Brisbane Criminal Lawyers

Being charged with an assault or violence offence is a serious matter that demands immediate legal attention. These charges can lead to significant penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and long-term impacts on your reputation and employment.

At Hannay Lawyers, our Brisbane criminal lawyers have successfully represented many clients facing these charges — often achieving the best outcomes because they sought legal advice early. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

Understanding Assault Charges in Queensland

Assault charges in Queensland generally refer to intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm, or even causing someone to fear imminent harm. Under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), assault offences include:

• Common assault (section 335) – maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment
  Assault occasioning bodily harm (section 339) – maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment
• Grievous bodily harm (section 320) – maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, or life if committed with intent
• Assault with circumstances of aggravation – including domestic violence context, which can increase maximum penalties

Depending on the case, the charges may be dealt with in the Magistrates Court or escalated to the District or Supreme Court for more severe allegations.

Why You Need Brisbane Criminal Lawyers

Having experienced Brisbane criminal lawyers on your side is essential. Our skilled lawyers will assess the facts, review the evidence, and develop a strong defence strategy — whether that means challenging the allegations, negotiating lesser charges, or seeking to have the matter dismissed. We’ll also help you understand your options, possible penalties, and any available defences, such as self-defence under section 271, lack of intent, or mistaken identity.

Act Fast – Protect Your Future

The sooner you engage Brisbane criminal lawyers, the better your chances of achieving a positive outcome. At Hannay Lawyers, we know that quick, strategic legal action can dramatically change the direction of your case. If you’ve been charged — or believe you may be — contact us immediately. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get the right legal representation and take control of your situation today.

Been charged with fraud or under investigation in Queensland? You’re staring down a gruelling legal battle that can destroy your reputation, career, and freedom. This isn’t the time to wait—every moment matters.

Fraud investigations in Queensland rely on extensive police powers, and without experienced Brisbane criminal lawyers protecting your rights from day one, you risk saying or doing something that torpedoes your defence. People who hesitate almost always regret it.

What Are Fraud Charges in Queensland?

Under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), fraud involves dishonestly obtaining a benefit by deception. Common charges include:

• Fraud (section 408C) – dishonestly applying property or obtaining a benefit, carrying maximum penalties of 5 years imprisonment, or 14 years if the value exceeds prescribed amounts
• Identity theft – using another person’s details for gain
• Computer hacking and misuse (section 408D) – unauthorised access to computer systems
• Forgery and uttering (sections 488-489) – creating or using false documents
• Insurance fraud – false claims for payouts
• Obtaining financial advantage by deception (section 408C)

The prosecution must prove you intended to deceive and knowingly acted dishonestly. Maximum penalties reach 14 years’ imprisonment for serious fraud offences involving large amounts.

Why You Need Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Now

Fraud cases are complex. Police will comb through financial records, emails, and witness statements. Without Brisbane criminal lawyers who understand Queensland fraud law inside-out, you’re vulnerable during interviews, searches, and court proceedings.

Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers have defended clients across Queensland’s courts—from Brisbane Magistrates Court to the Queensland District and Supreme Courts. We scrutinise every piece of evidence, challenge unlawful investigations, and build defences that protect your future.

Charged with break and enter in Queensland? You’re facing a serious criminal offence that can lead to imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. Understanding the law—and getting expert Brisbane criminal lawyers on your side immediately—is critical to protecting your future.

What Is Break & Enter Under Queensland Law?

Under section 419 of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), entering or being in a dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence is a serious crime. Breaking and entering is defined under section 418, which states:

You’re guilty if the prosecution proves:

• You broke any part of a dwelling or premises—this includes opening doors, windows, shutters, or any entry point by unlocking, pulling, pushing, lifting, or any other means
• You entered the premises—even if only part of your body or an instrument crossed the threshold
• You obtained entrance by threat, artifice, or collusion, or entered through chimneys or other apertures not intended as ordinary entrances

Maximum penalties depend on the circumstances:

• Entering a dwelling with intent (section 419) – up to 14 years imprisonment
• Breaking and entering (section 421) – up to 7 years imprisonment, or 14 years if a dwelling
• Burglary (section 412) – entering premises at night with intent carries up to life imprisonment

Why Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Are Essential

Break and enter cases hinge on evidence collection, police searches, and witness statements. If police searches weren’t conducted lawfully under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld), or if your intent can’t be proven, your charges could be dismissed or downgraded.

Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers scrutinise every detail—from search warrant validity to forensic evidence—to build a defence that challenges the prosecution’s case. We’ve defended clients across Queensland’s courts, from Brisbane Magistrates Court to the District Court, securing reduced sentences and acquittals.

Don’t face break and enter charges alone. The stakes are too high. Contact our Brisbane criminal lawyers now for immediate advice from Queensland’s most trusted criminal defence team.

Charged with murder or manslaughter in Queensland? You’re facing the most serious criminal allegations in Australian law—charges that can result in life imprisonment and destroy everything you’ve built. This is not the time to hesitate. You need Brisbane criminal lawyers who specialise in homicide defence, and you need them now.

Understanding Murder vs Manslaughter in Queensland

Under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), murder (section 302) occurs when a person unlawfully kills another with intent to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, or during the commission of certain violent offences. The mandatory sentence is life imprisonment.

Manslaughter (section 303) is the unlawful killing of another person without the intent required for murder.

Common scenarios include:

• Voluntary manslaughter – killing under sudden provocation (section 304)
• Involuntary manslaughter – causing death through an unlawful act without intent to kill
• Manslaughter by criminal negligence – gross negligence that results in death

Maximum penalties for manslaughter reach life imprisonment, but sentences depend heavily on the facts and mitigating circumstances. Courts consider factors under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld) when determining appropriate sentences.

Why Expert Defence Matters

Homicide cases are evidence-intensive. Police will examine forensics, autopsy reports, witness statements, and digital records. The difference between a murder conviction and a manslaughter verdict—or even an acquittal—often hinges on proving lack of intent, self-defence under section 271, accident under section 23, or diminished responsibility.

Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers have defended clients in Queensland’s most serious homicide cases, from committal hearings in the Magistrates Court to trials in the Supreme Court and appellate proceedings. We work with forensic experts, reconstruct timelines, and challenge prosecution narratives to protect your freedom.

Don’t face murder or manslaughter charges alone. Contact our Brisbane criminal lawyers today for immediate, expert legal representation from Queensland’s leading criminal defence team.

Your life is on the line. Call now.

Facing domestic violence charges in Queensland? These allegations can shatter your reputation, family relationships, and future employment prospects before you even step into court. Whether the accusations are true, exaggerated, or completely false, you need Brisbane criminal lawyers who understand the complexities of domestic violence law and can mount an aggressive defence.

What Are Domestic Violence Offences in Queensland?

Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), domestic violence encompasses a broad range of conduct between family members or intimate partners. Criminal charges often stem from the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) and include:

• Common assault (section 335) – maximum 3 years imprisonment
  Assault occasioning bodily harm (section 339) – maximum 7 years imprisonment
• Choking, suffocation or strangulation (section 315A) – maximum 7 years imprisonment
• Unlawful stalking (section 359B) – maximum 5 years imprisonment
• Wilful damage (section 469) – destroying or damaging property
• Breaching a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) – maximum 3 years imprisonment, or 5 years for aggravated breaches

Even without physical violence, actions like threatening behaviour, harassment, or intimidation can lead to criminal charges. Domestic violence context is also an aggravating factor that can increase penalties for other offences.

The Real Consequences

Domestic violence convictions carry harsh penalties beyond imprisonment. You may face:

• Immediate loss of firearm licences and weapons licences
• Restrictions on contact with children
• Immigration consequences for visa holders
• Employment barriers, especially in industries requiring blue cards or working with vulnerable people
• Lifetime criminal records affecting future opportunities

Courts in Queensland take domestic violence extremely seriously. Police often apply for DVOs automatically, restricting where you can go and who you can contact, even before you’re convicted of anything.

Why You Need Expert Defence

Many domestic violence allegations arise from relationship breakdowns, custody disputes, or misunderstandings. Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers scrutinise witness statements, challenge inconsistencies, and expose false allegations.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Queensland courts, from Brisbane and Southport Magistrates Courts to the District Court, securing dismissals, section 19 non-conviction orders, and reduced charges.

