Criminal Lawyers Brisbane
Former Prosecutor Fighting For Your Future
Charged or Contacted by Police? Speak to a lawyer before you speak to them.
Free consultation, fixed fees, calls answered day and night.
Request A Call Back
We’ll call you back within 15 minutes during business hours. After hours call 0422 29 29 86 and a lawyer will answer. Confidential, and there’s no obligation to engage us.
19+ years in Queensland Courts
Proven Court Experience
Watchhouse Attendance Any Hour
Arrested, or someone you know is in the watchhouse?
Give the police your name and address and tell them you want to speak to a criminal lawyer before answering anything else. We attend police stations, watchhouses across Brisbane and appear at the first bail application.
Charged with an offence, or have the police come knocking? At Craven Lawyers, we are here to help. We are a leading criminal defence law firm in Brisbane, dealing only in criminal and traffic law. Our Brisbane criminal lawyers put their experience to work for clients across Queensland to help achieve the best possible outcome for them- from the Magistrates Court in Brisbane to the High Court of Australia.
The firm is under the direction of Justin Craven, one of the leading criminal defence lawyers. With 19 years’ experience as a criminal lawyer, he has been on both sides of the bar table. For eight of those years, he was prosecuting criminal law matters for the Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. That means he knows how a police brief is cobbled together, where it is liable to fall apart, and what a prosecutor will accept in negotiations. It is an advantage we bring to every case.
When your job, your licence or your liberty are at stake, you want a defence lawyer who can back it up. We are Brisbane’s go-to for serious and complex matters. From a first-time drink driving charge before the Magistrates to an indictable offence due for trial in the Supreme or District Court, we offer practical advice from the outset and robust legal representation in court.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured not guilty verdicts, dismissals and reduced charges for our clients, including a High Court win in Coughlan v The Queen [2020] HCA 15. No honest criminal lawyer will promise you an outcome, but we do guarantee a team that works hard for the best result and provides sound professional legal advice.
Where Are You At?
I have been charged and have a court date
You have been given a notice-to-appear, placed on bail or a summons with a court date on it. The first date is a mention, and the court will not expect your case to be finalised on that day.
Do not plead guilty until a criminal lawyer has read the QP9 Court Brief. We get the QP9, tell you where you stand, what the realistic outcomes are and appear at Court with you.
Police Want To Speak To Me
A police officer has left you a card, phoned you or asked you come in for an interview. You have not been charged, but the next step you take will decide the course of your future.
You are not required to take part in an interview with the police. Let us contact the police officer for you and find out why they are investigating and attend the station if they intend to charge you.
Recent Results For Our Clients
No two cases are identical; every case turns on its own facts and circumstances. No lawyer can guarantee a particular outcome. Below are examples of results we have achieved for clients.
HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA
Coughlan v The Queen [2020] HCA 15.
The High Court quashed the guilty verdicts for arson and attempted fraud, and entered verdicts of acquittal.
Court: Brisbane Magistrates Court
Charge/s: Going armed so as to cause fear
Result: $750.00 fine and no conviction recorded.
Court: Brisbane District Court.
Charge: Cruelty to children under 16.
Result: Nolle Prosequi entered (Charge discontinued).
Court: Brisbane District Court.
Charge: Possessing child exploitation material.
Result: 2 years imprisonment wholly suspended for 3 years.
Court: Brisbane District Court
Charge/s: Trafficking in a dangerous drug and Possessing a thing used in connection with trafficking in a dangerous drug
Result: 2 years imprisonment with immediate parole release date.
Court: Brisbane District Court
Charges: 3 x Indecent treatment of a child under 16
Result: 15 months imprisonment wholly suspended for 2 years.
Court: Queensland Court of Appeal
Case: R v Pacaci [2025] QCA 154
Result: Appeal Successful. Operational period of suspended sentence was reduced.
TRUSTED AND RECOMMENDED QUEENSLAND LAWYERS
Supporting you through your legal journey with proven results
What Clients Say About Craven Lawyers
“I called yesterday to get some initial advice and couldn’t have been happier with how much help I was given and advice given. A great first impression!”
Rosie Brooks
“Justin is very professional and got me the result I was after. Extremely happy”
Adam Brett
“Justin Craven helped me through a difficult time and was very professional. I recommend this law firm to anyone who is needing legal representation. Thank you.”
John Anderson
“Justin was super professional, kind and gave great tips! Would highly recommend him :)”
Kirra A.
“I am so grateful that Justin represented my husband Paul, for his criminal trial in the district court recently. From our first meeting, his professionalism and approachable manner made us feel comfortable in his presence.
