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# George Criminal Lawyers: Brisbane Criminal Lawyers

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Understanding Jack’s Law: How Queensland Is Strengthening Youth Safety](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/understanding-jacks-law-how-queensland-is-strengthening-youth-safety/): Learn how Queensland’s Jack’s Law is transforming youth safety by empowering police with new knife-detection powers. Understand what the law means, why it was introduced, and its impact on community protection.
- [Queensland Introduces Daniel’s Law: A Three-Tier Public Offender Register to Enhance Child Protection](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/queensland-introduces-daniels-law-a-three-tier-public-offender/): Queensland enacts Daniel’s Law, launching a three-tier public offender registry to improve child protection and community safety. Learn what this means for parents and the public.
- [Exceptional circumstances and recorded convictions in CEM cases](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/exceptional-circumstances-recorded-convictions-cem-cases/): The Court of Appeal recently considered the application of exceptional circumstances in an offence of possessing child exploitation material, and whether a conviction should be recorded.
- [Drug and Alcohol Diversion in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/drug-alcohol-diversion-queensland/): For anyone charged with a minor drug offence in Queensland, drug diversion programs can be a way to avoid convictions and safeguard your future.
- [Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Australia](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/mandatory-minimum-sentences/): The High Court of Australia has just confirmed the law with respect to mandatory minimum sentences in Australia, and how sentences should be calculated.
- [New changes to reportable offender obligations in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/new-changes-to-reportable-offender-obligations-in-queensland/): Queensland has just passed new laws targeting reportable offenders, increasing minimum reporting periods and expanding police powers.
- [The Law On Medicinal Cannabis in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/the-law-on-medicinal-cannabis-in-queensland/): Recent changes to the law have made it legal for doctors to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Queensland. Finally, you might think. Read on as we break down the legalities of accessing cannabis for medical treatment.
- [Relaxed Drug Possession Laws in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/relaxed-drug-possession-laws-in-queensland/): A new ‘three strike system’ has just been introduced to decriminalise personal possession of most illegal drugs and utensils in Queensland.
- [Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/voluntary-assisted-dying-in-queensland/): In keeping with the times, the Queensland Government has finally legalised euthanasia through the introduction of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (2021), which comes into effect from 1 January 2023.
- [Federal government granted unprecedented access to your online accounts](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/federal-government-granted-unprecedented-access-to-your-online-accounts/): In a move that would fit perfectly in George Orwell’s classic novel, 1984, the Federal Government has just passed legislation which grants police access to your computer and online accounts, with power to copy, modify or delete data as they wish. Worried?
- [What does it mean to be a reportable offender in Queensland?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-reportable-offender-in-queensland/): Following conviction for a sexual offence against a child, or a CEM offence, the Queensland government requires offenders to report their personal details. This is often referred to as being on the sex offenders register. Read on as we take a deep dive into the law and explain what it all means.
- [Child pornography (CEM) — the new offences and changes to sentencing](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/child-pornography-cem-the-new-offences-and-changes-to-sentencing/): Recent changes to the law have led to the creation of two new offences relating to child abuse objects, as well as a tougher sentencing regime requiring exceptional circumstances to stay out of jail.
- [Mistake of fact: consent laws in Queensland](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/mistake-of-fact-consent-laws-in-queensland/): The excuse of mistake of fact in sexual assault and rape cases has recently come under fire by academics and non-lawyers, with some calling it an archaic “legal loophole”. Calls for the excuse to be abolished or heavily modified have resulted in an intensive review by the Queensland Law Reform Commission, which recently published its findings.
- [Can you be charged for transmitting COVID-19?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/can-you-be-charged-for-transmitting-covid-19/): A number of reports have surfaced of people spitting on others, which gives rise to the question: can you be charged for transmitting COVID-19?
- [Is failing to vote because of COVID-19 a valid and sufficient excuse?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/is-failing-to-vote-because-of-covid-19-a-valid-and-sufficient-excuse/): COVID-19 used to be a pretty good excuse not to vote, but is that still the case?
- [How can you represent a guilty person?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/how-can-you-represent-a-guilty-person/): How can you represent a guilty person? What about if they told you that they did it? And what if you know they’re guilty? Find out here.

## Pages
- [Client Portal](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/client-portal/): Completing this form provides us with important information we need to know about you, which will help us when providing you with advice and making submissions to the court. Please answer the questions as fully and honestly as you can. If you want to add more information, there is a space at the end of the form to do so.
