Break and enter charges on the Gold Coast carry maximum penalties ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment under Queensland law. The Gold Coast region — stretching from Coolangatta in the south to Coomera in the north — sees a high volume of burglary prosecutions, and the Southport courts take these matters extremely seriously. If you have been charged with burglary or break and enter, you need experienced criminal defence representation immediately.
Hannay Criminal Defence’s Gold Coast criminal lawyers have extensive experience defending break and enter matters across the Southport Magistrates Court, Southport District Court, and the Supreme Court. We don’t miss a trick.
Under section 419 of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), entering or being in the dwelling of another with intent to commit an indictable offence carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment. If entry is by means of any break, the maximum increases to life imprisonment. Additional circumstances of aggravation — including night-time entry, use or threat of violence, being armed, being in company, or damaging property — also attract life imprisonment.
Under section 421, entering premises (non-dwellings) and committing an indictable offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, increasing to 14 years where entry is by means of a break. Possession of housebreaking instruments under section 425 carries up to 7 years.
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Courtesy of Hannay Criminal Defence
