When most people picture “sentencing”, they picture prison. In Queensland, though, courts have a wider toolkit. Depending on the offence and the person being sentenced, the law allows a range of community-based orders and diversion options that focus on rehabilitation, accountability and public safety – often without actual jail. Below is a practical guide to […]
Diversion and Alternatives to Imprisonment in Queensland Read More »
Queensland’s government announced, with some fanfare, its great delight at passing another series of law reforms in the areas of domestic and family violence. This, they say, is another step towards its commitment to help “make Queensland safer”. Of course, nobody in their right mind believes that actual violence against women is acceptable, and most
Family Violence Reform, or Eroding Basic Rights? Read More »
GABBY KING Gabby King has worked for TWC Lawyers for four years and been involved in cases such as the Tool Box Murders, Gold Coast Millionaire John Chardon murder trial. Picture: Contributed Gabby King has worked for TWC Lawyers for about four years. She started with legal aid matters before progressing to predominately private and
Courier Mail – We congratulate Gabby & Yasmin on being acknowledged Read More »
When a court sentences someone for a crime, you’d usually expect the judge or magistrate to have a fair bit of leeway. They look at the crime’s seriousness, the person’s situation, and then decide on a penalty. That is, of course, the typical situation. But it’s not the only situation. Sometimes, the Court has limited
Understanding Mandatory Sentencing in Queensland Read More »
In some sense, politics, through its ability to legislate, is always responsible for both the formation of the rights of any accused person, and also the occasional removal of those rights. The title of this article, however, points specifically to a recent development that places a material fetter upon the ability of certain accused to
When Politics Interferes with the Rights of the Accused Read More »
A committal hearing is a critical gatekeeper for ensuring that charges of a serious nature do not proceed to a full trial unless there is sufficient evidence on which someone accused could actually be convicted. Below, we discuss what a committal hearing is, the different ways of approaching it, and what to expect along the
Navigating Committal Hearings in Queensland Read More »
Writing a character reference might seem daunting at first, but it’s an incredibly valuable way to support someone in legal proceedings. Whether it’s for a friend, an employee, or someone you’ve mentored, a well-written character reference can help paint a fuller, more positive picture of the person beyond the charges they’re facing. This guide will
How to Write a Character Reference That Makes an Impact Read More »
We’re pretty sure you’ve seen it in movies, or perhaps in a news broadcast, but have you ever wondered what you personally would do if the police rocked up at your door with a search warrant? It’s something most of us don’t think about until it happens. But, as they say, proper planning prevents poor
Understanding Search Warrants in Queensland: A Practical Guide Read More »
In 2006, an exotic dancer named Crystal Mangum accused three male lacrosse players of raping her. The consequences were significant. Aside from the devasting personal consequences of being charged with such a crime, the lacrosse team coach was fired, the team’s 2006 season was cancelled, and personal reputations along the way were destroyed. In April
Are Domestic Violence Orders Being Weaponised? Read More »
Australia is a wonderful place. Beaches. Prawns on the BBQ. And, of course, beer. Of course, we can predict with absolute certainty that the Queensland Police Service will be out conducting random breath tests on any day we happen to available ourselves of said beers. So, without wanting to be too preachy, let’s take a
How Not to Lose your Driver’s Licence in 2025 Read More »
Australia is a wonderful place. Beaches. Prawns on the BBQ. And, of course, beer. Of course, we can predict with absolute certainty that the Queensland Police Service will be out conducting random breath tests on any day we happen to avail ourselves of said beers. So, without wanting to be too preachy, let’s take a
How Not to Lose your Driver’s Licence in 2025 Read More »
Imagine this scenario for a minute. You are charged with the offence of “coercive control” in Queensland. To defend that charge, you engage criminal lawyers who diligently pursue your defence. Despite the evidence in support of the charge being quite weak, you are forced to prepare for a trial in your defence. On the day
Restrained from “Coercive Control” Despite No Guilty Finding Read More »
In our coverage of the upcoming Coercive Control laws in Queensland we have looked at the new offence generally and taken something of a sweep through the potential aspects of domestic violence (as defined only for the purposes of this particular offence). One area the legislation is designed to deal with is the idea of
Economic Abuse as Domestic Violence Read More »
Not surprisingly, driving a motor vehicle requires a person to pay a certain amount of attention, suitable to the speed and conditions in which they find themselves. Failing to do so can result in significant danger to themselves and others. Because of this, Queensland has laws governing concepts around careless driving. Being found guilty of
Understanding Careless Driving Offences in Queensland Read More »
Elizabeth Main – Partner Elizabeth has extensive experience in criminal defence law, traffic and drink driving law and domestic violence law. A highly regarded advocate, she prides herself on connecting with her clients, providing a non-judgmental and plain-English approach to best assist her clients, whilst tirelessly defending their rights in court. A testament to her
TWC Lawyers – Partner Promotion – Elizabeth Main Read More »
