Welcome to the Craven Lawyers Blog

What happens at a sentence hearing in the Magistrates Court?

If you are intending on pleading guilty to an offence it is important you understand the process at a sentence hearing. Find out more here.

Do you need to provide your name and address to a Queensland police officer?

The Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) provides for the circumstances when a police officer can require you to state your name and address.

I have been issued an infringement notice for a Camera Detected Offence (e.g. speeding or red light camera), what do I do?

You must, within 28 days:

(1) Pay the fine in full to the administering authority; or

(2) Elect to have the matter decided in a Magistrates Court; or

(3) Give to the administering authority an illegal user declaration, a known or unknown user declaration or a sold vehicle declaration for the vehicle for the offence.

Can a police officer search me without a warrant?

Yes, in certain circumstances a police officer in Queensland can search you without a warrant.

In Queensland there are certain circumstances where a police officer may search a person without a search warrant and these are provided for in the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld) (“PPRA”).

Are You Protecting Your Family’s Future?

Our families are important. We work hard to provide for their future. But, what if something unexpected happened? It is just as important to plan to protect your family on your death as you do in your lifetime.

Worried about losing your licence because of the accumulation of demerit points?

In Queensland, licence holders who accumulate a certain number of demerit points within a certain timeframe must be given the option of choosing to be on a good driving behaviour period for 1 year, as opposed to having their licence suspended. Queensland Transport sends out a letter called ‘Accumulation of Demerit Points – Notice to Choose’.

Writing a Character Reference For a Criminal Case

An effective character reference can be a very useful and persuasive tool for your solicitor/barrister to tender to the Court at your sentence to give the sentencing Magistrate/Judge an insight into the person you are. Below are some tips on drafting a character reference for a criminal matter that you can provide to your referee/s.

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