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Author: Mark Williams

Potts Lawyers > Articles posted by Mark Williams

Case Study: Alcohol intoxication and the ability (or inability) of a witness to recall events and then reliably give evidence in court.

The impact of alcohol intoxication on memory Alcohol intoxication is a complex phenomenon that can have profound effects on various cognitive functions, including memory. When an individual consumes alcohol, it affects the brain's neurotransmitters and can lead to impairment in memory formation, storage, and retrieval processes. Understanding the impact of alcohol intoxication on memory is crucial, especially in situations where memory recall plays a significant role, such as in criminal cases of sexual assault, rape offences and other crimes where there is generally no other independent witnesses, that is, where you have one person’s version against another. Memory Accuracy v Reliability v Completeness Memory accuracy...

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Computer Hacking in Queensland

In today's interconnected world, businesses and individuals are increasingly reliant on computer systems to store and transmit sensitive information.   The Landscape of Computer Hacking in Queensland Queensland is said to have witnessed a surge in computer hacking incidents in recent years. In 2022-2023 Queensland accounted for 30% of the nation’s cybercrime reports[1]. In layman’s terms, people can be accused of activities such as identity theft, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams.   The Offence of Computer Hacking in Queensland Despite its prevalence, many people don’t appreciate exactly what constitutes computer hacking in Queensland. The charge covers much broader situations than just the traditional image of a tech genius using...

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Private Investigators in Criminal Matters

For several years now, our firm has regularly hired private investigators to conduct behind the scenes work on select criminal defence matters. Private investigators play a vital role in criminal defence trials in Australia. They can help to gather evidence, locate witnesses, investigate alibis, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. This information can be used to build a strong defence for the accused and increase their chances of a successful outcome. What is a Private Investigator? A private investigator, also known as a private detective, is a professional who is hired by individuals and organisations to conduct investigations and gather information....

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Changes To Queensland Law Regarding The Publication (And Non-Publication) Of Names Of Defendants Charged With Sexual Offences

Introduction The Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 is dramatically changing the law that applies to the publication of the names of people charged with certain types of sexual offences. The legislation will take effect from 3 October 2023. Section 7 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1978, deals with the naming of individuals accused of “prescribed sexual offences”. The Queensland government is seeking to reshape the way the Court system deals with sexual allegations in a way that will affect both defendants and complainants. Under the changes, people accused of sexual offences will be publicly identified unless they are granted...

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Effective Representation Results in Favourable Outcome: Client Receives Minimal Penalties for Drug Driving Offence in Rockhampton

Introduction At Potts Lawyers, we take pride in providing top-notch legal representation to clients facing various criminal charges. In a recent case, our client was charged under section 79 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 for drug driving in Rockhampton. With the expertise of our experienced lawyer Mark Williams, we successfully advocated for our client's rights and secured a favourable outcome in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court.   Effective Representation by Mark Williams Our dedicated lawyer, Mark Williams, was assigned to handle our client's case. With a deep understanding of traffic laws and years of experience in criminal defence, Mark diligently examined the evidence, identified...

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Skilled Representation Mitigates Sentence: Client Receives Lower Imprisonment Term for Privacy Breach and Child Exploitation Charges in Brisbane

Introduction At Potts Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to clients facing complex criminal charges. In a recent case, our client faced three charges under sections 227A and 228B of the Criminal Code 1899 for Recording in Breach of Privacy and Making Child Exploitation Material in Brisbane. With the expertise of our experienced lawyer and Director Mark Williams, we diligently advocated for our client's rights and achieved a favourable outcome in the Brisbane District Court.   Effective Representation by Mark Williams Our highly skilled lawyer and Director Mark Williams was entrusted with handling our client's case. With extensive knowledge of criminal law and a...

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Search Warrants

Written By Mark Williams - Criminal Lawyer The Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) gives police officers power to act in ways in which the law allows. In Queensland, there are two main warrants: Arrest Warrants Search Warrants This article relates to search warrants only. View our article on arrest warrants here. Search Warrants Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (‘PPRA’), there are multiple ways in which police can search a person, that person’s house and/or their vehicle. They may do so with or without a warrant. There are strict conditions in which a police officer must abide by when searching a...

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Arrest Warrants

The Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) gives police officers power to act in ways in which the law allows. In Queensland, there are two main warrants: Arrest Warrants Search Warrants This article relates to arrest warrants only. View our article on police search warrants here. What is an Arrest Warrant? Police may apply to a justice of the peace or Magistrate to get a warrant for the arrest of a person who has committed an offence. The police must make the application under oath and state the grounds in which the arrest warrant is sought. The justice of the peace or Magistrate...

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Corona Virus – Police powers to enforce lockdowns and isolation directives

Corona Virus - COVID-19 - Offence provisions and police powers to enforce lockdowns and isolation directives The Corona virus or COVID-19 has changed the way in which we know life now and is likely to continue to change our lives into the future.  We hear on the news or in press conferences about directives being issued.  Directives to avoid mass gatherings, to self-isolate and requiring social distancing. We are told that if people disobey such directives, then they can be fined and even imprisoned. Potts Lawyers have outline all the ‘must know ‘information in regard to police powers and rights with lockdowns, isolation...

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