Criminal Defence

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.

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.

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.

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.