Spent convictions: how long does a criminal conviction last in Queensland?

Introduction As noted in our article on non-recorded convictions, having a criminal conviction can have a prolonged and profound impact on your life that extends far beyond the punishment imposed by a court. This is quite unfortunate, as one of the purposes of the criminal justice system is that a court will impose a punishment that is just and final in all the circumstances. It is also a principle that those convicted of offences should be rehabilitated, and are encouraged and even expected to resume being law-abiding and productive members of society upon completion of the imposed punishment. Yet, whenever you...

07 June

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Locals can get involved with the sentencing process in a Gold Coast event as judge for a day

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IT’S time to strap on your wig, pop on your robes and lay down the law — a free event is allowing Gold Coasters to be a judge for a day. Today’s Judge for Yourself community event will give locals the opportunity to put themselves into the shoes of a judge and decide on a sentence based on real events. Former Queensland Law Society president and Southport-based criminal lawyer Bill Potts said the event, run by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, was a great way to demystify the sentencing process. “The sentencing of criminals is one of the most misunderstood and difficult tasks,”...

11 December

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Bill Potts Comments On Baden-Clay Conviction Downgrade

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Bill Potts, President elect of the Queensland Law Society 2016 comments on the Court Of Appeals decision to downgrade Gerard Baden-Clay conviction of murder to manslaughter. Potts explains how the court came to their decision and says that many legal experts aren’t surprise by the downgrade. He says the public should have confidence in the legal system and said the decision made by the three Court of Appeal judges, including Chief Justice Catherine Holmes, is the right decision according to Law. The Court of Appeal after looking at all of the evidence was perfectly satisfied that the jury got it right. That is – that...

15 July

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Man Jailed For Unprovoked Attack Over Note On Door

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A NEIGHBOUR just wanting peace and quiet was assaulted for his troubles. And one of the men involved was jailed for his unprovoked attack. The 46-year-old mine worker had left a note on a neighbour’s door explaining that his partner was ill and that he was on nightshift. About 4.45pm on May 30 this year several people, including Andergrove resident Christos Panagakos, knocked on the victim’s door holding the note asking what it was all about, the Mackay Magistrates Court was told. Panagakos ripped the security screen door from its hinges, stepped forward and punched the man in his head several times, prosecutor Sheena...

17 November

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Police on jail duty: Prison overflow

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by: Kristin Shorten and Jeremy Pierce | From: The Courier-Mail | November 17, 2011 NOT SUITABLE: Watchhouses, designed for short-term remands, are being used to house prisoners as the state's jails run out of room, a situation condemned as bordering on cruelty. Source: The Courier-Mail POLICE are being pulled off the beat to supervise prisoners in watchhouses as the state's jails run out of room. Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart recently met Queensland Corrective Services to voice concerns police resources were being diverted to prisoner care. He said Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Southport were under the most strain. “We probably haven't had this (overcrowding) problem to this degree in...

13 July

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Gold Coast’s best cop fined for drink-driving

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Gold Coast's best cop fined for drink-driving A police officer named the Gold Coast's best has been fined for drink-driving. But the officer dodged a conviction that could have resulted in him being kicked out of the force. Constable Michael Froggatt, who won Rotary's Gold Coast policeman of the year award in 2010, pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol reading of 0.085 on Sunday. Magistrate Terry Duroux decided not to record a conviction, something that would have ended Froggatt's policing career. Mr Duroux noted Froggatt still faces police disciplinary proceedings, which could result in sanctions, loss of rank and a pay cut. Froggatt's lawyer Bill Potts argued...

Spent convictions: how long does a criminal conviction last in Queensland?

Locals can get involved with the sentencing process in a Gold Coast event as judge for a day

Bill Potts Comments On Baden-Clay Conviction Downgrade

Man Jailed For Unprovoked Attack Over Note On Door

Police on jail duty: Prison overflow

Gold Coast’s best cop fined for drink-driving

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