislation or the Judicial Commission of New South Wales, not from secondary summaries:
Legislation changes. Figures are general as at publication; confirm the current position with a lawyer.
This page is general information about NSW law, not legal advice about your matter. Whether a charge can be defended, and what a court is likely to do, depends on the evidence and the circumstances.
Related charges
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