Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

23 April

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I have been caught drink or drug driving. Why do I need a lawyer?

You may benefit substantially from engaging a traffic lawyer if you have been charged with drink or drug driving, even if you intend to plead guilty to the charge. Answering these charges may be your first experience in court, whereas our criminal lawyers have been appearing on behalf of clients on a daily basis for years. We know what submissions to make to the sentencing magistrate in order for you to have the best chances of receiving a relatively low penalty in your circumstances. Magistrates in Queensland are provided with a range of penalties they can impose. We can advise you on...

16 April

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What happens to my matter if the law changes after I have been charged?

Posted by Shelby Smith

in Criminal Law

One of the most challenging aspects of the law is that it changes every day. Changes occur in two ways: New legislation is handed down by Parliament; Courts change the way that the law is interpreted or applied. If there is a change to the law whilst your matter is underway, it can affect the way in which your matter proceeds. It is important to be aware of these changes and the impact they will have on you. This is particularly important in criminal law matters because these changes can affect the outcome of your case. Changes to the law can be divided into...

16 April

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Can criminal charges affect my sporting career?

Posted by Craig DoRozario

in Criminal Law

Introduction In addition to penalties imposed at sentencing, a criminal charge can have a substantial impact on your life. Sometimes, simply being charged with a criminal offence could have you disciplined by your club or the sporting body you are affiliated with. As Queensland’s largest private criminal defence firm, Potts Lawyers are entrusted by amateur and elite athletes to protect their interests not only on the criminal front, but also to ensure minimal impact to their careers. We understand that athletes are given an exemplary amount of media attention, but you won’t find our lawyers going out of their way to jump in...

06 April

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Increased Police Powers During Commonwealth Games: How They Will Affect Your Rights

Posted by Cameron Browne

in Administrative Law

Increased Police Powers during Commonwealth Games: How they will affect your rights During the Commonwealth Games period, police across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns are afforded extended powers for the purpose of ensuring public safety. However, as acknowledged by the Queensland Law Society and the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, these extended powers can also have negative impacts on residents of Queensland and visitors to the state. Duration The extended powers apply between 10 March 2018 and 18 April 2018. Some locations may have the extended powers applying for a shorter time during this period. Protective Security Zones (PSZs) The extended powers apply in...

03 April

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Commonwealth Games: What You Should Know From A Criminal Law Perspective

Posted by Shelby Smith

in Criminal Law

Article written by Shelby Smith The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will run from the 4th of April 2018 to the 15th of April 2018. If you are attending the Commonwealth Games, it will be important to take care and act appropriately. Gold Coast residents should also be aware of this information, as the Commonwealth Games will affect the entire Gold Coast community. Increased Police Presence on the Gold Coast Firstly, you should expect an increased police presence before, during and immediately after the Commonwealth Games. This increased police presence may mean an increase in police charges. It is important to be aware of this and act accordingly....

10 January

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I am an architect or aspiring architect convicted of a criminal offence. What are the consequences and do I have to disclose this?

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Disciplinary Law

Who does this apply to? In Queensland, architects are subject to the Architects Act 2002 (Qld). Architects practicing outside Queensland are not subject to this legislation; however similar legislation may exist in other states and territories. We are also able to assist interstate architects; however this article is solely for those practicing, or seeking to practice in Queensland. Am I eligible to register as an architect? Do I need to disclose my charges or convictions? The Board of Architects of Queensland must be satisfied you are fit to practice as an architect prior to accepting the registration. In determining fitness, the Board may have...

10 January

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What are the consequences of a criminal charge or conviction on a teacher or aspiring teacher?

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Disciplinary Law

Who does this apply to? This article applies to all existing and aspiring teachers in Queensland. Registration to the Queensland College of Teachers is mandatory and regulated by the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 (Qld) (“the Act”). The law in other jurisdictions in Australia may differ, and hence this article is applicable only to those within Queensland. If you are interstate, we are still able to assist you, and have experience in a variety of jurisdictions. We encourage you to contact our office. If you are an early childhood teacher, registration with the College of Teachers may not be compulsory for...

10 January

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

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law

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 are taking...

10 January

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What does ‘no conviction recorded’ really mean in Queensland?

Posted by Cameron Browne

in Criminal Law

Article by Cameron Browne Having a criminal conviction on your record can have a prolonged and profound impact on your life that extends far beyond the punishment imposed by a court during a sentence. It can, in some circumstances, be used adversely against you in terms of employment, travel, loans, rental applications, and more. In some cases, it may not matter what the offence was, and having any criminal history whatsoever could result in an automatic denial or potential loss of opportunity. For this reason, it is in your best interests that you seek a conviction not be recorded, even if you...

30 October

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I am an engineer or aspiring engineer charged with a criminal offence. What are the consequences and do I have to disclose this?

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Disciplinary Law

Who does this apply to? In Queensland, engineers who practise in virtually every area of engineering are subject to the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld). Engineers practising outside Queensland are not subject to this legislation; however similar legislation may exist in other states and territories. We are also able to assist interstate engineers; however this article is solely for those practising in Queensland. Am I eligible to register as a professional engineer? Do I need to disclose my charges or convictions? The Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland must be satisfied you are fit to practise as a registered professional engineer prior to accepting...

I have been caught drink or drug driving. Why do I need a lawyer?

What happens to my matter if the law changes after I have been charged?

Can criminal charges affect my sporting career?

Increased Police Powers During Commonwealth Games: How They Will Affect Your Rights

Commonwealth Games: What You Should Know From A Criminal Law Perspective

I am an architect or aspiring architect convicted of a criminal offence. What are the consequences and do I have to disclose this?

What are the consequences of a criminal charge or conviction on a teacher or aspiring teacher?

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

What does ‘no conviction recorded’ really mean in Queensland?

I am an engineer or aspiring engineer charged with a criminal offence. What are the consequences and do I have to disclose this?

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