CRIMINAL COURTS, 2012–13 - VICTORIA
Total finalised defendants
In 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants in Victoria was 99,233. (Table 17)
Between 2011–12 and 2012–13, the number of finalised defendants increased by 2% (1,809 defendants):
- male defendants increased by 3% (1,930 defendants); and
- female defendants increased by 1% (177 defendants). (Table 18)
Principal offence
In 2012–13, the three most common principal offences were:
- traffic and vehicle regulatory offences (38% or 37,410 defendants);
- acts intended to cause injury (13% or 12,850 defendants); and
- theft (9% or 8,984 defendants). (Table 17)
Method of finalisation
Of the 99,233 defendants finalised in 2012–13:
- 84,855 (86%) were proven guilty;
- 11,077 (11%) had their charges withdrawn by the prosecution; and
- 2,817 (3%) were acquitted. (Table 17)
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 5 months;
- a community service order was 101 hours; and
- a fine was $500. (Tables 53, 54 and 55)
Other key points
In 2012–13, Victoria had:
- the highest proportion of defendants with a principal offence of theft (9% or 8,984 defendants);
- the highest proportional increase in finalised defendants, compared to 2011–12 (up 2% or 1,809 defendants); and
- the second largest proportional increase in defendants proven guilty, compared to 2011–12 (up 5% or 4,314 defendants), behind the Northern Territory (up 13% or 1,297 defendants).
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