Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers

Assault allegations can emerge from bar fights, domestic disputes, or misunderstandings that spiral out of control. On the Gold Coast, where nightlife and tourism create high-pressure environments, police charge assault offences aggressively. One moment of poor judgment can result in imprisonment, restraining orders, and permanent damage to your reputation.

Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence have successfully defended countless assault cases, often securing dismissals or non-conviction orders for clients who acted swiftly.

Understanding Assault Charges in Queensland

Queensland’s Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) defines assault broadly, capturing conduct ranging from minor altercations to life-threatening violence:

• Common assault (section 335) – applying force to another person or causing them to fear immediate violence. Maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment
• Assault occasioning bodily harm (section 339) – causing actual physical injury. Maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment, escalating to 10 years in circumstances of aggravation
• Grievous bodily harm (section 320) – causing serious injuries such as broken bones, disfigurement, or internal damage. Maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment, or life imprisonment if done with intent
• Assault with circumstances of aggravation – charges involving domestic violence contexts, targeting public officers, or racial motivation attract increased penalties

Cases can be heard in the Magistrates Court for summary matters or escalated to the District Court or Supreme Court for serious indictable offences.

Why You Need Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers

Assault charges are winnable. Prosecutors must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt, including intent and absence of lawful justification. Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence build defences based on self-defence (section 271), defence of property, accident, or lack of intent. We analyse CCTV footage, interview witnesses, and expose inconsistencies in complainant statements.

The earlier you engage us, the stronger your defence. Evidence preservation, witness identification, and early negotiations with police can mean the difference between conviction and acquittal.

If you’ve been charged with assault on the Gold Coast, contact Hannay Criminal Defence now. Don’t gamble with your future—get expert legal representation immediately.

Fraud allegations on the Gold Coast often arise from business disputes, financial investigations, or Centrelink overpayment claims. These are complex, document-heavy prosecutions that can take years to resolve. Without Gold Coast criminal lawyers who understand white-collar crime, you’re at serious risk of conviction and imprisonment.

What Are Fraud Charges in Queensland?

Under section 408C of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), fraud involves dishonestly applying another person’s property or obtaining a benefit by deception. The prosecution must prove dishonest intent—not simply poor record-keeping or honest mistakes.

Common fraud offences include:

• Fraud (section 408C) – maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment for basic offences, escalating to 14 years where amounts exceed $30,000 or involve breach of trust
• Identity fraud – using stolen personal information to obtain credit, loans, or government benefits
• Computer fraud (section 408D) – unauthorised access to computer systems to obtain property or benefits
• Forgery (sections 488-489) – creating or using false documents such as invoices, contracts, or identity papers
• Insurance fraud – making false claims to insurers
• Tax fraud and Centrelink fraud – providing false information to government agencies

Queensland Police and federal agencies conduct extensive investigations, seizing computers, bank records, and communications. These prosecutions are evidence-intensive and highly technical.

Why Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers Are Essential

Fraud cases turn on documentary evidence and witness credibility. Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence work with forensic accountants, challenge prosecution expert evidence, and identify weaknesses in alleged financial trails.

We’ve successfully defended clients by demonstrating lack of dishonest intent, procedural failures in investigations, and alternative explanations for financial transactions.

Many fraud allegations are defensible—but only if you have experienced legal representation from the outset. Contact Hannay Criminal Defence today for immediate advice from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who specialise in fraud defence.

Break and enter charges carry severe penalties in Queensland, particularly when dwellings are involved. On the Gold Coast, these offences are treated seriously by police and courts alike. If you’re facing charges, you need Gold Coast criminal lawyers who understand the technical elements of these offences and know how to dismantle the prosecution case.

What Is Break & Enter Under Queensland Law?

Queensland’s Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) creates several related offences:
You’re guilty if the prosecution proves:

• You broke into premises by opening doors, windows, or other entry points through unlocking, forcing, or any other means (section 418)
• You entered premises with intent to commit an indictable offence (section 419)
• You obtained entry through threats, deception, or entered through unconventional access points like chimneys or vents

Key offences and penalties:

• Entering premises with intent (section 419) – up to 14 years imprisonment
  Breaking and entering (section 421) – 7 years imprisonment for buildings, 14 years for dwellings
• Burglary (section 412) – entering premises at night with intent to commit an indictable offence carries up to life imprisonment

Aggravating factors such as being in company, use of violence, or occupants being present substantially increase sentences.

Why Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers Are Essential

Break and enter prosecutions depend on evidence of both entry and intent. Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence challenge identification evidence, examine the lawfulness of police searches under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld), and scrutinise forensic evidence. If intent cannot be proven, or if you had lawful authority to enter, charges can be defeated.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Gold Coast courts, securing acquittals, charge withdrawals, and reduced penalties. Contact Hannay Criminal Defence immediately for expert legal advice from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who fight for results.

