Gold Coast Criminal Lawyers for serious offences

If you have been charged, you should seek immediate legal advice before speaking to police or attending court.

Early advice will make a difference to the outcome. We will advise you about strategies to achieve the best outcome, including:

• exercising your right to silence

• preserving evidence

• negotiating discontinuance or lesser charges

Generally, if you are questioned by the police, you only need to tell the police your name and address.

You may also show them proof of identity if the police ask for it.

Before answering any further questions, you should ask to speak to a lawyer. This is because everything you say can be used against you. What you say to the police early on can affect the outcome of your case. Seek urgent legal advice before answering any questions.

Yes - it is important to seek advice early from a criminal defence lawyer when you are charged by the police. Even if charges appear minor, there could still be serious consequences such as convictions being recorded.

Bail is a promise to return to court when required. In exchange, you get to stay in the community while the charge is pending. Whether bail is granted depends on any criminal history of the person, the seriousness of the charge, ties to Queensland, and the risk of flight or interfering with witnesses. An experienced criminal lawyer can put forward submissions for conditions such as reporting, surrender of passport, and no-contact to help alleviate risk in a successful bail application.

A QP9 is a Queensland Police document that summarises the allegations and evidence against you. It is not the full evidence, but a summary prepared by police. After reviewing the QP9, a lawyer can advise whether to:

• plead guilty

• plead not guilty

• request further evidence

A conviction is recorded at the discretion of the court based on your circumstances and the offence. The court considers:

• the nature of the offence

• your character and age

• the impact on your employment

• your future prospects

Our criminal defence lawyers have extensive experience preparing submissions to argue against a conviction being recorded.

Prison is one possible outcome for serious offences, but it is not automatic. Depending on your case, alternatives may include:

• suspended sentences

• immediate parole

• good behaviour bonds

• fines or community-based orders

A criminal defence lawyer can advise you on the likely outcome and prepare your case to minimise penalties.

Legal fees depend on the complexity of the case and how it progresses through the courts. Factors include:

• type of charge

• court level

• whether you plead guilty or not guilty

• volume of evidence

• whether expert reports or a barrister are required

After our first discussion, we will provide a range of fees likely in your type of matter.

Some roles require disclosure of charges or convictions, particularly in:

• licensed professions, such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, and accountants

• regulated industries, including finance, banking, insurance, and real estate

• positions requiring background checks, such as government roles, defence, aviation, and security

• roles involving vulnerable persons, including teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare providers

A criminal defence lawyer can advise you on how to manage these risks and respond to disclosure obligations.