Articles

Category: Criminal Defence


NDIS fraud – investigations and penalties

NDIS fraud – investigations and penalties

The NDIS Commission uses a range of compliance and enforcement tools to prevent and address breaches of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, including NDIS fraud and other non-compliance activities.
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Weapons licensing show cause requests

Weapons licensing show cause requests

When further information is required to adequately determine a weapon’s licence application, it is ordinarily sought in the form of a show cause notice which is emailed to the applicant and identifies the further information requested by the authorised officer.
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Assault occasioning bodily harm explained

Assault occasioning bodily harm explained

Assault occasioning bodily harm is a very common offence of violence, and falls within the broad category of assault offences. It is a more serious offence than common assault, but less serious than grievous bodily harm.
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Australia’s reformed foreign bribery laws commenced September 2024

Australia’s reformed foreign bribery laws to commence September 2024

On 29 February 2024, in line with Australia’s commitment as a member of the OECD Convention on Combatting Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transitions, the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Combatting Foreign Bribery) Bill 2024 passed both houses of Parliament. The changes will commence in September 2024.
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Unlicensed driving in Queensland

Unlicensed driving in Queensland

To drive a motor vehicle on a road in Queensland, a driver must hold a valid licence. If a driver is intercepted by police and does not hold a valid driver licence, they could be charged with an offence of driving unlicensed.
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Your rights when police come to your home

Your rights when police come to your home

An unexpected visit from the police, asking questions or saying they have a search warrant to go through your house, is a very confronting event. If you find yourself in this position, it is important you are aware of the extent of police powers, and your rights in responding to them.
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A guide to applying for parole in Queensland

A guide to applying for parole in Queensland

When a defendant is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, they will typically be released at some time during their jail sentence on parole. This article looks at the process of applying for parole and how the Parole Board determines that application.
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Car stealing and unlawful use or possession of motor vehicles

Car stealing and unlawful use or possession of motor vehicles

With the “youth crime” crisis being a hot topic of public debate at the moment, the offence of car stealing is never far from the media spotlight. Stories of victim’s cars being stolen - often accompanied by home security footage showing the offenders in the act - feature regularly on the nightly news bulletins.
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Case reviews on costs decisions in criminal law summary matters

Recent costs decisions in criminal law summary matters

A defendant who successfully defends charges in the Magistrates Court is not automatically entitled to costs but they can usually apply for the reimbursement of some of their legal costs. Two recent District Court appeal cases in Queensland have provided useful guidance on the recovery of costs in such matters.
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Identity of sexual offences defendants can be published in the media in Queensland

Sex offences and the publication of the defendant’s identity: important legislative changes in Queensland

As of 3 October 2023, persons accused of, and charged with sexual offences including rape, attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape, and sexual assault, can have their identity published by the media.
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Changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act August 2023

Changes to the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act August 2023

On 1 August 2023, significant changes were made to domestic and family violence protection laws in Queensland in response to the Hear Her Voice recommendations. Amongst other changes, the amendments import “a pattern of behaviour” into the definition of domestic violence, to encompass behaviour that occurs over a period of time or via a series of acts.
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Your rights during a police interview in Queensland

Your rights during a police interview in Queensland

A police interview is often the start of a criminal matter and can make or break a case. If you do participate in a police interview, regardless of whether it occurs in a formal or informal setting, it is important to know that it can later be used as evidence against you in Court.
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