Being Investigated or Just Been Charged?

Prompt advice is essential for all investigations as this can affect the outcome. We communicate with the investigators for you so that you do not have to.

If you have already been charged, the police would have given you a notice of the charges, such as a Notice to Appear or Complaint & Summons. This will include your court date, location, and charges. Take a photo and send it to us by email or mobile phone, or complete the below form.

There is no fee nor obligation to speak with our criminal defence lawyers. Call us or complete the form below and a senior Brisbane Criminal Lawyer will contact you to discuss this further. We act quickly and all communications are confidential.

Criminal Lawyers Brisbane

Ashworth Lawyers are a leading criminal law firm servicing all courts in Queensland.

Our solicitors are highly experienced Brisbane criminal lawyers. Each of our lawyers have over a decade of experience each in the criminal justice system, having defended over a thousand criminal charges.

Whether a criminal complaint is yet to be made, a police investigation is pending, or charges are already before a criminal court, it is extremely important to speak to an expert lawyer early to protect your interests. This is because everything you say or do may be used as evidence against you. It is essential to speak to a lawyer early to ensure your rights.

Our lawyers act quickly to thoroughly examine all your options before advising you whether to plead guilty or not guilty, or if there is opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor to have charges discontinued or reduced. Early representation could mean the difference between a term of imprisonment or a suspended sentence, or a conviction being recorded or not.

Our criminal lawyers are known for their attention to detail, strong advocacy skills, and meticulous forensic examination of the evidence to ensure all possible factual and legal arguments are considered.

Due to years of experience, we have a strong network including with the court, senior criminal barristers, and prosecutors. We are very familiar with their practices, and we can anticipate what arguments will be most persuasive in your case and prepare accordingly.

We are very enthusiastic about what we do and take great pride in the quality of our legal services.

Our Areas of Criminal Law

Interior of the high court of Australia where criminal defence lawyers might practice

Criminal Lawyers

Seeking advice and legal representation at an early stage is important because it can affect the outcome of your case. The criminal law process is foreign to most people, and so expert defence is crucial in criminal law matters. We act quickly to look after your interests. Whether you have already been charged, or if the police are still investigating, contact us early to ensure that your rights are protected in the criminal justice system.

As one of Brisbane’s leading criminal law firms, we can assist with all types of criminal offences, including:

  • Murder

  • Drug offences including possession, supply, manufacturing, trafficking, and importation

  • Assault occasioning bodily harm

  • Grievous Bodily Harm

  • Domestic violence

  • Arson

  • Bomb hoaxes

  • Sexual assault and rape

  • Prostitution

  • Indecent treatment of child

  • Cyber crime

  • Possession of child exploitation material

  • Stealing, shop lifting, and fraud

  • Break and enter

  • Money laundering and bribery

  • Extortion

  • Perverting the course of justice

  • Customs’ offences

  • Weapons’ offences

  • Aviation law

  • Tax prosecutions

  • Breaches of food safety under the Food Act

Strip of car lights on the Story Bridge at night, on the way to our office where Brisbane criminal lawyers are located.

Traffic Lawyers

The rules relating to transport and traffic offences in Queensland are complex and constantly changing. It is crucial to seek advice from an experienced criminal lawyer in Brisbane, especially if you are at risk of losing your licence due to your criminal offence. We have decades or combined experience as a Brisbane legal practice specialising in traffic law.

Our criminal law firm acts in all traffic law cases, including:

  • Dangerous driving causing death or grievous bodily harm

  • Careless driving causing death or grievous bodily harm

  • Drink driving

  • Drug driving

  • Disqualified and unlicensed driving

  • Failure to stop

  • Heavy vehicle non-compliance

  • Work licence application

  • Special hardship order application

Awards

Memberships

As Featured in

Best Criminal Defence Law firm 2023 Queensland

What our clients have said

Testimonials

“This is the first time I have been involved in any legal matter and was quite worried in the beginning. I would like to thank Amy and her team for helping me to get this legal matter resolved. I am really satisfied with the outcome of the case, good service provided, and their work efficiency. I highly recommend Amy and her team’s legal service if you are seeking legal advice.”

“From beginning to end Amy’s advice and guidance on how to see the matter through each stage was spot on and everything turned out exactly as she said it would. She left no stone unturned, calculated every possible scenario and laid all the choices before us making our decision much easier and much less stressful.”

“Thank you for all of your help when I was in trouble I appreciate it and it is not forgotten. Very professional service. It is good to be home again.”

