News
Applications to Remove Driver License Disqualifications in Queensland
A person who has been disqualified by a Queensland Court from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence either absolutely or for a period of more than 2 years, may, after the expiration of 2 years from the start of the disqualification period apply to the court for the disqualification to be removed.
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Tracking Devices: An Update to Bail In Queensland
Bail is at the end of the day a cornerstone of our justice system and something that the Court takes very seriously. Simply put bail is a written promise by a person to come back to court, as and when directed, and to comply with any conditions the court may impose in...
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One Punch Laws (Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Act 2014)
In 2014 the State Government passed the Safe Night Out Legislation Amendment Act 2014, this was done in an attempt to deal with public outcry in relation to 'one punch' offences in popular night spots. This act introduced Section 314A into the Criminal Code. Section...
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The Drug and Alcohol Court
On the 24th day of October 2017 the Queensland Government passed the Penalties and Sentences (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Orders) and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017. The Bill was introduced into Parliament on the 10th day of August 2017...
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Client Acquitted on Double Murder
Howden Saggers Lawyers acted for former soldier Christopher Carter at his double murder trial in the Supreme Court at Brisbane. We briefed Melbourne’s Queens Counsel, David Brustman QC to defend Mr Carter. Prior to trial, Mr Carter had been in custody since his...
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The Mental Health Act
In March 2017, the Mental Health Act 2016 came into effect. A Magistrates Court may dismiss a complaint for a simple offence if the court is reasonably satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the person charged with the offence was or appears to have been of...
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Magistrates Court Procedure
Common listings in criminal law matters in Queensland The Court system in Queensland for criminal matters is made up of three courts The Magistrates Court; The District Court; and The Supreme Court. Within each court and at each stage of your matter, your matter will...
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Help! My matter needs to go to district or supreme court!
Our last blog post explained the Magistrates Court procedures. If your matter is to be dealt with by a higher court i.e. District or Supreme, then your matter will take a different course than it would otherwise take in the Magistrates Court. So here’s a quick guide...
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Bail in Queensland – How it Works
After the recent tragedy in Victoria there has been a lot of scrutiny on the Victorian bail system and how it works. Our system is very different to Victoria’s and it’s important to understand what bail is and how it works. Bail is a written promise that a person will...
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“Can I say no?” Roadside Breath Test Requirements
There has been quite a bit of media attention around a recent video in which a driver refuses to participate in a roadside breath test and constantly asks the police officer whether he is under arrest or free to go. Whilst this may seem to be a clever way to avoid...
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