Page updated on: Friday April 23, 2010

Criminal Law

The criminal law is used to describe matters that are prosecuted by state authorities and can result in prosecution and the imposition of a criminal sentence. Most prosecutions are done by the Police but other government agencies such as the Crown Law office, IRD, WINZ, ACC, Fisheries and the Department of Conservation may all be involved in prosecutions against those accused of committing an offence. Information on criminal offending can be obtained at www.justice.govt.nz

The range of statutes that deal with criminal offending include the Crimes Act 1960, the Summary Offences Act 1981, the Land Transport Act 1998 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 to name but a few. Information on these statutes can be obtained at www.legislation.govt.nz

A Guide to Sentencing and the Criminal Justice System

This resource gives information on the criminal justice system. It details likely sentences for 20 of the most common criminal offences assuming the defendant is a first time offender and diversion is not available. Click here to download the resource.

Police Complaints

If you have a complaint about the way Police treated you then you can lay a complaint directly with the Independent Police Conduct Authority

Police Complaints

If you have a complaint about the way Police have treated you then you can lay a complaint directly with the Independent Police Conduct Authority

Drink Driving - Process, Rights and Penalties

This pamphlet outlines the process police will follow when they suspect a driver has been drinking. It details the rights a suspect has under the New Zealand Bill of Rights and also the penalties that can be imposed if they are convicted. There is also detail on the duties drivers have when stopped by the police and a brief outline of the rules around limited (work) licenses. Drink Driving