Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

15 September

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Drug Trafficking in Queensland | Key Offences, Courts & Penalties

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...

04 March

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Personal Injury Claim: What to Do When Served with a Notice

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in Litigation

What To Do When Served with a Notice of Claim Form It is important you contact a lawyer as soon as you are served with a personal injury claim, as time limitations apply and they can impact your defence as well as your financial interests. Notice of Claim Form Generally, you will be personally served with a letter from a law firm attaching a lengthy document. The front page of that document will likely be headed ‘Form 1’ and state it is a ‘Notice of Claim’ under the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002 (Qld) (‘PIPA’). Sometimes the letter and claim form will arrive by...

18 February

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Why Lawyers in QLD Cannot Advertise Personal Injury Claims

Posted by Ashleigh DoRozario

in Litigation

Did you know that lawyers and law firms in Queensland cannot advertise their services relating to making a personal injury claim? Despite the legislative restrictions, many lawyers and law firms ignore the limitations and advertise their personal injury services anyway. Not us though. While we do provide personal injury services, we understand our legislative and ethical obligations to refrain from advertising personal injury claims. In this article, we will explore why personal injury lawyers cannot advertise their claims services, how these restrictions aim to protect both clients and the integrity of the legal profession, and what clients can do if they need help...

23 January

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Addressing Youth Knife Crime in NSW: Legislative Responses Following the Westfield Bondi Junction Incident

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, New South Wales

On April 13, 2024, a tragic event unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction when 40-year-old Joel Cauchi fatally stabbed six individuals and injured several others before being shot by police. This incident, among others, has intensified concerns regarding knife-related violence in New South Wales (NSW), particularly involving youth. In response, the NSW government has enacted legislative reforms aimed at curbing such crimes and enhancing public safety. This article examines the legislative changes, their context, and the potential penalties associated with knife-related offences. Legislative Reforms: Enhancing Police Search Powers In response to the rise in knife-related incidents, the NSW government amended the Law Enforcement (Powers...

22 January

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Comprehensive Guide to Sexual Consent Laws in New South Wales

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, New South Wales

Consent is the foundation of sexual offence laws in New South Wales (NSW), and aims to ensure that all sexual activities occur with the full and voluntary agreement of all parties. Recent reforms in NSW further clarify expectations around consent, highlighting the importance of explicit, ongoing communication and respect for autonomy. These updates, which came into effect in mid-2022 and continued with further refinement around early 2023, demonstrate a modern approach to consent, by parliament focusing on mutual respect, clear communication, and the need for active agreement. This article will explore NSW’s consent laws in detail, explaining what constitutes consent,...

20 January

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Section 82/84 Witness Hearing Applications

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, New South Wales

Requesting Cross-Examination in New South Wales Committal Hearings Under Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (CPA), defendants in New South Wales have the right to request that certain witnesses attend court to give oral evidence during committal proceedings. This right, though not absolute, exists to ensure that justice is served by allowing the defendant to scrutinise witness testimony before trial. In practice, this process is intended to guarantee that all parties gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the case, enabling a fair trial. Before a “Section 82 application” is made, the defence must first approach the prosecution, often by sending a...

18 January

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Police Powers and Public Accountability: Balancing Authority and Civil Liberties in NSW

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, New South Wales

The powers granted to police officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. However, discussions surrounding the extent of police authority, particularly concerning search procedures, have highlighted the ongoing need to balance effective law enforcement with the protection of civil liberties. In New South Wales (NSW), recent debates and legal developments have focused on how police powers are exercised, the safeguards in place to ensure accountability, and the implications for both the public and law enforcement. Police Search Powers Under NSW Law The Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA) provides the legal framework for police powers in NSW,...

15 January

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Crime and Cross-Border Operations: Strengthening Australia’s Borders

Posted by Potts-Lawyers

in Criminal Law & Offences, New South Wales

Organised crime groups often take advantage of state borders to carry out illegal activities, making things more difficult for law enforcement. To tackle this, Queensland is attempting to meeting this head-on by ex-Qld Police Union President Ian Leavers as Queensland’s first-ever Cross-Border Commissioner. This role was established to address the unique challenges faced by communities along Queensland’s borders, particularly concerning cross-border crime. This includes the borders of New South Wales and Northern Territory. Types of Cross-Border Offences Cross-border offences encompass a range of illegal activities that transcend state or national boundaries. Common examples include: Drug Trafficking: The transportation and distribution of illicit substances...

07 January

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Licence Disqualifications: Getting Back on the Road Sooner

Posted by Sabine Keenan

in Traffic Law

Have you been disqualified from holding or obtaining a Queensland driver's licence? Are you suffering extreme hardship as a result of your disqualification? Well, depending on the amount of time you have already spent off the road, and the type of hardship you are suffering, you may be able to apply to the courts to have your disqualification period reduced or removed entirely. Licence Disqualifications, Suspensions and Cancellations – What’s the Difference? If you have lost your licence, it may not be immediately clear why you have, and which government body (Transport, the Police or the Court) is, or will be, imposing...

Drug Trafficking in Queensland | Key Offences, Courts & Penalties

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

Personal Injury Claim: What to Do When Served with a Notice

Why Lawyers in QLD Cannot Advertise Personal Injury Claims

Addressing Youth Knife Crime in NSW: Legislative Responses Following the Westfield Bondi Junction Incident

Comprehensive Guide to Sexual Consent Laws in New South Wales

Section 82/84 Witness Hearing Applications

Police Powers and Public Accountability: Balancing Authority and Civil Liberties in NSW

Crime and Cross-Border Operations: Strengthening Australia’s Borders

Licence Disqualifications: Getting Back on the Road Sooner

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