CRIMINAL COURTS, 2012–13 - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Total finalised defendants
In 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants in Western Australia was 82,749. (Table 32)
Between 2011–12 and 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants decreased by 4% (3,431 defendants):
- male defendants decreased by 4% (2,324 defendants); and
- female defendants decreased by 5% (1,000 defendants). (Table 33)
Principal offence
In 2012–13, the three most common principal offences were:
- traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (40% or 32,854 defendants);
- public order offences (11% or 9,064 defendants); and
- offences against justice (8% or 6,711 defendants). (Table 32)
Method of finalisation
Of the 82,749 defendants finalised in 2012–13:
- 76,709 (93%) were proven guilty;
- 2,640 (3%) had their charges withdrawn by the prosecution; and
- 640 (1%) were acquitted. (Table 32)
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 9 months;
- a community service order was 50 hours; and
- a fine was $500. (Tables 53, 54 and 55)
Other key points
In 2012–13, Western Australia had:
- the highest proportion of defendants that were proven guilty (93% or 76,709 defendants);
- the largest proportional increase, compared to 2011–12, of defendants with a principal offence of public order offences (up 11% or 904 defendants); and
- the highest proportion of guilty defendants who were given a non-custodial order (92% or 70,732 defendants).
Quality Declaration 
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