Perjury is the criminal offence of deliberately providing false information under oath about an important matter in a legal hearing. In basic terms, it is the act of lying in court.
In Queensland, if you are a victim of a criminal offence, you can commence a private prosecution yourself rather than the state prosecuting. Find out how.
If facing criminal proceedings, it’s important to be aware of how sentencing may work for your circumstances, if you plead guilty or if you are convicted.
In Queensland, it is a criminal offence to unlawfully possess a dangerous drug. Penalties can range from good behaviour bonds and probation through to imprisonment.
Child pornography is referred to in the law as “child exploitation material”. Although a substantial amount of child pornography offences involve a real child, charges can also be laid where no real child is involved.
A criminal record is the formal report that you have been convicted of an offence, either by pleading guilty or having been found guilty. A list of your previous convictions is kept by the Police service and constitutes your criminal history.
A person convicted of a criminal offence in the Queensland Magistrates Court has a right to appeal the court decision. There is no requirement to seek 'leave' or 'permission'.
Under Queensland law, the police can execute a search warrant upon private premises in circumstances where they have reasonable grounds to suspect that they will locate evidence of a criminal offence.
Providing your lawyer and the court with evidence of your otherwise good character can be crucial in criminal law sentencing proceedings. Significant weight can be placed on a character reference for court when determining the appropriate penalty to be imposed.
During criminal law proceedings, a restorative justice conference may be deemed appropriate, in order to provide the complainant an opportunity to tell their story and the defendant an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions.