CRIMINAL COURTS, 2012–13 - NORTHERN TERRITORY
Total finalised defendants
In 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants in the Northern Territory was 13,941. (Table 42)
Between 2011–12 and 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants increased by 1% (131 defendants):
- male defendants decreased by less than one percent (31 defendants); and
- female defendants increased by 11% (289 defendants). (Table 43)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants
In 2012–13, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants made up 68% of all finalised defendants. (Table 42)
Principal offence
In 2012–13, the three most common principal offences were:
- traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (32% or 4,487 defendants);
- acts intended to cause injury (24% or 3,346 defendants); and
- offences against justice (8% or 1,107 defendants). (Table 42)
Method of finalisation
Of the 13,941 defendants finalised in 2012–13:
- 11,324 (81%) were proven guilty;
- 2,018 (15%) had their charges withdrawn by the prosecution; and
- 424 (3%) were acquitted. (Table 42)
Principal sentence
Of defendants found guilty in 2012–13, the median sentence length or fine amount for those who received a principal sentence of:
- custody in a correctional institution was 3 months;
- a community service order was 60 hours; and
- a fine was $500. (Tables 53, 54 and 55)
Other key points
In 2012–13, the Northern Territory had:
- the highest proportion of defendants with a principal offence of acts intended to cause injury (24% or 3,346 defendants);
- the largest proportional increase in defendants proven guilty, compared to 2011–12 (up 13% or 1,297 defendants); and
- the largest proportional increase, compared to 2011–12, of defendants with a principal offence of theft (up 43% or 237 defendants).
Quality Declaration 
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