Criminal Law
Within Queensland jurisdiction, our criminal law team provides robust representation for clients facing criminal charges under Queensland legislation. We offer honest, upfront advice about your options and work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in Queensland courts. From traffic offences to serious criminal matters, we stand by you.
Facing criminal charges in Queensland can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Our team provides clear, straightforward advice about your legal position under Queensland law and the likely outcomes within the Queensland court system. We ensure you understand every step of the process under Queensland jurisdiction and what to expect at each stage.
Contact UsOur Criminal Law Services
- Traffic offences and DUI representation
- Assault and violent offence charges
- Drug offence defence and advice
- Fraud and white-collar crime defence
- Theft and property offence defence
- Domestic violence order representation
- Bail applications and variations
- Criminal appeals and sentence review
- Juvenile crime representation
- Criminal record expungement applications
- AVO and apprehended violence orders
- Summons and court attendance notices
- Police interviews and investigations
- Mental health and diversionary programs
Criminal Law FAQs (Queensland Law)
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Brisbane?
Criminal lawyer costs in Brisbane vary depending on the seriousness of the charge and the court jurisdiction. Simple traffic matters may be handled from $500, while complex indictable offences can cost several thousand dollars. We provide clear fee estimates upfront.
What should I do if I am arrested in Queensland?
If you are arrested in Queensland, you have the right to remain silent and the right to contact a lawyer. Do not answer questions or provide a record of interview without your solicitor present. Contact Enlight Lawyers immediately for urgent legal assistance.
Can I get a criminal record expunged in Queensland?
Yes, in some circumstances. Queensland has laws allowing for the expungement of certain historical convictions, including for consensual same-sex activity (now decriminalised). Spent convictions legislation also means some offences do not need to be disclosed after a period of time.
Related Practice Areas
Traffic Offences & DUI
Queensland has some of the strictest traffic laws in Australia, and penalties for traffic offences can be severe, including substantial fines, licence disqualification, and even imprisonment. Our team has extensive experience representing clients charged with traffic offences across Queensland courts, from the Magistrates Court to the District Court. We provide clear, strategic advice on all aspects of traffic law, including drink driving offences under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld), drug driving, dangerous driving, careless driving, and driving without a licence. We also assist clients with licence reinstatement applications, work licences, special hardship orders, and appeals against licence disqualification. Understanding your legal options is crucial when facing traffic charges. The consequences of a conviction can extend beyond fines and disqualification, potentially affecting your employment, insurance, and travel opportunities. We work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiating reduced charges, contesting the matter in court, or advocating for alternative penalties that minimise the impact on your life. Our team understands the technical complexities of breath analysis procedures, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, and evidentiary issues that can arise in traffic matters.
View ServicesDrug Offences
Drug offences in Queensland are governed primarily by the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), one of the strictest drug laws in Australia. Penalties range from fines and diversion programs for minor possession to life imprisonment for serious trafficking and production offences. Our criminal law team provides robust representation for clients facing all types of drug charges in Queensland courts, from simple possession to complex commercial trafficking and production matters. We understand that drug charges often arise from vulnerable circumstances, including addiction, financial pressure, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our approach is both strategic and compassionate, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for your individual circumstances. We explore all available options, including diversion programs for first-time offenders, mental health treatment pathways, and submissions for reduced sentences. For more serious charges, we conduct thorough reviews of the evidence, including the legality of search warrants, police powers, and laboratory testing procedures. Any breach of your rights can form the basis of an application to exclude evidence or have charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
View ServicesAssault & Violent Offences
Violent offences are treated seriously by Queensland courts, and convictions can carry substantial penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment. Our criminal law team provides vigorous representation for clients facing assault and violent offence charges across all Queensland courts. We understand that such charges often arise from complex circumstances, including self-defence, provocation, or excessive force by police, and every case requires careful analysis of the facts and evidence. Queensland law distinguishes between several categories of assault, each carrying different maximum penalties. Common assault under section 335 of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) carries a maximum of three years imprisonment. Assault occasioning bodily harm (AOBH) under section 339 carries up to seven years. Grievous bodily harm (GBH) under section 320 carries up to 14 years, or life if the offender is convicted of causing GBH with intent. Other violent offences include affray, robbery, and assault with intent to commit an indictable offence. We carefully examine the prosecution's evidence, including witness statements, CCTV footage, medical reports, and police accounts, to identify weaknesses and inconsistencies.
View ServicesFraud & White-Collar Crime
Fraud and white-collar crime offences in Queensland are governed by a complex framework of state and Commonwealth legislation, including the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). These offences carry severe penalties, including significant terms of imprisonment, substantial financial penalties, and collateral consequences for professional licences, directorships, and employment. Our team represents individuals and corporations facing fraud and white-collar crime investigations and prosecutions. Fraud under Queensland law is broadly defined by section 408C of the Criminal Code, covering false accounting, cheque fraud, credit card fraud, computer fraud, and benefit fraud. Maximum penalties range up to 12 years imprisonment for serious fraud. Commonwealth offences, including tax evasion, social security fraud, and insider trading, are prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP). Director liability matters under the Corporations Act are particularly complex, with ASIC investigations often running alongside criminal proceedings.
View ServicesBail Applications
When you are charged with a criminal offence in Queensland, the Bail Act 1980 (Qld) governs whether you will be released from custody pending the finalisation of your matter. Being held in custody can have devastating consequences—loss of employment, disruption to family life, difficulty preparing your defence, and, in many cases, a longer ultimate sentence than if you had been granted bail. Our team has extensive experience preparing and arguing bail applications in all Queensland courts, from the Magistrates Court to the Supreme Court of Queensland. The Bail Act divides offences into two categories for bail purposes. For most offences, there is a presumption in favour of bail, and the prosecution must show cause why your detention is justified. For certain serious offences—including murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and certain sexual offences—you must demonstrate that exceptional circumstances exist to justify bail. Understanding which category applies to your case is the first step in developing a successful bail strategy. We also represent clients in bail variation applications and breach of bail proceedings.
View ServicesDomestic Violence Orders
Domestic and family violence is taken extremely seriously by Queensland courts and the Queensland Police Service. The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) provides the legislative framework for protection orders, known as domestic violence orders (DVOs) in Queensland. Our team provides comprehensive advice and representation for both respondents and applicants in domestic violence proceedings across all Queensland courts, including the Magistrates Court and the Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Court. Domestic violence under the Act extends far beyond physical violence. It includes emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, social abuse, stalking, coercion, and controlling behaviour. The definition is intentionally broad to capture the full range of abusive behaviours in domestic relationships. A DVO can impose significant restrictions on your movements, communications, and lifestyle. For respondents, an order may prohibit contacting the aggrieved, attending their home or workplace, approaching within a specified distance, and possessing weapons. Breach of a DVO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum of three years imprisonment.
View ServicesLast updated: July 2026
Our Approach to Criminal Law
We take a thorough, strategic approach to criminal defence. Every case is carefully analysed to identify the strongest defence strategy. We aim to achieve the best possible resolution, whether through negotiation with prosecutors, representation at trial, or advocacy during sentencing.
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