Legal Insights & Defence Guidance from Our Blog

14 November

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Character References: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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 Fraud Dishonesty Theft 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 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 Drug Offences

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 Drug Offences

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 Legal Advice

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 Personal Injury Claims

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 Personal Injury Claims

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 Weapons Offences

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 Sexual Offences

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,...

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

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

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