Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

11 July

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Expansion of Court and Police Powers in Relation to Public Safety

The amendments passed by the Queensland Parliament in the Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Qld) relating to the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1982 (Qld) have now commenced, increasing police powers and expanding the types of orders that the courts can make. This article will cover 3 types of orders. We note that each order is subject to its own separate rules, hence if you are subject to another type of an order not covered, you should contact our lawyers as the procedures you should follow could differ substantially. Public Safety Orders Public safety orders are orders which prohibit a person or group from...

08 June

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Potts Lawyers Awarded as a Leading Criminal Law Firm

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

Potts Lawyers Awarded as a Leading Criminal Law Firm by Doyle’s Guide 2016. Managing director, Rob Franklin is pleased to announce that Potts Lawyers has again been recognised by the prestigious Doyle’s Guide as a “first tier” leading criminal law firm in Queensland. Members of our team have been recognised variously as leading and recommended lawyers in their field. It is heartening to see that amongst the total of 26 criminal lawyers listed for Queensland, more than a quarter have spent several years working in our criminal law practice. The Doyle’s Guide recognises top Queensland Criminal Lawyers who have been identified by clients and peers for their expertise...

27 April

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Cancellation of visas for those who commit crimes in Australia

Posted by Cameron Browne

in Migration Law

Non-citizens: Can I remain in Australia if I have a criminal conviction? For non-citizens, including permanent residents and special category visa holders (New Zealanders), having a criminal conviction may lead to deportation or involuntary removal from Australia. A criminal conviction (even if no conviction is recorded) may also affect those on work or travel visas. What is the “character test”? Section 501(3A) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) states that the Minister must cancel a visa that has been granted to a person if the person does not pass the “character test”. A person will fail the character test if: the person has a “substantial criminal record”...

11 January

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Potts says new anti-bikie laws are a step forward – but not without problems

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

The Queensland Law Society has applauded the Palaszczuk Labor Government for dispatching the LNP’s flawed and unworkable VLAD anti-bikie laws to the dustbin of history. However, Society president Bill Potts said the new Serious and Organised Crime Legislation Amendment Bill had its own inherent shortcomings and problems – but was a marked step forward from the previous legislation. “QLS is delighted the government has repealed the Newman LNP Government’s controversial Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Association Act – which was the subject of considerable criticism among the legal profession,” he said. “The Society has always strongly advocated for evidence-based legislation and policy. “We have always...

11 January

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Appointment of Queenslander as nation’s first female High Court Chief Justice a worthy and inspired choice

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

Queensland Law Society has praised the Federal Government for its appointment of esteemed jurist Susan Kiefel as the nation’s first female High Court Chief Justice. President Bill Potts said the appointment was a just and warranted recognition for the tireless leadership and contribution Justice Kiefel had made to the judiciary since her appointment to Queensland’s Supreme Court in 1993. “Justice Kiefel’s appointment is most welcome and the decision to appoint her is probably the easiest one Prime Minister Turnbull will have to make during his tenure; Her Honour is clearly the best person for the job,” Mr Potts said. “She is not only...

11 December

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Bill Potts Comments On Baden-Clay Conviction Downgrade

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

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

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Assaults And Violence Offences

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...

29 August

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Bill Potts Appears for Boys Charged With Theft of SeaWorld Penguin

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

Bill Potts appears in the Southport Magistrates Court for 2 men charged with stealing Dirk the Penguin from SeaWorld.

22 August

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Lawyer Casts Doubt Over Police Killers Crackdown

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Firm news

ABC online A Gold Coast criminal defence lawyer has questioned the effectiveness of introducing tougher penalties for killing police officers. Queensland Parliament last week passed new laws, which will increase the non-parole period for murder from 15 to 20 years. Anyone who reoffends or kills a police officer would face a lengthier jail term. Solicitor Bill Potts says the laws appear to be an emotional response to the death of Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding last year. “Adding five years to a non-parole period for the killing of a police officer is simply going to have no effect by way of deterring people but appears...

09 August

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Moves to Drug Test Students

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Administrative Law

PARENTS on the Fraser Coast might face the prospect of their kids undergoing random drug tests in the future if moves by The Southport School on the Gold Coast to test their students are successful. Prominent criminal defence lawyer Bill Potts said the whole area was a potential legal minefield. “There’s a real fear the school authorities have not thought this through,” he said. “If the school finds evidence of drugs in a student’s system, does the school notify the police? “Does it then become an arm of the police and if it does not report the student to police, is the school thus...

Expansion of Court and Police Powers in Relation to Public Safety

Potts Lawyers Awarded as a Leading Criminal Law Firm

Cancellation of visas for those who commit crimes in Australia

Potts says new anti-bikie laws are a step forward – but not without problems

Appointment of Queenslander as nation’s first female High Court Chief Justice a worthy and inspired choice

Bill Potts Comments On Baden-Clay Conviction Downgrade

Man Jailed For Unprovoked Attack Over Note On Door

Bill Potts Appears for Boys Charged With Theft of SeaWorld Penguin

Lawyer Casts Doubt Over Police Killers Crackdown

Moves to Drug Test Students

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