He explained aspects of the legal system to us in layman’s terms.
Justin’s thoughtfulness and commitment resulted in a positive outcome due to his tireless efforts.
Justin is an outstanding lawyer and we would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be represented by nothing but the best.”
Colleen Griggs
WE, OR OUR CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN
Criminal Charges We Defend in Brisbane
We cover the full gamut of criminal law, from summary offences to the most serious indictable kind, and any traffic offence that could mean the loss of your licence. This includes assault in all its forms – common, serious and grievous bodily harm, as well as choking and affray. The complainant’s account is tested, as are the medical evidence and any self-defence or provocation the Criminal Code may afford.
ASSAULT CHARGES
Common Assault
Assault occasioning bodily harm
Choking/Suffocation
DRIVING OFFENCES
Dangerous operation of a vehicle
Unlawful use or possession of motor vehicles, aircraft or vessels
Evade police
DRUG CHARGES
Trafficking in a dangerous drug
Possessing a dangerous drug
Supplying a dangerous drug
Producing a dangerous drug
FRAUD CHARGES
Fraud
Centrelink fraud
Money laundering
Stealing as a servant
PROPERTY CHARGES
Stealing
Burglary
Wilful damage
Receiving tainted property
SEXUAL CHARGES
Rape
Sexual assault
Indecent treatment of a child under 16
Possessing child exploitation material
VIOLENT OFFENCES
Grievous bodily harm
Deprivation of liberty
Torture
Wounding
TYPES OF TRAFFIC LAW CHARGES AND APPLICATIONS WE HELP WITH
Meet Founder and Director
Justin Craven
I have been a criminal lawyer for 19+ years. I completed my Articles of Clerkship at Macrossan and Amiet Solicitors in Mackay where I worked with the likes of barristers Tony Collins and Patrick Cullinane KC, former Judge Duncan McMeekin, and Justice Graeme Crowe and current Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan. I then worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for eight years. I prosecuted my way through the Queensland system and worked with and learned from many who now sit on the bench.
I started Craven Lawyers in 2015. Since then I have represented many clients throughout Queensland, and even in the High Court of Australia.
If you are facing a criminal charge I am here to help you.
Questions People Ask Our Brisbane Criminal Lawyers
Do I need a lawyer for the Magistrates Court?
You can represent yourself, and in some instances people do. You risk pleading guilty to an offence that isn’t proven or accepting facts that should be contested. A criminal conviction can affect employment, travel and licences, so it is important to get advice before your first court date. A criminal lawyer knows what to say to the Magistrate to help achieve the best outcome for your situation.
Should I take part in a police interview?
In most instances, “no”. You must give police your name and address, but you do not have to answer any questions about the offence they are investigating. Whatever you say to the police can be recorded and used against you. Speak to a lawyer first and let us deal with the police for you.
Will I get a criminal record?
Not everyone charged with a criminal offence ends up with a criminal record. If the charge is discontinued or you are found not guilty there will be no conviction. However, for persons who plead guilty or are found guilty the court has a discretion of whether or not to record a conviction. A criminal lawyer can make submissions to the court on your behalf about this issue.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Brisbane?
The cost depends on several factors, including the offence you are charged with, the court where the charge will be finalised, and whether you plead guilty or go to trial. Your first consultation with us is free. We usually provide fixed fees upfront for different stages of your case so you know what you will be charged.
Do You represent people outside of Brisbane?
Yes, we represent clients throughout South-East Queensland. We have represented clients in such places as Townsville, Ipswich, Southport, Beenleigh, Toowoomba, Gympie, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa and Chinchilla. 00
What is a QP9 Court Brief?
It is a document that details the charge, the offence date, the complainant (if there is one), the facts police allege prove the offence, and the value of any damage allegedly caused. This is the first document the prosecution will rely upon in Court, and often the only document. The QP9 is not evidence and is often wrong.
Can my charges be dropped or negotiated?
In some circumstances, charges can be discontinued (dropped) or they can be negotiated. We often send written submissions on behalf of clients to negotiate with the prosecution to achieve a better outcome for a client than had they accepted what police initially charged them with.
Will I go to jail?
Whether you will go to jail depends on a variety of factors, including your age and background, whether you have a criminal history, the offence you are charged with, and the damage or harm caused to any individual. Our lawyers can discuss with you the potential of you being sentenced to prison.
What Should I Bring to My First Consultation
You need to bring any documents that the police or the Court has given you. This may include your notice to appear or bail undertaking, field property receipt, any domestic violence order (if involves a domestic violence offence), your traffic history (if the offence involves driving).