Criminal Defence

The law in Queensland regarding consent to sexual activity has been substantially amended. The new laws are already in effect and came into place on 23 September 2024. The key changes as they relate to sexual offences are discussed in this article.

A criminal conviction can have lasting impacts on your life, affecting employment, travel, and personal reputation. However, Queensland law recognises that people can rehabilitate and move on from past mistakes. The concept of a "spent conviction" allows certain convictions to be removed from your formal criminal record after a set period, providing a fresh start for eligible individuals.

Parents and guardians often wonder at what age they can responsibly leave their children alone. While the criminal law in Queensland doesn’t assist with what might be regarded as responsible parenting, it does set some limits about when a child can be legally left alone.

The criminal offence of choking was introduced into Queensland law in 2016, following a recommendation of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence. The offence is limited in its application to only apply in respect of domestic relationships.