Criminal Law & Offences Archives

19 May

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What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland?

What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland? Understanding what happens during a criminal trial can help ease uncertainty if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges. This article provides a clear overview of what to expect in Queensland criminal courts, including how trials work, who decides the verdict, and what happens at each stage. Will There Be a Jury in a Criminal Trial? A jury will only be present if the criminal trial is held in the District Court or Supreme Court. These are Queensland's higher courts and deal with indictable offences that are too serious to be dealt with...

10 March

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Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

Right to Silence in Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When “You have the right to remain silent.” Most people believe this statement always applies. However, the right to silence in Queensland is not absolute. While police cannot force you to answer every question, the law does require you to provide certain information in specific situations. If you refuse in those circumstances, police may charge you. Understanding when you must speak and when you can remain silent protects your legal position. Below, we explain how the right to silence works in Queensland, what information you must provide, and when you should contact a...

06 March

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Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences

Assault in Queensland: What Counts as Assault and What Are the Penalties? When most people hear the word assault, they imagine a physical fight. However, assault in Queensland covers far more than punching someone. The law includes threats, minor physical contact, and even certain non-physical conduct. If you face an assault charge, or you want to understand your legal risk, you need clear and accurate information. This guide explains what counts as assault in Queensland, the different categories of offences, and the penalties you could face. What Is Assault in Queensland? Under Queensland law, assault includes: Striking another person Touching or moving another person...

02 March

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Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined

Posted by Sophie O’Callaghan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined Understanding Domestic Violence Key Terms is essential if you are involved in a domestic violence matter for the first time. Legal language can feel overwhelming, particularly during stressful circumstances. If you have never been involved in a domestic violence (DV) matter before, some terms may be unfamiliar to you. This guide explains Domestic Violence Key Terms in clear, simple language so you can better understand what they mean and how they apply in Queensland. Definitions Aggrieved: The aggrieved is the person who it is alleged experiences domestic violence. Sometimes it’s the person who is most in need of protection, if...

24 February

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Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia

Posted by Andrew Hanlon

in Andrew Hanlon, Criminal Law & Offences

Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia Employers across Australia have a legal responsibility to protect the health and safety of workers. Most business owners understand this at a general level. However, many do not realise how broad these duties are, who they apply to, and how severe the penalties can be for non-compliance. The Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) sets out strict obligations for employers, officers, workers, and others at the workplace. Importantly, breaches can lead to major fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment. This guide explains the key WHS duties, offence categories, and the...

13 February

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Speeding Offences in Queensland: How to Dispute a Speeding Fine and Protect Your Licence

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, Traffic Law, Traffic Law

Speeding Offences in Queensland: What You Need to Know Getting a speeding fine can instantly turn a good day into a stressful one. Many Queensland drivers only discover they were allegedly speeding when a notice arrives in the mail, often with demerit points and significant penalties attached. If you are trying to dispute a speeding fine in Queensland, it is important to understand your legal options early. Speeding offences are among the most common traffic charges in Queensland. However, that does not mean every infringement is automatically correct. In some cases, drivers may have valid grounds to dispute a speeding fine in Queensland,...

11 February

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Police Protection Directions Queensland 2026

Posted by Sophie O’Callaghan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Domestic Violence

Police Protection Directions Queensland: What a PPD Means for You in 2026 Police Protection Directions in Queensland From 1 January 2026, Queensland Police gained expanded powers to issue Police Protection Directions (PPDs). A Police Protection Direction is a legally binding order that can significantly affect your freedom, your home, and your daily life. These directions allow police to provide immediate protection in domestic and family violence situations, without first going through the courts. While the intent is to enhance victim safety, PPDs carry serious legal consequences if breached. In this article, we explain what Police Protection Directions are, when police can issue a PPD...

09 February

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Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions

Posted by Andrew Hanlon

in Andrew Hanlon, Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland The charge of Industrial manslaughter is one of the most serious offences under Queensland workplace safety law. It was introduced to ensure that businesses and senior decision-makers can be held criminally responsible when workplace negligence results in the death of a worker. Part 2A of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), introduced in 2017, creates the offence of industrial manslaughter. This part of the Act is designed to allow certain people to be held criminally responsible when a worker dies, or is injured and...

20 January

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Serious Assault Queensland | Penalties, Defences and Courts

Posted by Jack Bendall

in Criminal Law & Offences

Serious Assault – How Serious Is It? Serious assault in Queensland is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code that involves violence against certain protected persons, including police officers, or assaults committed in specific circumstances. It carries a maximum penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment. It is treated more severely than common assault and can attract significant penalties, including imprisonment. Understanding how serious assault is defined, how it is prosecuted, and what penalties and defences may apply is critical if you are facing this charge. Which Court Will Handle Serious Assault? Serious assault is classified as an indictable offence. However, subject to a...

15 January

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Can I Change the Conditions of My Bail in Queensland?

Posted by Adam Veneran

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

If you are currently on bail for a criminal matter in Queensland and are considering a bail variation in Queensland, you will have signed a bail undertaking. This is a legal document that sets out the conditions you must follow while your case is before the court. Sometimes circumstances change, and it becomes difficult to comply with your bail conditions. You may have moved house, changed jobs, or developed new personal obligations that affect your ability to meet your current requirements. If this happens, you may be able to apply for a bail variation in Queensland. This article explains how bail variations work...

What Happens in a Criminal Trial in Queensland?

Right to Silence Queensland: What You Must Tell Police and When

Assault Charges in Queensland: Laws, Penalties and Defences

Domestic Violence: Key Terms Defined

Work Health and Safety Act Duties and Offences for Employers in Australia

Speeding Offences in Queensland: How to Dispute a Speeding Fine and Protect Your Licence

Police Protection Directions Queensland 2026

Industrial Manslaughter in Queensland (Work Health and Safety Act): Offences, Penalties and Prosecutions

Serious Assault Queensland | Penalties, Defences and Courts

Can I Change the Conditions of My Bail in Queensland?

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