Western Australia’s criminal law framework — spanning the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA), the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA), and the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA) — covers everything from summary matters in the Magistrates Court through to offences attracting life imprisonment in the Supreme Court.
Criminal offences in Western Australia are governed by several pieces of legislation, principally the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA), which sets out the elements and penalties for the majority of serious criminal conduct including assault, sexual offences, fraud, robbery, and homicide. Specific areas of offending are governed by dedicated statutes — the Misuse of Drugs Act 1981 (WA) for drug offences, the Restraining Orders Act 1997 (WA) for family violence matters, and the Road Traffic Administration Act 2008 (WA) for traffic offences.
Western Australia recorded 51,232 assault-related offences, 28,267 drug dealing and trafficking offences, and 16,594 burglary and break-and-enter offences in 2024. Overall crime in WA increased 4.8 percent from 2023 to 2024. The Perth metropolitan region alone saw 292,605 reported crimes in 2024, with drug offences rising sharply.
Every criminal charge, regardless of seriousness, begins in the Magistrates Court. Summary offences are heard and finalised there. More serious indictable offences are committed to the District Court or Supreme Court for trial. The court that hears your matter determines the available sentencing range, the right to a jury, and the strategic options available at every stage.
Select an offence category below to read detailed legal guides covering the legislation, what the prosecution must prove, available defences, and why legal advice matters before you respond to the charge.
Charged with a criminal offence in Western Australia? Get advice before you plead.
The court, the charge, and the evidence all determine your realistic options — speak with a lawyer first.