Criminal Law FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Queensland's criminal law

FAQ's

    General

    • Can't I just use my local solicitor for my criminal matter?

      Absolutely. There are many great lawyers but the question you need to ask is how much experience they have? We have appeared in court hundreds of times helping clients, some lawyers have little if any criminal law experience or their knowledge may be out of date.

    • Where do I find the law relating to criminal law in Queensland?

      The majority of the law concerning criminal offences can be found in the Criminal Code Act 1899
    • Do you do legal aid matters?

      No
    • Will the Magistrate see my criminal history?

      Yes the Magistrate will have a full copy of your Queensland criminal history and in some cases other states.
    • Do I have to have a Trial?

      If you are pleading not guilty a Trial will be necessary. Your charge/s will determine which Court your Trial will be in. Trials can go from anywhere from 1-10 days, again depending on the charge/s.
    • If I plead not guilty and am found guilty will my penalty be harsher than if I plead guilty?

      Yes. If you plead not guilty and are found to be in fact guilty your punishment will usually be more severe than if you plead guilty in the first place.
    • The Police want to interview me. Should I co-operate and talk to them?

      Not without consulting a Lawyer first. We rarely recommend our clients talk to the Police or give interviews or statements. We generally will submit any information they need and that we feel necessary to them ourselves.
    • Do I have to have a Trial?

      If you are pleading not guilty a Trial will be necessary. Your charge/s will determine which Court your Trial will be in. Trials can go from anywhere from 1-10 days, again depending on the charge/s.
    • Do you do all types of criminal law matters?

      Yes

    Our Process

    • Won't I need to meet with you before the court date?

      It depends on the charge, we can generally do everything over the phone or by email. We know exactly what the courts need to hear to get you the best result. By avoiding unnecessary appointments with your lawyer we can not only reduce the cost to you but save you the extra inconvenience of trips to see your lawyer. If for any reason we do need to meet before the court date we will come to you, at no charge. We also have offices on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts as well as in Brisbane.

    • I'm not sure whether I should use a lawyer or not

      Our initial analysis of your case is free and with no obligation so just contact us, we will get all your relevant documents from the police and let you know what we think the court will do, if you engage us great, if you choose not to engage us then at least you will have a better idea what will happen in court.
    • Do you do payment plans or do fees need to be paid prior to my Court date?

      Payment is required in full prior to your Court date. We offer numerous methods of payment including cheque, direct debit, credit card including American Express, debit card and cash.

    Prices

    • Why is Clarity Law better priced than other law firms?

      It's very simple, we have tried to eliminate most costs that normal law firms have. We don't have fancy offices; we don't have reception staff all of this allows us to pass the savings on to you it also allows us the flexibility to travel to most courts in South East Queensland.
    • My lawyer can do the criminal law matter in court, the price they have given is higher than yours, doesn't this mean I will get better service from them?

      No, we are confident we offer both the best price and service in Queensland. We are cheaper because we have structured our law firm to eliminate costs; these savings are passed on to you. Steven Brough the owner of Clarity Law is one of Queensland's best and most experienced criminal lawyers.
    • I'm in Gympie will it cost extra to hire you to represent me?

      No, Our prices are the same no matter what South East Queensland court you are in.
    • I'm in Longreach, you don't say you attend the court here, can you still help?

      Unfortunately not