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Suspended Sentence (WA)

A suspended sentence of imprisonment is a sentence of imprisonment where the offender remains living in the community on the condition that they do not commit a further offence. If the offender breaches the suspended sentence, they are generally ordered to serve the term of imprisonment in prison. Suspended sentences have been abolished in some Australian states; however, in Western Australia, they remain a sentencing option.

What is a suspended sentence?

A suspended sentence is a term of imprisonment where the offender does not have to immediately go to prison but remains in the community on certain conditions. The term of imprisonment ‘hangs over’ the offender for a period specified by the court, but not for longer than 24 months. This is known as the suspension period. If the offender commits another offence punishable by imprisonment during the operational period, they will generally be ordered to serve the term in prison. If there are exceptional circumstances, an offender who has breached a suspended sentence may not be ordered to serve the sentence or may be ordered to serve only part of the sentence. If the suspension period elapses without a further offence being committed, the offender is discharged from the sentence.

When can a suspended sentence be imposed?

Section 76 of the Sentencing Act provides for the circumstances where a term of imprisonment may be suspended and those where it may not.

A suspended sentence can be imposed where:

  • A term of imprisonment is appropriate;
  • The term of imprisonment is 60 months or less;

Suspended imprisonment may not be imposed if:

  • The offence was committed while the offender was on an early release order (such as parole or home detention);
  • The offence was committed while the offender was serving a term of imprisonment.

Breaches of suspended sentences

In Western Australia, when an offender breaches a suspended sentence by committing an offence (in WA or elsewhere) that is punishable by imprisonment, the court must either:

  • Order the offender to serve the term suspended;
  • Order the offender to serve part of the term suspended
  • Substitute another suspension period for the period originally set;
  • Fine the offender up to $6,000.

The court must order the offender to serve the term suspended unless it would be unjust to do so. If the court does not order the offender to serve the term suspended, it must give written reasons.

Conditional suspended imprisonment (CSI)

A sentence of imprisonment may be suspended conditionally. The standard conditions imposed are:

  • That the offender must report to Community Corrections within 72 hours of being released;
  • That the offender must not leave Western Australia without permission;
  • The offender must notify Community Corrections of any change of address or employment within two working days of the change.

A conditionally suspended sentence must contain a condition that the offender does one of the following:

  • Take part in a program to help them address their offending;
  • Submit to monitoring in the community and regular counselling for rehabilitation or ensuring compliance with directions.
  • Be subject to a curfew to restrict their movements at particular times when there is a high risk of offending.

Breaches and amendments of CSIs

When a conditionally suspended sentence of imprisonment is breached, either by the commission of a further offence or by failure to comply with a CSI requirement, the Sentencing Act allows courts to order the offender to serve all or part of the term of imprisonment, substitute another suspension period or order the offender to pay a fine.

The offender, or a Community Corrections Officer, may apply for the amendment or cancellation of a CSI requirement. The court may amend or cancel the requirement if it is satisfied that the offender’s circumstances have altered or were wrongly presented to the court at sentencing.

Go To Court Lawyers is a professional legal service provider that offers experienced representation and advice to individuals facing legal issues in Western Australia. Their team of criminal lawyers is well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding suspended sentences and can provide valuable guidance to individuals facing this type of sentence. Whether negotiating a favourable outcome, seeking alternative sentencing, or helping clients understand the consequences of a suspended sentence, Go To Court Lawyers is committed to helping their clients resolve their legal issues in the best way possible. By contacting Go To Court Lawyers, individuals facing a suspended sentence in Western Australia can ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the best possible outcome for their case. 

Author

Fernanda Dahlstrom

Fernanda Dahlstrom has a Bachelor of Laws from Latrobe University, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Arts (Writing and Literature) from Deakin University. Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal defence, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory. She also practised in family law after moving to Brisbane in 2016.

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