“Ashworth Lawyers brings clear legal knowledge and expertise to the table. Communication was prompt and helpful when I need it the most, I’m very satisfied with the outcome that I got since it was much better than expected”

“We were very happy with Ashworth Lawyers. Everything from the quality of information you provided us with to the promptness of returning our calls was fantastic. I’d also like to say the level of professionalism on the day of court was outstanding & very much appreciated.”

“Although it was a difficult time waiting, with your expertise and experience, also the ability to communicate with the prosecutor, the matter finished earlier and it ended well. Everything was alright at the end”

“Dear David, firstly, I just want to sincerely thank you for all your assistance on my legal matters. The one thing that stood out to me from the first phone call  to the end of the matters in court was your supportive communication derived from your genuine concern for my matters, it is something I ought to mirror in my own future career. So thank you so much” - Brisbane 2022

“Many thanks to you and David for handling my matter so professionally and I do want to add David showed genuine empathy throughout the entire process and is a thorough gentleman with an expert knowledge of the court system and how to use it to the benefit of his clients. I know my matter was a very small one but David and yourself made me feel like I was your only client”

“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome from my matter. David and my Barrister worked tirelessly to get this matter through. I cannot thank them enough. I could not recommend a better lawyer. David was brilliant” K.Y Brisbane District Court 2022

“Any questions no matter big or small were answered very promptly. David made himself available whenever I needed him. This was my first experience going through this so David always explained everything so I could understand. He was always empathetic to my circumstances.”

“I can’t thank David enough for his help throughout my entire matter from the Police charge right through to the court dates. He was with me all along the way. His professionalism and expertise throughout the matter was beyond compare. I could not have asked for any better.”

“David ! Thank you for your hard work and winning the case for me despite all the odds against me ! Massive to work with and straight to the point . Recommend this champ of a lawyer anyday.” - F 2022

“Awesome David thank u for representing F. 🙌 you fought a good fight and we are grateful. Blessings to you and your family “- S 2022

“Prompt and professional service with great communication”- B 2022

“Hi David. Thank you so much for fighting on my behalf. I am so happy with the court outcome that spared me from the conviction not recorded. - P 2022”

Why Choose Our Criminal Law Firm

Our criminal law firm exclusively practices criminal defence and traffic law. We have over a decade of criminal defence experience, and our criminal lawyers have defended thousands of criminal charges. We regularly attend all Queensland courts, including the Brisbane Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal, and we know the intricacies of this specialised area.

Our case outcomes includes not guilty verdicts for serious criminal offences and successful negotiations so that charges are discontinued or facts amended. We have successfully argued reduced penalty outcomes including good behaviour bonds, fines, and probation or community service orders. We regularly argue a non-recording of conviction for clients.

Through our representation, clients have also avoided actual periods of imprisonment for serious criminal offences. We have diverted charges away from the criminal courts, including resolving matters through drug diversion, justice mediation, and through cautions. We have won trials, pre-trial hearings, no-case submissions, and appeals.

Our clients come from all walks of life. They are often business owners, corporate bodies, and professional persons, including teachers, nurses, doctors, accountants, engineers, and other lawyers. Clients entrust us with their criminal cases and all aspects of their life, including families, careers, and reputations. It is a very sensitive time. We take our work very seriously and work promptly, discreetly, and thoroughly to achieve the best possible outcomes so clients can continue their lives.

From our initial conversation, our experienced Brisbane criminal lawyers can provide preliminary advice as to the likely prospects and outcomes for your case. This includes the types of early preparation which can be undertaken to secure the best outcome for your criminal law or traffic offence matter.

RECENT CLIENT OUTCOMES

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - Fraud - Not Guilty

  • Ipswich Magistrates Court - contravention of domestic violence order - probation

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - stalking - discontinued after negotiations

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - possession of dangerous drugs - drug diversion

  • Holland Park Magistrates Court - common assault - charge dismissed

  • Morningside Police Station - investigation - rape - finalised with no charges

  • Beenleigh Magistrates Court - careless driving, unlicensed driving, excessive load - probation order

  • Beenleigh Magistrates Court - disqualified driving - charge dismissed

  • Beenleigh Magistrates Court - possession of a dangerous drug - drug diversion and no conviction recorded

  • Brisbane District Court - fraud - not guilty

  • Court of Appeal - rape - appeal successful

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - possession of a dangerous drug - $1200 fine, no conviction recorded

  • Caboolture Magistrates Court - sexual assault - fine and no conviction recorded

  • Ipswich Magistrates Court - breaches of heavy vehicle requirements - fine

  • Cleveland Magistrates Court - contravention of domestic violence order - probation

  • Warwick Magistrates Court - production of a dangerous drug, supply of a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of a firearm - fine

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - driving without due care and attention (causing grievous bodily harm) - probation and no conviction recorded

