Sexual Offences

Court etiquette is the set of customs and rules that govern behavior and conduct in a legal setting. It is essential to honor these norms to show respect for the Court and everyone involved in the proceedings. When entering a courtroom, it is crucial to remember that you are stepping into a space where justice… Read More »Court Etiquette

In certain situations, police have the right to conduct such a search, even if they don’t have a warrant to do so. If a police officer makes a request to search your person or your property, you’re entitled to refuse to consent to the search. It’s advisable in most circumstances, however, to cooperate with all… Read More »Powers to Search – When can the Police Search You If They Don’t Have a Warrant?

Safe Night Precincts (SNPs) were introduced as a Queensland Government initiative to address violence and anti-social behaviour associated with drinking culture. The reforms restricted trading hours of licensed venues, brought in networked ID scanning for late-trading venues, and supported police to issue banning notices for people who engaged in disorderly, offensive, or violent conduct. More… Read More »What You Need to Know About Safe Night Precincts and Police Banning Notices

Despite the introduction of random breath testing and multiple public safety campaigns, drink driving remains a scourge on Australian roads with around one in four accidents on the road counting alcohol or drugs as a factor. One survey also discovered that around 50 per cent of Australians support the use of a device that would… Read More »Drink Driving and Interlock Devices: When Am I Required to Install One?

If you have been pulled over or questioned by Queensland police then you know it can intimidating. When it comes to police questioning, many people are unaware of their legal rights or assume that what they’ve seen on American crime shows that you have the right to remain silent basically applies in all circumstances in Australia. In this podcast, PD Law Associate and Criminal Lawyer, Peta Vernon, discusses what you need to know if you have been pulled over or questioned by QLD police.

The concept of ‘occupier’s liability’ when it comes to possession of drugs is often misunderstood by members of the public. Essentially it means that a person can face a criminal charge for possession of illegal drugs found in their house or car, for example, even if they do not own the substances. We’ll explain more… Read More »Explaining The Concept of Occupier’s Liability in Drug Matters

Are You Eligible for Legal Aid? PD Law is a preferred supplier for legal aid in the region.  We can assist you with your eligibility and assist with you with making an application for a grant of aid. To get a grant of legal aid, you must: be financially eligible under the Legal Aid means test… Read More »Need Access To Legal Advice But Don’t Think You Can Afford It?

Going to Court? When it comes to court etiquette, it can be difficult to know when you’re required to appear, what to wear, and what happens if you fail to meet your court obligations. If the Police issue you with a notice to appear, or you have signed a bail undertaking, you’re generally required to… Read More »No Shoes, No Shirt, No Court

From 1 July, 2017 State Parliament introduced amendments to liquor licencing laws in Queensland. Because Airlie Beach is a designated Safe Night Precinct, a number of measures have been put in place that may impact on your night out. Got ID? Venues that trade past midnight will now have ID Scanners installed. This means to… Read More »Planning a night out in Airlie? Here’s what you need to know…….

Are You At Risk of Losing Your Licence? Have you: been caught doing more than 40km/hr over the speed limit; or lost more demerit points after being placed on a good behaviour period for 12 months. If you need your licence to keep your job, or to get to and from work, or for other… Read More »Are you at risk of losing your licence? You may be eligible for a Special Hardship Order.

Drivers Licence in Jeopardy? If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your driver’s licence is in jeopardy, due to being caught by police with drugs or alcohol in your system, you might still have options. A restricted work licence is available in certain circumstances where: You’ve been charged by police with drink driving, and… Read More »Are you about to lose your drivers licence? You may be eligible for a restricted work licence.

PD Law Welcomes CRIMINAL LAWYER Elizabeth Smith to the team When Elizabeth Smith was at school she knew that she liked to argue and negotiate, and so when it came time to decide what to do with herself, the law seemed like the right fit.  Elizabeth attended Bond University and studied for her Bachelor of… Read More »From police prosecutor to criminal lawyer