Murder and manslaughter charges represent the most serious allegations in Queensland criminal law. If you’re facing homicide charges on the Gold Coast, your entire life is at stake. You need Gold Coast criminal lawyers with proven experience in defending the most serious indictable offences in the Supreme Court.

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 crimes. The mandatory penalty is life imprisonment, though non-parole periods vary based on circumstances.
• Manslaughter (section 303) is unlawful killing without the specific intent required for murder.

Common scenarios include:

• Voluntary manslaughter – killing under sudden provocation that would cause an ordinary person to lose self-control (section 304)
• Involuntary manslaughter – causing death through an unlawful dangerous act without intent to kill
• Criminal negligence manslaughter – death resulting from gross criminal negligence

Maximum penalty for manslaughter is life imprisonment, though actual sentences depend heavily on circumstances, remorse, and mitigating factors under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld).

Why Expert Defence Is Critical

Homicide cases involve intensive forensic examination—pathology reports, DNA analysis, ballistics, and digital evidence. The distinction between murder and manslaughter often turns on proving absence of intent, self-defence under section 271, accident under section 23, or diminished responsibility.

Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence have defended serious homicide matters in Queensland’s Supreme Court. We engage independent forensic experts, challenge prosecution theories, and present alternative narratives that create reasonable doubt.

Your life and liberty are at stake. Contact Hannay Criminal Defence immediately for urgent legal representation from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who specialise in homicide defence.

Domestic violence allegations on the Gold Coast often emerge during relationship breakdowns, custody disputes, or emotional confrontations. Whether the allegations are true, exaggerated, or completely fabricated, you need Gold Coast criminal lawyers who understand the unique dynamics of domestic violence prosecutions and can mount an aggressive defence.

What Are Domestic Violence Offences in Queensland?

The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) defines domestic violence broadly, covering conduct between intimate partners, family members, or people in informal care relationships. Criminal charges typically arise under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld):

• Common assault (section 335) – maximum 3 years imprisonment, increased to 5 years in domestic violence context
• Assault occasioning bodily harm (section 339) – maximum 7 years imprisonment, escalating to 10 years with domestic violence aggravation
• Choking, suffocation or strangulation (section 315A) – specifically targeting domestic violence conduct, carrying maximum 7 years imprisonment
• Unlawful stalking (section 359B) – following, watching, or contacting someone to cause fear or distress. Maximum 5 years imprisonment
• Wilful damage (section 469) – destroying property belonging to a domestic partner
• Contravention of domestic violence order – breaching a DVO carries maximum 3 years imprisonment, or 5 years for aggravated breaches involving violence or repeat offending

Queensland courts impose harsh penalties for domestic violence offences. Even common assault attracts potential imprisonment when domestic violence context is present.

The Real Consequences

Domestic violence convictions create lifelong consequences:

Immediate cancellation of firearms and weapons licences
Family Court implications affecting custody and parenting arrangements
Visa cancellation for temporary residents and permanent residents under character grounds

Employment barriers in education, healthcare, and industries requiring blue cards
Permanent criminal records visible to future employers and licensing authorities

Police routinely apply for domestic violence orders (DVOs) at first contact, restricting where you can go, who you can contact, and access to your own home—all before you’re convicted of anything.

Why You Need Expert Defence

Many domestic violence allegations stem from malicious accusations during custody battles, revenge after relationship endings, or genuine misunderstandings escalated by police intervention. Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence examine witness statements for inconsistencies, obtain independent evidence, and challenge complainant credibility.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Gold Coast courts—from Southport Magistrates Court to the District Court—securing charge withdrawals, section 19 non-conviction orders, and favourable DVO variations.

Contact Hannay Criminal Defence now for immediate legal advice from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who understand domestic violence defence.

Sexual offence allegations on the Gold Coast can destroy your life before you ever step into a courtroom. These charges carry the most severe penalties in Queensland law, mandatory sex offender registration, and permanent reputational damage. You need Gold Coast criminal lawyers who specialise in sexual offence defence and understand the high stakes involved.

What Are Sexual Offences in Queensland?

The Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) creates numerous sexual offences with severe penalties:

• Rape (section 349) – penetration without consent. Maximum penalty of life imprisonment
• Sexual assault (section 352) – unlawful sexual acts without consent, including touching of a sexual nature. Maximum 14 years imprisonment
• Aggravated sexual offences – circumstances involving children, violence, weapons, or multiple offenders increase penalties to life imprisonment
• Maintaining a sexual relationship with a child (section 229B) – three or more unlawful sexual acts with a child under 16. Mandatory minimum sentences apply
• Child sexual offences (sections 210-229B) – including indecent treatment of children, grooming, procuring children for sexual acts. Penalties range from 14 years to life imprisonment
• Child exploitation material offences (sections 228A-228D) – possession, production, or distribution. Maximum 14 years imprisonment for aggravated offences
• Indecent treatment of a child (section 210) – maximum 14 years imprisonment
• Voyeurism and image-based abuse (section 227A) – unlawful observations or recordings of private acts. Maximum 3 years imprisonment

Consent is the central issue in adult sexual offence prosecutions. The prosecution must prove absence of consent and that you knew consent was absent or were reckless about whether consent existed.

The Stakes Are Enormous

Sexual offence convictions create permanent, life-altering consequences:

• Mandatory reporting under the Child Protection (Offender Reporting and Offender Prohibition Order) Act 2004 (Qld), requiring ongoing reporting to police for 8 years to life
• Prohibition from working with children, holding blue cards, or entering child-related premises
• Severe restrictions on international travel and visa applications
  Public disclosure in some circumstances
• Permanent criminal records affecting all future opportunities

Why Expert Defence Is Critical

Sexual offence prosecutions often rely entirely on complainant testimony, with limited corroborating evidence. Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence conduct exhaustive case analysis—examining phone records, social media communications, medical evidence, and witness statements to expose inconsistencies and establish reasonable doubt.

We’ve successfully defended clients across Queensland courts, from committal hearings through to Supreme Court trials and appeals, securing acquittals and charge withdrawals in cases where others saw no hope.

Contact Hannay Criminal Defence today for immediate, confidential legal advice from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who specialise in sexual offence defence. Your future depends on the decisions you make right now.

Traffic charges on the Gold Coast aren’t minor inconveniences—they’re serious matters that can strip away your licence, destroy employment opportunities, and result in imprisonment. Whether you’re facing drink driving after a night in Surfers Paradise or dangerous driving allegations on the M1, you need Gold Coast criminal lawyers who understand Queensland traffic law and know how to protect your licence.

Common Traffic Offences in Queensland

The Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 (Qld) and Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) create numerous traffic offences with harsh penalties:

• Drink driving (exceeding prescribed concentration of alcohol) – penalties escalate with blood alcohol concentration. Low-range offences carry automatic disqualification and fines. High-range offences (BAC over 0.15) attract maximum 9 months imprisonment and extended disqualification periods
• Drug driving – presence of marijuana, methylamphetamine, or MDMA while driving triggers automatic licence disqualification and fines exceeding $4,000, even for first offences
• Dangerous operation of a vehicle (section 328A of the Criminal Code) – driving in a manner dangerous to the public. Maximum 3 years imprisonment, escalating to 10 years if causing death or grievous bodily harm, or 14 years if committed while affected by alcohol or drugs
• Careless driving – failing to drive with due care and attention. Maximum $4,400 fine and mandatory disqualification
• Driving whilst suspended or disqualified – maximum 18 months imprisonment for repeat offenders, with mandatory imprisonment in some circumstances
• Evading police (section 754) – failing to stop for police or engaging in pursuits. Maximum 3 years imprisonment and mandatory disqualification
• Excessive speeding – speeds more than 40km/h over the limit trigger immediate vehicle impoundment and licence suspension

Why Your Licence Matters

Losing your driver’s licence on the Gold Coast creates immediate hardship. Public transport is limited, distances are vast, and most employment requires reliable transport. Without your licence, you risk losing your job, your independence, and your ability to meet family obligations.

Queensland courts have discretion to impose section 19 non-conviction orders under the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld), allowing judges to find you guilty without recording a conviction or disqualifying your licence. Work licences are available in limited circumstances for people who can demonstrate genuine hardship and meet strict eligibility criteria.

How Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers Can Help

Traffic law involves technical legal requirements and scientific evidence. Breath testing devices require regular calibration and proper operation. Roadside drug tests have specific procedural requirements. Traffic stops must comply with police powers legislation.

Gold Coast criminal lawyers at Hannay Criminal Defence examine every technical aspect—challenging breath test accuracy, questioning roadside drug test reliability, and scrutinising whether police had lawful grounds to stop and test you under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld).

We’ve achieved exceptional results for clients across Gold Coast courts—securing section 19 dismissals that preserve clean records, obtaining work licences that maintain employment, and successfully appealing excessive disqualification periods.

Don’t risk your licence by handling traffic charges yourself. Contact Hannay Criminal Defence now for immediate legal advice from Gold Coast criminal lawyers who specialise in traffic offence defence.