Articles

Category: Traffic Matters


What is a character witness?

Character witnesses – providing character evidence at trial

When a person charged with a criminal offence seeks to rely upon character evidence, it usually falls into one of two categories. In this article, we look at the form of evidence that someone charged with an offence may rely upon at trial in the defence of the allegations.
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What is legal professional privilege?

Legal Professional Privilege

Legal professional privilege describes the protection from disclosure extended to communications (written or oral) made in the course of obtaining legal advice or for contemplated or actual legal proceedings.
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Mobile phone use while driving – Queensland charges and penalties

Increased penalties for using a mobile phone while driving (Queensland)

As of 1 February 2020, Queensland motorists now face significantly harsher penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving. Those penalties can result in costly fines, double demerit points and in some cases, the loss of your licence.
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Criminal court sentencing hearings during COVID-19

COVID-19 and the impact on criminal court sentencing

Procedures and decisions related to sentencing hearings, particularly where defendants are likely to receive a custodial sentence, have seen significant change in light of coronavirus.
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What’s happening with bail applications during COVID-19?

COVID-19 and the impact on bail applications

Applications for bail are usually required where the police have objected to a defendant being granted bail. The current COVID-19 pandemic has seen a change in the way Queensland courts (and indeed courts across the nation and internationally) are addressing bail applications.
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Court operations during COVID-19 in Queensland

COVID-19 and the operation of the criminal law courts in Queensland

The work of courts in Queensland has changed rapidly to adapt to the need to reduce physical contact and contain the spread of COVID-19. Physical attendance is being minimised through re-organising the court calendar and using technology to conduct court hearings remotely.
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How do I apply to remove a licence disqualification?

Application to remove driver’s licence disqualification

If your driver's licence is disqualified for more than two years, then after you have served a minimum of two years of the disqualification period, you can apply to the court to remove the disqualification.
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