- [Law List Alerts](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/law-list-alerts/): Have you ever missed a court appearance, or been told the wrong date by your client or the court? Or are you simply tired of looking through the law lists each day to check where you need to be?
- [Bookings](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/bookings/): Manage your booking hereManage your booking here
- [Child Exploitation Material (CEM) Offences](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/child-exploitation-material-cem/): If you've been charged with possessing child exploitation material, or possessing child abuse material, it is most often because of police received a tipoff about a specific IP address, username, or email address being used for child pornography, or by tracking IP addresses of people downloading torrents.
- [Careless and Dangerous Driving](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/careless-and-dangerous-driving/): If you're reading this page, then you're probably wondering what happens after you've been involved in a traffic accident. You might have already been charged by police, or you might be waiting for them to contact you.
- [Work Licences and Special Hardship Orders](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/work-licences-and-special-hardship-orders/): When facing the loss of a licence for a drink or drug driving offence, you may be able to apply for a restricted licence (also known as a work licence) if you meet certain criteria. These applications require careful preparation — the requirements are strict, and a successful outcome depends heavily on the quality of the material put before the court.
- [Assaults & Violence](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/assaults-violence/): If you need a criminal defence lawyer for an assault charge or offence of violence, then it's critical you choose the right lawyer to represent you.
- [Unlicensed and Disqualified Driving](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/unlicensed-and-disqualified-driving/): If you have been intercepted by police while driving unlicensed or while disqualified and given a notice to attend court you will need to deal with it at a Magistrates Court.
- [Stealing, Robbery and Property Offences](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/stealing-robbery-and-property-offences/): If you’re accused of stealing, robbery, burglary or another property-related offence, it’s vital that your lawyer knows how to defend you and keep you out of prison. If the offence is serious, or involves any violence, then the court will be looking at actual jail time.
- [Sexual Offences](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/sexual-offences/): One of our key practice areas is defending clients charged with sexual offences. Because of our significant experience, skill, and reputation in this field we can guarantee that your future is in the safest possible hands.
- [Murder and Manslaughter](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/murder-and-manslaughter/): The most serious charge in Queensland is murder, which carries with it a life sentence. If the murder is of more than one person, or of a police officer, the penalty simply gets worse. Manslaughter is the alternative charge to murder, where the intent to kill can’t be proven.
- [Fraud Offences](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/fraud-offences/): Fraud means obtaining a “benefit or advantage” for yourself or someone else by some form of deception. Charges can range from using someone else’s credit card right up to siphoning millions from a company bank account. In addition, receiving benefits from Government departments such as Centrelink and WorkCover Queensland can result in prosecution by them.
- [Drug Offences](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/drug-offences/): Police are looking for drugs and anything used in connection with the commission of a drug offence. This might include clip seal bags, scales, pipes and bongs, needles and syringes, notebooks (tick sheets), and mobile phones. If wads of cash can't be explained properly, police will seize it as evidence of suspected drug offences.
- [Drink and Drug Driving](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/drink-and-drug-driving/): No, it's not. It's a traffic offence, and any conviction appears on your traffic history only.
- [Domestic Violence Breaches](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/domestic-violence-breaches/): You only have to turn on a TV these days to see domestic violence is a topic of huge media and public interest. The recent murders of Hannah Clarke and her children have re-ignited this flame. This increased media interest, together with campaigns like “Not Now, Not Ever”, mean that police have no hesitation in charging people for contravening DVOs.
- [Bail Applications](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/bail-applications/): Making a bail application in the Magistrates Court or Supreme Court is a vital step that many people get wrong. Using an inexperienced lawyer inevitably means bail is refused, and those people end up spending time in jail that they would never have to serve.
- [Appeals](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/appeals/): We have over a decade of experience in criminal law appeals, having successfully represented clients appealing against their conviction or sentence. We have connections to the best barristers in Queensland — including King's Counsel — which means you have the best possible chance of success with us on your side.
- [Articles](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/articles/): 7 December 2025
- [FAQ](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq/): It's natural to have questions, and we encourage you to ask as many questions as you need before making a decision. To get you started, we have set out a number of frequently asked questions below, but if you need specific advice, please contact us.
- [About](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/about/): Unlike most other criminal law firms in Queensland, at George Criminal Lawyers there's no chance of your case being handed off to an unqualified law student or law graduate, or to the most junior lawyer in the team.
