Articles
Category: Criminal Defence
The criminal defence of provocation in Queensland
Provocation is a legal concept that recognises that sometimes people react in the heat of the moment to serious insults or wrongful acts like assaults and other offences of violence. In Queensland, provocation can be a complete defence to assault and a partial defence to murder.
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Police Protection Directions changes to DV laws Queensland from January 2026
The landscape regarding domestic violence law in Queensland changes again. As of 1 January 2026, new laws empower police to issue ‘on-the-spot’ domestic violence protection orders, called Police Protection Directions.
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Queensland’s new sexual consent laws – effective from September 2024
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.
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Understanding spent convictions in Queensland
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.
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The criminal offence of leaving your child unattended
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.
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The criminal offence of “choking, suffocation or strangulation”
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.
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Major changes to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime from 2026
From 2026, major reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will come into effect, expanding obligations and enforcement powers.
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Changes to Queensland’s prostitution legislation from August 2024
Changes to Queensland’s prostitution laws to decriminalise sex work were passed by Parliament on 2 May 2024. Broadly, the changes establish a legal framework decriminalising the sex work industry in Queensland.
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Understanding Workcover fraud offences in Queensland
In Queensland, workers’ compensation laws and regulations contain various provisions which are designed to protect the compensation and rehabilitation scheme against misuse and fraudulent claims. Misuse or fraudulent claims against the workers’ compensation and rehabilitation system carries severe penalties.
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Alcohol ignition interlocks after drink driving convictions
If you are convicted of a relevant drink driving offence, you will have to complete the interlock program and have an alcohol ignition interlock fitted to your nominated vehicle upon getting your licence back.
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Understanding adult cautions by police in Queensland
In Queensland, adult cautions by police serve as a mechanism for handling low-level offences with a focus on rehabilitation. It provides a fair and efficient way of managing minor criminal offences as an alternative to formal court proceedings.
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Industrial manslaughter in Queensland
Industrial manslaughter occurs when an individual (worker or other person) dies at work due to negligence by a business or its senior officer. It is a criminal offence.
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