Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

20 January

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Serious Assault Queensland | Penalties, Defences and Courts

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...

08 January

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Daniel’s Law in Queensland: What Reportable Offenders Need to Know

Posted by Adam Veneran

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

In August 2025, the Crisafulli Government introduced Daniel’s Law Queensland, creating the state’s first public child sex offender register and significantly changing how reportable offenders are monitored and disclosed. Named in memory of Daniel Morcombe, the legislation amends the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 and introduces a new three-tier public disclosure system for reportable offenders. For anyone currently subject to reporting obligations, or who may become subject to them in the future, Daniel’s Law Queensland represents a major shift. It expands police powers, increases the circumstances in which personal information may be disclosed to the public,...

20 November

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Solicitor vs Barrister: Understanding Criminal Defence Roles in Queensland

Posted by Adam Veneran

in Criminal Law & Offences

If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Queensland, you may hear terms like solicitor, barrister, or counsel. It’s common to feel unsure about who does what. Both solicitors and barristers play essential roles in the Queensland criminal justice system, but their responsibilities differ significantly. Understanding these differences helps you know how your criminal defence team operates and when it may be necessary to engage both a solicitor and a barrister. This article explains: The difference between a criminal solicitor and a barrister in Queensland When you might need to brief a barrister Practical examples of how both roles work...

14 November

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Character References: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted by Potts Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences

If you intend to plead guilty to a criminal charge, your lawyer may suggest you gather character references to provide to the judge or magistrate before sentencing. But not all character references are created equal. Some can help your case, while others might do more harm than good. Here's what to consider. Authenticity Matters The key to a strong character reference is authenticity. Judges and magistrates read hundreds of references every year. It doesn't take them long to spot when someone is simply telling the court what they think it wants to hear. The best character references are honest and don’t shy away from the truth....

10 November

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Robbery and Burglary in Queensland

Posted by Jack Bendall

in Criminal Law & Offences

If you’ve been charged with or are under investigation for robbery or burglary in Queensland, it's important to understand what these offences involve, the differences between them, and the legal process that follows. This article explains both offences, the potential penalties, and what courts deal with these matters. What Is Robbery? Robbery is a theft offence that involves actual violence or the threat of violence. Under Queensland law, a person commits robbery if they: Steal something, and at or immediately before or after the time of stealing, use or threaten to use actual violence to any person or property in order to obtain the...

26 September

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The Initial Impact of a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) Application in Queensland

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Criminal Law & Offences, Domestic Violence

A Step-by-Step Guide for Respondents Being named as the Respondent in a domestic violence order (DVO) application in Queensland may be overwhelming. Confusion, anger, fear and anxiety are all common reactions. You may be wondering: What is a DVO? Who made the application? Why do I have to go to court? What does the paperwork mean? What are my rights and obligations? Most importantly, what should I do next? Even if you disagree with the allegations or intend to contest the application, it is essential to take the process seriously. Domestic violence matters can progress quickly, and once served, you therefore may already...

23 September

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New Queensland Tobacco and Vaping Laws: What You Need to Know

Posted by Mark Williams

in Criminal Law & Offences, General Law News

In a significant step to improve public health and reduce the availability of harmful products, the Queensland Government has enacted wide-ranging changes to tobacco and vaping laws through the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2025. Accordingly, these new Queensland tobacco and vaping laws now target the supply, possession, and promotion of illicit tobacco, vaping products, and nicotine pouches, strengthening enforcement and increasing penalties for non-compliance. Why These Changes Were Introduced Despite existing laws, the illegal sale and use of tobacco and vaping products remained widespread due to high profit margins for retailers. The rising popularity of nicotine pouches—particularly...

15 September

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Drug Trafficking in Queensland | Key Offences, Courts & Penalties

Posted by Jack Bendall

in Criminal Law & Offences, Uncategorised

Drug Trafficking Charges in Queensland: What You Need to Know Our office regularly receives enquiries from individuals who have been charged with, or are under investigation for, drug trafficking offences in Queensland. This article provides a high-level overview of: The offence of drug trafficking in Queensland; What constitutes a "dangerous drug"; How the police prove drug trafficking; Which courts deal with these matters; Common forms of evidence; and The potential penalties upon conviction. Note: This article applies specifically to Queensland law and does not cover Commonwealth offences such as trafficking controlled drugs under federal legislation. What Is a Dangerous Drug? “Dangerous drugs” are listed in...

17 July

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How Should I Dress for Court? Essential Guide for Court Appearance

Posted by Billy Gee

in General Law News

If you have a court appearance coming up, one of the most important questions you might ask is: how should I dress for court? While the courts are impartial to superficial details like clothing, your attire can influence how the judge, magistrate, or jury perceives your attitude towards the legal process. Presenting yourself respectfully can help demonstrate that you take the court proceedings seriously. This article provides clear, practical advice on how to dress for court, whether you are attending for a criminal case, traffic offence, or civil matter. Following these guidelines can help you make a positive impression during your...

Serious Assault Queensland | Penalties, Defences and Courts

Can I Change the Conditions of My Bail in Queensland?

Daniel’s Law in Queensland: What Reportable Offenders Need to Know

Solicitor vs Barrister: Understanding Criminal Defence Roles in Queensland

Character References: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Robbery and Burglary in Queensland

The Initial Impact of a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) Application in Queensland

New Queensland Tobacco and Vaping Laws: What You Need to Know

Drug Trafficking in Queensland | Key Offences, Courts & Penalties

How Should I Dress for Court? Essential Guide for Court Appearance

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