Are you facing serious charges in Queensland?
There are two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white. We get to know your story. We are ready for your defence.
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Not all criminal defence is created equal.
When facing serious charges in Queensland, you do not want a generalist law firm. Ashworth Lawyers is one of the few private law firms in Queensland exclusively practising in criminal defence.
When facing serious criminal charges, urgent legal advice is critical. The early steps affect the outcome.
Brisbane criminal lawyers for serious offences
Award Winning Criminal Defence
Our award-winning team of Brisbane criminal lawyers have proudly been recognised by Doyle's Guide as follows:
Recommended Leading Criminal Defence Law Firm (Queensland) 2026
Recommended Leading Criminal Defence Lawyers (Queensland) 2026
Doyle's Guide is widely regarded as the most respected and referenced independent rankings of the best lawyers and law firms in Australia.
4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google ReviewsOur Difference
Experience
Our Brisbane criminal lawyers have successfully defended thousands of clients with combined experience of over 40 years.
Focus
Defending serious offences is all we do, everyday. We know all the ins and outs from appearing daily in the criminal courts.
Strategy
We have developed a Strategic Defence Framework which is our 22 step method to achieve your best outcome.
Getting started in 3 steps
Call
Call us or fill in a Quick Enquiry, for a free 15 minute confidential call. No booking required.
After our call, we will send an email to you outlining the key steps and fee range for your case.
Confirm
Once you give us the ok, we start work the same day.
Our Brisbane criminal lawyers are available now
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Amy Soong - Legal Practice Director
Criminal defence lawyer with 18 years of experience representing clients in complex Queensland and Commonwealth crimes.
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David Svoboda - Senior Consultant
Senior criminal lawyer with 16 years of experience in complex and high-profile criminal cases in Queensland.
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Jessica Incledon - Senior Associate
Senior criminal lawyer for all Queensland criminal courts with strong technical expertise and a compassionate approach.
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Paris Brotherton - Criminal Lawyer
Criminal defence lawyer experienced in a wide range of serious offences, including sexual violence, fraud, and drugs.
How to defend serious criminal charges in Queensland
To ensure the best possible outcome in every case, our criminal defence lawyers developed a Strategic Defence Framework, which is a 22 step process applied to every case we handle.
It provides an overarching strategic approach to each case, ensuring that every possible legal, procedural, and tactical option is methodically considered for every client. An example of the steps include:
What are the elements of the charge?
What are the particulars relied on by the prosecution?
Are there any defences to the charge?
Is this a direct evidence case, or a circumstantial case?
Are there any grounds to exclude the evidence, such as text messages, CCTV footage, DNA evidence, or confessions?
Is there a basis to negotiate with the prosecutor?
Are there any immunities from prosecution?
Does the court have jurisdiction?
This is just a selection of the complex issues which can arise in defending serious offences in Queensland requiring specialised practice and advice.
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Brisbane
We represent clients across Queensland for all serious and complex criminal charges. Read more about our criminal defence areas.
Recent criminal case outcomes
Sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent treatment of a child charges - clients acquitted through not guilty verdicts in the District Court and Children’s Court
Child exploitation material– charges dismissed
Serious violence offences – including murder, grievous bodily harm, choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, stalking, and organised crimes, resolved through charges being discontinued or negotiated
Drug offences – trafficking, supply, possession of a dangerous drug - clients found not guilty after trial, drug diversion, and wholly suspended sentences
Fraud and white-collar crime – including fraud, extortion, money laundering, and cybercrimes - not guilty verdicts, and charges downgraded, dismissed, or negotiated
How criminal defence works in Brisbane
Criminal charges in Queensland usually begin with a police investigation or arrest, followed by a court appearance in the Magistrates Court.
Depending on the charge, the case may need to be transferred to the District or Supreme Court. The role of an specialist criminal defence lawyer is to advise on police interviews, bail, evidence, and case strategy from the earliest stages of a case.
Our approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on providing clear and practical advice. We are available 24/7 for urgent matters, including police searches and arrests.
FAQs
These are common questions clients ask when choosing a specialist Brisbane criminal lawyer for serious criminal charges in Qld.
Do I need a criminal defence lawyer?
Yes. In Qld, early advice is important when facing serious charges.
Criminal law is highly technical, and even minor charges can result in imprisonment or a conviction being recorded. As such specialised criminal defence advice is critical.
What should I do if the police want to speak to me?
If the police want to speak to you, you should seek legal advice before answering any questions.
Anything you say can be used as evidence. Our Brisbane criminal lawyers will contact police on your behalf and advise whether to participate in, or decline, an interview.
How much are legal fees?
Legal fees in criminal cases vary depending on the charge and evidence.
Fees may be fixed or hourly, and we can give you an estimate at the start of your case. You can view more information about legal fees for criminal cases in Qld here.
Which courts do criminal lawyers appear in?
Criminal lawyers appear in all levels of Queensland courts, including the Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeal.
Our criminal lawyers regularly appear in courts across Brisbane, including:
Holland Park Magistrates Court
Richlands Magistrates Court
Cleveland Magistrates Court
Wynnum Magistrates Court
Sandgate Magistrates Court
We also represent clients in courts throughout Queensland, including:
Southport and Coolangatta (Gold Coast)
Ipswich and Beenleigh
Maroochydore and Caloundra (Sunshine Coast)
Caboolture, Redcliffe and Pine Rivers
In addition, we appear in regional courts across Queensland, including:
Toowoomba
Cairns
Townsville
Rockhampton
Gympie and other circuit court locations
Facing serious charges in Queensland?
If you or someone you know needs urgent legal advice, our criminal lawyers are available now.
Call us on (07) 3012 6531 or fill in our Quick Enquiry form for a confidential discussion with our Brisbane criminal lawyers.