  • Maryborough Magistrates Court - careless driving (causing death) - wholly suspended term of imprisonment

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - Respondent to domestic violence order application - successful negotiations. Application dismissed

  • Supreme Court of Queensland - supplying dangerous drugs - wholly suspended sentence

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - possess dangerous drugs - good behaviour bond

  • Brisbane District Court - fraud over $100,000.00, money laundering, 8 years’ imprisonment parole eligibility after 2 years

  • Holland Park Magistrates Court - food safety - fine & no conviction recorded

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - insurance fraud - successful negotiations, charges discontinued

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - extortion, distribute prohibited recordings, receiving tainted property - negotiated charges resulting in $700 fine & no conviction recorded

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - fraud - successful justice mediation, charge discontinued

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - stealing - good behaviour bond, no conviction recorded

  • Brisbane District Court - possess child exploitation material - wholly suspended sentence

  • Brisbane Magistrates Court - stealing - good behaviour bond, no conviction recorded

  • Maroochydore Magistrates Court - stealing - $1500 fine, no conviction recorded

Criminal Law Brisbane FAQ

Do I have to answer police questions?

Generally, if you are questioned by the police about a possible offence, 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, whether it is electronically recorded or not.

What you say to the police early on can affect the outcome of your case. It is important to seek advice early and before answering any questions.

Do I need a lawyer?

Yes - it is important to seek advice early from a lawyer when you are charged by the police. This is because for matters which may appear simple, there could still be serious consequences such as convictions being recorded or driving disqualification periods attached.

If after speaking with you, and the matter is in fact simple, we can advise what the likely consequences will be if you self-represent, or if there are other options available to you to finish the matter, such as by way of online pleas of guilty to save time and legal fees.

What is the Qp9?

‘Qp9’ stands for Queensland Police Form 9, and is the initial paperwork which the police supply to the prosecutor, and they supply to us upon our request. It contains a summary by the police as to the allegations and evidence. It will summarise what the police say you did, and what their evidence is. It is not evidence, but is a summary of it. Upon reviewing the Qp9, we can give you advice about whether you should plead guilty, not guilty, or whether there are other options such as to negotiate. It is not uncommon that upon review of the Qp9, more information is required from the police before you make your decision, and we can request further material on your behalf. This can include witness statements, CCTV footage, or reports from forensic experts.

It is important to obtain the Qp9 first before you make any decisions about what to do with your case. It is the starting point for any criminal case. We can assist you in requesting the Qp9 from the prosecutor and then giving you advice.

How much are legal fees?

Legal fees can be calculated in several ways, such as by an hourly rate or a fixed fee. We will provide an estimate of legal fees to you at the start of the matter and can discuss with you further as to what is best in your circumstances. Other factors which affect legal fees include the nature of the charge, the court, the extent of any criminal history, whether you intend to plead guilty or not guilty, the volume of material, whether expert evidence is required, and whether a barrister is retained on your behalf.

We understand that legal fees are a practical factor in whether you may retain representation, and we will aim to work with you in coming to an agreement about payment and timeframes according to your circumstances, but without affecting the quality of preparation for your case.

Will there be a conviction recorded?

The court will consider several factors in deciding whether to record a conviction. This includes the nature of the offence, your character and age, the economic and social impact on you if a conviction is recorded, and your chances of finding employment. It may be necessary to prepare evidence to show the court when arguing not to record a conviction. This may include your employment contract or evidence of industry registration requirements.

We will advise you through this process to give you the best opportunity to avoid a conviction.

Will I go to prison?

Imprisonment may be imposed for cases involving serious crimes. We can advise you after considering information such as the charge, the facts alleged, and any criminal history. Even if imprisonment is within range as an outcome in your case, other options may include a wholly suspended sentence or immediate release on parole. These options are a prison term, but do not require you to actually serve time inside a correctional centre. It allows you to remain in the community under certain conditions. If because of the seriousness of the offences, time within a correctional centre is likely, it is important to argue the least amount of time and we will be able to prepare accordingly for you.

Depending on the case, other penalty options for the court include a good behaviour bond, a fine, probation, community service, or intensive correction orders. We will advise you what is the likely outcome in your case.

Need advice from a Criminal Lawyer?

Contact our criminal lawyers now for a no-obligation discussion about the best options in your case.

 

If you are looking for the best criminal lawyers in Brisbane or want to learn more about our legal services for criminal matters follow the links below:

Criminal Law | Commonwealth Crimes | Traffic Law | Drink Driving | Drug Driving | Carriage Service Crimes | Domestic Violence | Sexual Assault | Child Pornography | Tax Fraud | CCC Investigations | ASIC Investigations | Aviation Law | Customs Law