Recent Legislative Changes to Laws Surrounding Hate Crime and Serious Vilification

Queensland State Parliament assented to the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 on 19 October 2023, formalising a bill that had been circulating through Parliament since earlier this year. The Amendment Act has introduced a series of new offences as well as creating circumstances of aggravation for pre-existing ones, to attempt to curtail discrimination and hate towards certain parts of the community. New Offence of Displaying, Distributing, or Publication of Prohibited Symbols Any person who publicly distributes, publishes or displays a prohibited symbol in a way that might reasonably be expected to cause a member of...

10 November

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Will My Matter Get Media Attention? What to be aware of when you have been charged with a criminal offence.

Posted by Billy Gee

in Criminal Law & Offences

Introduction If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may be concerned that your matter will attract publicity. Whether your intention is to plead guilty to your charges, or to fight them, concerns over media scrutiny are understandable. The public interest in reporting on these events must be balanced against the administration of justice; as such it is important that you are aware of the possibilities when it comes to media exposure. Each matter is unique. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offence, it is important that you are aware of the risk...

19 September

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Offences: High-Range Drink Driving (0.270 BAC%)

Posted by Billy Gee

in Criminal Law & Offences

Solicitor: Billy Gee Court: Southport Magistrates Court Date: 2022 The Charges Our office was approached by our client, a distressed woman who had recently been charged with the serious offence of High Range Drink Driving after having produced a reading of 0.270 BAC%. Mr. Billy Gee of our office conferenced with the client, walking her through her background, the offence, and the Court process and likely outcome. Amongst her chief concerns were the period of disqualification, as well as the effect a recorded conviction might have on her employment. The Situation She worked for Queensland Health and was concerned that a recorded conviction may impede her ability...

12 May

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Rape Convictions Quashed Following Miscarriage of Justice

Posted by Billy Gee

in Criminal Law & Offences

On the 18th of March 2022, the Supreme Court of Brisbane’s Court of Appeal division handed down a decision that effectively quashed two convictions of rape, and revealed an unsettling error of judgement that could have serious implications for court procedure and represents a failure of the justice system. While you may be aware of this recent development, what you may not know is that Potts Lawyers’ very own Sinead Garland - Criminal Lawyer was at the helm, acting as solicitor for the appellant. Her outstanding work led to an order to quash two convictions of guilt that were reached through...

Recent Legislative Changes to Laws Surrounding Hate Crime and Serious Vilification

Will My Matter Get Media Attention? What to be aware of when you have been charged with a criminal offence.

Offences: High-Range Drink Driving (0.270 BAC%)

Rape Convictions Quashed Following Miscarriage of Justice

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Author: Billy Gee

Recent Legislative Changes to Laws Surrounding Hate Crime and Serious Vilification

Will My Matter Get Media Attention? What to be aware of when you have been charged with a criminal offence.

Offences: High-Range Drink Driving (0.270 BAC%)

Rape Convictions Quashed Following Miscarriage of Justice

Quick Links

Quick Contact

Contact Details