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The Victorian Parliament determines the maximum penalty that can be imposed for a crime. The maximum penalty for an offence is found in the Act outlining that particular offence. Judges and magistrates may impose a sentence less than the maximum penalty.
The following is a list of the maximum prison terms that can be given for some serious offences in Victoria:
Level 1 : Maximum term – life imprisonment
Murder
Treason
Trafficking in a drug of dependence (large commercial quantity)
Level 2: Maximum term – 25 years
Rape
Sexual penetration of a child under 12 years
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Burglary
Arson causing death
Level 3: Maximum term – 20 years
Manslaughter
Intentionally causing serious injury
Culpable driving causing death
Level 4: Maximum term – 15 years
Recklessly causing serious injury
Handling stolen goods
Trafficking in a drug of dependence (not a commercial quantity)
Arson
Level 5: Maximum term – 10 years
Threats to kill
Indecent assault
Theft
Negligently causing serious injury
Level 6: Maximum term – 5 years
Recklessly causing injury
Knowingly possess child pornography
Possession of a drug of dependence (traffickable quantity)
Level 7: Maximum term – 2 years
Going equipped to steal
Level 8: Maximum term – 1 year
Cultivation of a narcotic plant
Possession of a drug of dependence
Disclaimer : This article is just a summary of the subject matter being discussed and should not be regarded as a comprehensive legal advice for you to defend yourself alone. If you are charged with criminal offences, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance from criminal lawyers.