Don’t let domestic violence allegations define your future. Contact our Brisbane criminal lawyers now for immediate legal advice.

Accused of a sexual offence in Queensland? You’re facing some of the most serious criminal charges in Australian law—allegations that can result in decades of imprisonment, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent destruction of your reputation. Even before trial, these charges can cost you your job, family, and standing in the community. You need Brisbane criminal lawyers who specialise in sexual offence defence, and you need them immediately.

What Are Sexual Offences in Queensland?

Under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), sexual offences cover a wide range of conduct, including:

• Rape (section 349) – maximum penalty of life imprisonment
• Sexual assault (section 352) – unlawful sexual acts without consent, carrying up to 14 years imprisonment
• Aggravated sexual assault – offences involving children, violence, or other aggravating factors carry increased penalties up to life imprisonment
• Maintaining a sexual relationship with a child (section 229B) – minimum mandatory sentence applies
• Child sexual offences (sections 210-229B) – penalties ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment depending on the age of the complainant and nature of conduct
• Possession or distribution of child exploitation material (sections 228A-228D) – up to 14 years imprisonment
• Indecent treatment of a child (section 210) – maximum 14 years imprisonment
• Observations or recordings in breach of privacy (section 227A) – up to 3 years imprisonment

The prosecution must prove the sexual act occurred without consent and that you knew, or were reckless as to whether, consent was absent.

The Stakes Are Enormous

Sexual offence convictions carry consequences beyond imprisonment. You may face:

• Mandatory reporting requirements under the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 (Qld)
• Severe restrictions on employment, travel, and where you can live
• Blue card prohibitions preventing work with children
• Permanent criminal records that follow you forever

Why Expert Defence Is Critical

Sexual offence cases often hinge on credibility, forensic evidence, and expert cross-examination. Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers meticulously examine complainant statements, digital evidence, and timelines to expose inconsistencies and build powerful defences. We’ve defended clients across Queensland courts, from Magistrates Courts through committal proceedings to District and Supreme Court trials, securing acquittals and dismissed charges.
Don’t face these allegations alone.

Contact our Brisbane criminal lawyers today for immediate, confidential legal advice from Queensland’s most trusted criminal defence team.

Charged with a traffic offence in Queensland? Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just a fine you can pay and forget. Serious traffic charges can result in licence disqualification, hefty fines, criminal convictions, and even imprisonment. Whether you’re facing drink driving, dangerous driving, or licence suspension, you need Brisbane criminal lawyers who understand Queensland traffic law and can fight to keep you on the road.

Common Traffic Offences in Queensland

Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), traffic offences range from minor infringements to serious criminal charges, including:

• Drink driving (exceeding prescribed concentration of alcohol) – penalties increase with blood alcohol level, ranging from automatic licence disqualification and fines to 9 months imprisonment for high-range offences
• Drug driving – detection of relevant drugs while driving carries automatic disqualification and fines up to $4,400
• Dangerous operation of a vehicle (section 328A) – maximum 3 years imprisonment, or 10 years if caused death or grievous bodily harm, or 14 years if under the influence
• Careless driving – maximum $4,400 fine and automatic disqualification
  Disqualified driving – driving whilst suspended or disqualified carries up to 18 months imprisonment for repeat offenders
• Evading police (section 754) – maximum 3 years imprisonment
  Speeding offences – excessive speed can lead to automatic licence suspension and substantial fines

Why Your Licence Matters

Losing your licence isn’t just an inconvenience—it can cost you your job, your ability to care for family, and your independence. Courts have discretion to impose section 19 non-conviction orders under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld) or reduce disqualification periods, but only if you have expert legal representation. Work licences may be available in limited circumstances.

How Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Can Help

Traffic law is technical. Police procedures, breath test accuracy, and roadside drug testing can all be challenged. Brisbane criminal lawyers at Hannay Lawyers examine every detail—from the legality of the traffic stop under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) to calibration records of testing devices—to build defences that protect your licence.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Queensland’s courts, securing reduced penalties, section 19 dismissals, work licences, and appealed disqualifications.

Don’t risk your licence.

Contact our Brisbane criminal lawyers now for immediate legal advice from Queensland’s leading traffic offence lawyers.