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Charges

Resist or hinder a police officer in the execution of duty

Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) s 60(1AA). This replaced the former s 546C, which was repealed in 2022.

What is the maximum penalty for resist or hinder police in NSW?

Maximum penalty. Imprisonment for 12 months, or a fine of 20 penalty units, or both. The Judicial Commission Local Court Bench Book lists s 60(1AA) as 20 penalty units and/or 12 months, and marks it summary.

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

It is an offence to hinder or resist a police officer who is carrying out their duties, or to encourage someone else to do so. It does not require any assault or injury: physically pulling away, blocking an officer, or obstructing what they are doing can be enough. The prosecution must prove the officer was lawfully acting in the execution of their duty at the time.

How it is dealt with

Summary, as stated in the Judicial Commission Local Court Bench Book table for s 60(1AA)

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.

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