Destroying or damaging property under section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) — still widely known as "malicious damage" — carries up to 5 years' imprisonment, rising to 10 years for damage by fire or explosives, and 11 years if committed in company and by fire or explosives.
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Destroying or damaging property under section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900(NSW) carries a standard maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment, increasing to 10 years where the damage was caused by fire or explosives, and 11 years where it was also committed in company. Lower-value matters are usually finalised in the Local Court, where the Magistrate's sentencing power is scaled to the value of the damage. Whether you end up with a criminal record depends on the value and nature of the damage, your intent, and how your matter is defended or negotiated from the outset.
Section 195 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage property belonging to another person. The offence was formally known as "malicious damage," and the name has stuck even though the legislation has since been modernised.
The offence escalates significantly where aggravating circumstances are present. Damage caused by fire or explosives is treated far more seriously because of the inherent danger to life and property, and damage committed in company with others attracts the highest penalties of all, reflecting the increased intimidation and reduced ability of a victim to intervene or call for help.
A person who intentionally or recklessly destroys or damages property belonging to another person (or to that person and another person) is liable to imprisonment for five years.
— Section 195, Destroying or Damaging Property
Where the value of the damage is comparatively low, many matters never reach this statutory maximum at all — the Local Court's sentencing power scales down for lower-value damage, meaning the realistic exposure for a modest first offence is often a fine rather than any term of imprisonment.
Facing a broader property matter, such as break and enter or receiving stolen goods, alongside the damage charge? See our property offences page for the full picture.
| Circumstance | Maximum Penalty | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Damage valued under $2,000 | $2,200 fine | Local Court |
| Damage valued $2,000–$5,000 | 12 months imprisonment or $5,500 fine | Local Court |
| Damage valued over $5,000 | 2 years imprisonment and $11,000 fine | Local Court (or District Court) |
| Standard offence (full statutory maximum) | 5 years imprisonment | District Court |
| By fire or explosives | 10 years imprisonment | District Court |
| In company, by fire or explosives | 11 years imprisonment | District Court |
A maximum penalty is rarely the actual outcome. The value of the damage, whether it was repaired or compensated, your prior record, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances all shape where your matter lands within this range.
No two property damage matters look the same. Depending on the facts of your matter, our lawyers may raise:
Where the damage was a pure accident, and you did not foresee any risk of causing it, this essential element of the offence cannot be proven and you must be acquitted.
You honestly believed you were legally entitled to damage or alter the property, even if that belief later turns out to be mistaken. This is a complete defence, provided the belief was genuinely held.
The owner of the property gave you permission to damage or alter it, whether expressly or through the surrounding circumstances.
The prosecution cannot prove the property belonged to someone else — for example, where you were the sole owner of the item in question.
You were not the person who caused the damage. CCTV, phone footage, or independent witnesses can often resolve disputed identification.
Where you caused the damage only to escape an immediate threat, or to avoid a greater harm — for example, breaking a window to escape a fire — these narrow defences may be open to you.
Most malicious damage matters resolve within a few months, particularly where the value of the damage is modest. More serious or aggravated matters, including those involving fire, can take considerably longer.
You are either charged and bailed by police, or issued a Court Attendance Notice requiring you to appear at a Local Court on a set date.
At your first appearance, you (or your lawyer) indicate whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, and the police brief of evidence, including any valuation of the damage, is served.
Your lawyer reviews the brief for weaknesses, including whether the value of the damage has been properly established, and can negotiate with police prosecutors to have charges withdrawn or facts amended before any plea is entered.
If you plead not guilty, the matter is listed for a defended hearing. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty, the court proceeds to sentencing submissions, where evidence of compensation, remorse, and character can materially influence the outcome.
The Magistrate or Judge delivers a verdict or sentence, ranging from a Section 10 dismissal or fine through to a Community Correction Order or, in serious aggravated matters, imprisonment.
Malicious damage charges often arise from a single moment of anger or a domestic dispute, but the record consequences can follow you for years. Our approach is built around identifying, early, whether a defence, negotiated withdrawal, or Section 10 outcome is realistically achievable.
We assess whether a Section 10 dismissal or non-conviction outcome is realistically available to you from your very first appointment.
We scrutinise how the value of the damage was assessed and the police brief for inconsistencies, rather than accepting the police version at face value.
We offer transparent, fixed-fee structures for malicious damage pleas and hearings, so you know the cost upfront.
Charged after hours or on a weekend? Our experienced Sydney defence team is always available for urgent advice.
Facing break and enter, receiving stolen goods, or a broader property matter alongside the damage charge? See our property offences page.
Learn moreDid the damage occur during a domestic dispute? See our domestic violence page for how an ADVO interacts with a criminal charge.
Learn moreAuthor: Muhammad Siddique, Criminal Defence Lawyer | Reviewed by: NS Criminal Lawyers and Associates | Last reviewed: July 2026 | Jurisdiction: New South Wales
The information on this website is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain legal advice about your specific circumstances.