- [Book Appointment](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/book-appointment/): We offer two options when you book an appointment with us — a free 15 minute consultation by phone, or an in-person conference at our offices or somewhere convenient to you. During this initial consultation you can expect the following:
- [Contact](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/contact/): Make the right decision about your future. Begin by sending us a message using the contact form below, or you can contact us directly by phone or email. Alternatively, book online to schedule a free telephone or video consultation, or an in-person appointment (available Monday to Friday, and on weekends by appointment).
- [The GOAT Page](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/goat/): The tools we have created on this page involved hundreds of hours of research and meticulous data entry. If you find something useful here, feel free to buy Andrew a coffee. If you have any ideas for other useful tools, or have any suggestions or corrections for this page, please get in touch.
- [What We Do](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/what-we-do/): On this page you will find a list of usual areas of practice, with links to dedicated pages for a number of areas. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't worry: we do it all. Just send us a message or give us a call for advice.
- [Home](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/): We are an elite Brisbane criminal law firm providing fierce representation, honest advice and exceptional results. We are ready to fight for you.

## FAQs
- [Does this apply to people who are no longer reportable offenders, or who were never reportable offenders?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/does-this-apply-to-people-who-are-no-longer-reportable-offenders-or-who-were-never-reportable-offenders/): No, it only applies to current reportable offenders. People who have completed their reporting requirements, or those who were convicted of offences prior to the reportable offender legislation coming into effect in 2004, are not captured by this new legislation.
- [Sentence: Possessing CEM & Observations or Recordings in Breach of Privacy](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/sentence-possessing-cem-observations-or-recordings-in-breach-of-privacy/): A client was charged with possessing CEM and recording someone in a state of undress (observations/recordings in breach of privacy). He was immediately referred to expert psychologists for treatment. Meanwhile, we negotiated the facts of the matter with the DPP, resulting in very favourable agreed facts. He received a 2 year probation order, with no conviction recorded.
- [Charges Dismissed: Possessing CEM & CAM](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/charges-dismissed-possessing-cem-cam/): A client was charged with possessing CEM and possessing child abuse material obtained using a carriage service. After careful analysis of the forensic reports, we successfully negotiated for both charges to be discontinued in the Magistrates Court based on our deep understanding of the electronic evidence.
- [Why choose George Criminal Lawyers?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/why-choose-george-criminal-lawyers/): Because we have the experience, skills and reputation needed to get you the best possible result. Also, unlike other firms, we won't leave you in the dark, wondering what is happening with your matter or why your lawyer never responds to your emails or phone calls.
- [Who is Andrew George?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/who-is-andrew-george/): Andrew George is the Principal Lawyer at George Criminal Lawyers. He has over 13 years of experience in criminal defence, and has represented clients charged with the most serious crimes in Australia. He is a passionate lawyer with outstanding attention to detail. He leaves no stone unturned in defending his clients and achieving exceptional results.
- [Sentence: Possessing child exploitation material (CEM)](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-3-possessing-child-exploitation-material-cem/): A client pleaded guilty to possessing child exploitation material, which was uncovered after he had uploaded files to a file sharing site (mega.nz). Police located 260 images on his phone, with about 60% in Category 1. There was also evidence showing he had shared links to mega.nz with other users, but he had not been charged for that.
- [Sentence: Importing Tier 2 goods (CAM)](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-2-importing-tier-2-goods-cam/): A client pleaded guilty to an offence of importing Tier 2 goods (child abuse material - CAM) by bringing it into the country on his mobile phone and iPad. There were 16 CAM files: 14 videos and 2 images. Against our advice, he did not engage in treatment, but did see a psychologist to obtain a forensic report about his risk factors. He avoided jail, receiving a wholly suspended sentence of 12 months imprisonment, plus probation for 2 years.
- [Sentence: Possessing child exploitation material (CEM)](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-1-possessing-child-exploitation-material-cem/): A client pleaded guilty to possessing 1 CEM video, which had been uploaded to a cloud storage website (mega.nz). On our advice, he engaged early with a clinical psychologist to address his underlying pornography addiction. By the time of his sentence, he had made significant changes to his life and dealt with the underlying issues. He received a fine with no conviction recorded.
