New South Wales Consolidated Acts

CRIMES ACT 1900 - SECT 580E

580E Abolition of distinction between felony and misdemeanour

(1) All distinctions between felony and misdemeanour are abolished.

(2) In all matters in which a distinction has previously been made between felony and misdemeanour, the law and practice in regard to indictable offences is to be the law and practice applicable, immediately before the commencement of this section, to misdemeanours.

(3) Any proceedings for an offence that were commenced before the commencement of this section (being proceedings for an offence that was previously a felony or misdemeanour) are to continue to be dealt with, and to be disposed of, as if the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Sentencing) Act 1999 had not been enacted.

(4) Subject to the regulations, in any Act or instrument--

(a) a reference to a felony is taken to be a reference to a serious indictable offence, and

(b) a reference to a misdemeanour is taken to be a reference to a minor indictable offence.

(5) This section does not affect the operation of any Act or instrument that restricts the commencement of proceedings against any person in respect of any offence.