Articles

Mobile phone use while driving – Queensland charges and penalties

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

27 April 2020

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.

Criminal court sentencing hearings during COVID-19

COVID-19 and the impact on criminal court sentencing

16 April 2020

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.

What’s happening with bail applications during COVID-19?

COVID-19 and the impact on bail applications

13 April 2020

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.

Court operations during COVID-19 in Queensland

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

06 April 2020

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.

What does the Queensland Home Confinement Direction specify?

COVID-19 and Home Confinement Direction Queensland

02 April 2020

On 29 March 2020, the chief health officer issued the ‘home confinement direction’ – the most restrictive direction so far. So what does it involve?

What is fraud?

23 March 2020

Fraud is the criminal offence of intentionally deceiving someone in order to gain an advantage or benefit (or to cause someone else a disadvantage or loss).

Managing mental health during criminal law proceedings

Your mental health during criminal law proceedings

09 March 2020

Your mental health will often suffer if you're charged with a criminal offence or if you’re involved in criminal law proceedings. Seeking professional assistance can be very beneficial. Ask us why and how.

Can I get a blue card with a criminal record?

24 February 2020

A blue card is the colloquial name for a ‘positive notice’ issued by Blue Card Services, which allows you to work with children. If you have a criminal record, your application for a blue card is not necessarily futile, but may be more complex.

Peace and Good Behaviour Orders in Queensland

11 February 2020

If a person is threatening someone else or their property, the threatened person may have a basis to ask the court to take action to protect them from the threatening behaviour. The threatened person can make an application for Peace and Good Behaviour Orders.