- [Sentence: Sexual Assault](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-3-sexual-assault-sentence/): A client pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a female employee after a work Christmas party. He couldn't remember details of what happened, so we carefully reviewed the evidence and provided advice on the case and his prospects of conviction. We obtained high-quality references, a letter of apology, and prepared extensive written submissions to the court. The prosecutor asked for a jail sentence, but we achieved a 2 year probation order with no conviction recorded.
- [Trial: Indecent Treatment & Rape](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-2-indecent-treatment-rape-district-court-trial/): A client was charged with indecent treatment and rape of his young daughter. Cross-examination of his ex-wife caused significant damage to the prosecution case, establishing the mother had likely influenced the daughter to make a false complaint. The client gave evidence and was acquitted of all charges.
- [Trial: Rape](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/client-1-rape-district-court-trial/): A client was charged with 2 charges of rape in circumstances where the alleged victim had taken medication and consumed alcohol. She denied consent, so a mistake of fact defence was pursued in addition to actual consent. The client gave evidence and was acquitted of both charges.
- [Can I apply for a work licence?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/can-i-apply-for-a-work-licence-2/): The criteria you must meet is as follows:
- [Why do I need a lawyer?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/can-i-apply-for-a-work-licence/): There's no guarantee you will receive the minimum disqualification, or the lowest possible penalty. If you're happy to spend extra months off the road or pay higher fines, then go for it. Otherwise, give us a call and we will help you out.
- [Will I need to install an interlock?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/will-i-need-to-install-an-interlock/): The interlock program applies to anyone who is convicted of any of the following offences:
- [How long will I lose my licence for?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/how-long-will-i-lose-my-licence-for/): This depends on your reading, whether you're on an open licence or not, and any prior history you might have. Generally, you will lose your licence for a minimum of:
- [Why is choosing a criminal lawyer so important?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/why-is-choosing-a-criminal-lawyer-so-important/): Having worked in this industry for over a decade, it is very clear that some firms simply don't care about you once they have your money. We've heard countless stories from clients who have come to us, sometimes too late, telling us that they could never get in touch with their lawyer or find out what is happening with their matter. Their entire future was on the line and it's simply not good enough. And, just as concerning is that some firms don't have a basic knowledge or understanding of the area of law that they practice in.
- [Do you travel?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/i-have-a-matter-in-insert-court-here-can-you-represent-me/): Absolutely, because we know exactly what you get when you use the local lawyers. We will travel wherever you need us, including interstate. Just contact us to confirm our availability and fees.
- [The police want to question me. What should I do?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/should-i-speak-to-the-police/): Never speak to the police unless it is to confirm who you are. Their primary goal is to obtain evidence from you which can support the charge they are investigating. You should contact us immediately for advice.
- [What is the process after being charged?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/what-is-the-process-after-being-charged/): Once you engage our services, we will request a copy of the facts from police (known as a QP9) and any criminal or traffic history that you might have. The QP9 will provide a summary of the facts and allow us to provide you with some initial advice about your options.
- [Do you offer free initial consultations?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/do-you-offer-free-initial-consultations/): Yes, we offer free initial consultations by phone. You can book a time using our online booking page, submit a contact form enquiry, or text, call or email us to set it up.
- [Why you shouldn’t use a duty lawyer](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/why-you-shouldnt-use-a-duty-lawyer/): Because you are taking a gamble on your future. Duty lawyers typically spend about 5 or 10 minutes with you to discuss your matter on the day of court. They might not ask you the right questions about what happened, and they won't have any supporting material to hand up to the Magistrate to help reduce your penalty. You also won't know who the duty lawyer is and their level of experience and skill.
- [I want to have a trial — what happens?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/i-want-to-have-a-trial-what-happens/): If we can't get your charges dropped or downgraded and you want to go to trial, then the court will give you a date for your trial. Magistrates Court trials are usually listed for a single day, with Supreme and District Court trials lasting 2-3 days on average.
- [What happens if I want to plead guilty?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/what-happens-if-i-want-to-plead-guilty/): If you’re likely to be sentenced, or want to plead guilty, then you can rest assured that you will receive the best possible outcome. We know exactly what supporting evidence the court wants to see. We will help you organise character references, reports and medical evidence to ensure that no stone is left unturned.
- [What are your business hours?](https://georgecriminallawyers.com.au/faq-items/what-are-your-business-hours/): We usually answer calls and attend appointments between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, but we are contactable 24 hours by SMS or email. If you need to speak to us or require assistance outside of these hours, including weekends, just get in touch.