Goods in Custody
This offence is created pursuant to section 527C of the NSW Crimes Act of 1900.
A person can be prosecuted for this offence if the Prosecuting authority (who are, generally the Police) is of the view that a person has custody of any “thing” WHICH MAY BE REASONABLY SUSPECTED OF BEING STOLEN OR OTHERWISE UNLAWFULLY OBTAINED.
The unusual aspect of this offence is that the Prosecution only need to prove a REASONABLE SUSPICION that the “thing” is stolen or otherwise unlawfully obtained.
Bank notes and coins can and often are the subject of a Goods in Custody charge.
It is a defence for a person charged with a goods in custody offence to satisfy the court that he or she had no reasonable grounds for suspecting the “thing” (subject to the goods in custody charge) was stolen or was otherwise unlawfully obtained.
We have experience in conducting these types of cases. Contact us on (02) 9891 4200 if you have been charged with possession of goods in custody, or you think the goods you have are stolen.
