Criminal Law

Advice and representation, from first contact to final outcome

Being charged with an offence is stressful, and the process is unfamiliar to most people. We act for clients at every stage of a criminal matter in Queensland — from the first knock on the door, through police interviews and bail, to hearings, sentencing and appeals. You will always know where your matter stands, what your options are, and what we recommend and why.

We appear in the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court of Queensland.

Before you are charged

You are generally not obliged to take part in a police interview, and what is said in one can shape the whole case. If police want to speak with you, call us first — we will advise you on your rights, and where appropriate attend the interview with you.

Police interviews & investigations Advice on your rights before you say anything.
Search warrants & police powers What police can and cannot require of you.

Charges & court

Bail applications Preparing and presenting the strongest available application, in court and on review.
Summary offences Matters dealt with in the Magistrates Court.
Indictable offences Committal proceedings and trials in the District and Supreme Courts, briefing counsel where appropriate.
Sentencing Careful preparation of submissions, references and material in mitigation.
Appeals & reviews Advice on prospects and conduct of appeals against conviction or sentence.

Traffic & licence matters

A licence can be a livelihood. We act on drink driving and drug driving charges, dangerous operation and other traffic offences, disqualifications, and applications for work licences and other restricted-licence and hardship orders where the legislation allows.

Domestic violence orders

We act for both applicants and respondents in domestic violence order proceedings — advising on the effect of an order, negotiating conditions, appearing at hearings, and acting on alleged breaches. These orders interact closely with family law parenting matters; where both are in play, one firm handling both keeps your position consistent. See also family law.

If you have been charged — three things to do now

Don’t discuss the allegation Not with police, not on the phone from custody, not on social media.
Write down what you remember Times, places, people present — while it is fresh. Keep it private and bring it to us.
Get advice early Options close as time passes. Early advice preserves them.

Common questions

Do I have to answer police questions?

In most situations you must give your name, address and date of birth — but beyond that you are generally entitled to decline to answer questions. Ask to speak to a lawyer before taking part in any interview.

What happens at the first court date?

The first mention in the Magistrates Court is usually procedural: the charge is dealt with administratively and the matter is often adjourned so advice can be obtained and the police material reviewed. You generally will not be asked to tell your story on day one.

Will a conviction be recorded?

Not always. For some offences the court has a discretion not to record a conviction, weighing things like the nature of the offence, your history, and the impact on employment or travel. Where that discretion is available, we address it squarely in sentencing submissions.