4513.0 - Criminal Courts, Australia, 2012-13 Quality Declaration 
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/03/2014   
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CRIMINAL COURTS, 201213 - AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Total finalised defendants

In 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants in the Australian Capital Territory was 4,767. (Table 47)

Between 2011–12 and 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants decreased by 7% (373 defendants):

  • male defendants decreased by 11% (471 defendants); and
  • female defendants increased by 10% (86 defendants). (Table 48)

Principal offence

In 2012–13, the three most common principal offences were:
  • traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (58% or 2,765 defendants);
  • acts intended to cause injury (12% or 590 defendants); and
  • theft (7% or 312 defendants). (Table 47)

Method of finalisation

Of the 4,767 defendants finalised in 2012–13:
  • 3,340 (70%) were proven guilty;
  • 1,098 (23%) had their charges withdrawn by the prosecution; and
  • 139 (3%) were acquitted. (Table 47)

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 6 months;
  • a community service order was 102 hours; and
  • a fine was $350. (Tables 53, 54 and 55)

Other key points

In 2012–13, the Australian Capital Territory had:
  • the highest proportion of defendants with a principal offence of traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (58% or 2,765 defendants);
  • the highest proportion of defendants with cases withdrawn (23% or 1,098 defendants); and
  • the lowest proportion of defendants with a principal offence of illicit drug offences (3% or 137 defendants).