Criminal Offences
Our specialist Brisbane criminal lawyers can provide legal services for any manner of criminal offences.
Guest Lawyers | Brisbane Criminal Lawyers Brand Story
The law can be a complex maze. We will help you make the right turns, knock down a few walls and find the path out.
- Adam Guest
Guest Lawyers are one of the leading criminal law firms in Brisbane. Our team of experienced practitioners and criminal law specialists have the expertise to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome. Our lawyers appear in all courts in Queensland and regularly represent people charged with criminal and traffic offences in Brisbane, Beenleigh, Ipswich, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. If you are seeking dedicated, expert representation in relation to any criminal or traffic matters, contact Guest Lawyers today.
Guest Lawyers always have a lawyer on call ready to provide you with relevant and important advice, 24 hours per day.
Who are we?
Guest Lawyers are a leading team of experienced, established and dedicated criminal lawyers in Brisbane that are ready to represent you. We offer expert legal advice, criminal defence and high quality service for all our clients. At Guest Lawyers we aim to deliver honest, respectful and easy to understand legal advice combined with a determination to reduce the stress associated with your litigation. Getting you the very best result possible and finding the right path for you is our specialty.
Our specialisations
At Guest Lawyers we specialise in the following criminal matters:
- Criminal charges;
- All traffic offences and applications;
- Prosecutions by the Office of Fair Trading and other regulatory bodies;
- Advocacy for trials and pleas of guilty;
- Coronial Inquests & Commissions of Inquiry;
- Confiscations and Appeals in all Jurisdictions;
- Parole Board decision reviews.
- We also provide free initial consultations (including prisons).
Our Brisbane based criminal lawyers can represent you if you are charged in Queensland with…
Drug OffencesQueensland has very specific legislation regarding drug offences, which can often be quite confusing. Moreover, penalties for drug offences can reach up to 25 years in prison, so it is very important to seek legal advice to increase the chances |
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Assault and Violent CrimeGenerally speaking, assault charges are laid if any form of physical or mental harm was caused to another person. Penalties for assault charges depend on the seriousness of the injuries to the victim. |
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Sex Offences and StalkingThe maximum sentence for the most serious of sex offences is life imprisonment. Therefore, it is highly recommended to seek the best criminal lawyer at your disposal. Our brisbane criminal lawyers act for all persons charged with sex offences |
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Murder and ManslaughterOur Brisbane criminal lawyers have extensive expererience in defending those charged with the most serious crimes. These types of crimes carry maximum sentences of 14 years in prison and should be taken seriously. It is possible for courts |
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Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence refers to one person in a relevant relationship using violence to control and dominate the other person in that relationship. Abuse behaviours can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, social and spiritual. Get in |
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Drink DrivingDriving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offence in Queensland and will almost always result in court proceedings with harsh penalties. To make sure you are fairly represented and your penalties are minimised, guidance from an experienced lawyer is invaluable. |
SpeedingA speeding fine may be disputed in court with legal representation by qualified speeding offence lawyers. Our team of Brisbane criminal lawyers are licensed to practise the handling of traffic matters including speeding, driving under the influence, unlicensed driving and fare evasion across Australia. |
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Adam Guest
Director / Criminal Lawyer
Adam is the Legal practice director and founder of Guest Lawyers. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia in 1999.
Adam has, for over two decades, appeared as solicitor-advocate in all jurisdictions of the Queensland criminal courts and has also represented clients in the High Court.
His specialist skills have also been sought for regulatory offences, inquests, Office of Fair Trading prosecutions and commissions of inquiry, including the CCC and the ACC.
Adam has litigated more criminal confiscation and proceeds of crime matters than any other practitioner in the State.
He is regarded by his peers as being one of Queensland’s leading criminal lawyers, often providing advice to other legal practitioners. In fact, he has been recently recognised in the Courier Mail as one of Queensland’s leading misconduct lawyers.
His record and reputation speak for themselves.
Guest Lawyers has expanded to include some of the elite of the criminal law fraternity, with each senior practitioner having trained extensively. Adam ensures that the firm maintains its ethos of excellency so that it can remain as one of the leading firms in its field.
Adam is available 24/7 on his mobile on 0415 468 957 or via email at adamguest@guestlawyers.com.au.
Chelsea Waters
Solicitor
Chelsea completed her Practical Legal Training with Guest Lawyers in early 2018. She subsequently joined Guest Lawyers as a Law Clerk and was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in October 2018. Chelsea completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Queensland University of Technology.
Guest Lawyers has provided Chelsea with the requisite skills to represent those charged with serious criminal offences. She has worked with clients charged with Murder, Trafficking in Dangerous Drugs and other serious drug offences, Serious Sex Offences including Rape and Child Sex offences, Assaults, Stealing, Fraud and Traffic offences.
Chelsea appears in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts on a daily basis and has appeared in the Court of Appeal and District Court for appellate matters. Chelsea also completed the Youth Practitioner Certification in 2019 allowing her to represent young offenders in Childrens Court.
Chelsea is committed to maintaining strong relationships with our clients. She is an approachable lawyer that assists those charged with an offence to understand the criminal law process and is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for her clients.
Chelsea is available 24/7 on her mobile on 0413 950 751 or via email at chelseawaters@guestlawyers.com.au.
Lewis Hunter
Solicitor
Lewis commenced his employment with Guest Lawyers in 2015 as a Law Clerk. In 2019, Lewis completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at The College of Law. Lewis was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland as an admitted Solicitor in December 2019.
Throughout his employment at Guest Lawyers, Lewis has been exposed to a wide range of serious criminal proceedings. He has worked with clients charged with Murder, Trafficking in Dangerous Drugs and other serious drug offences, Drug Importations, Serious Sex Offences including Rape and Child Sex offences, Assaults, Stealing, Fraud, Money Laundering, Domestic Violence and Traffic offences.
Lewis has been required to appear in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts on a daily basis since his initial employment as a law clerk in 2015, and regularly appears in the Court of Appeal and District Court for appellate matters. Lewis works fiercely to make a habit of achieving positive results for our clients and takes on a wide variety of criminal and administrative law work.
Lewis is available 24/7 on his mobile on 0458 018 675 or via email at lewishunter@guestlawyers.com.au.
Amelia Doolan
Solicitor
Amelia is the newest member of Guest Lawyers and has quickly become an integral part of our team. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with her clients and achieving the best results for them. Previously, Amelia worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before she was the Associate to a Judge of the District Court of Queensland. Amelia completed a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Business at James Cook University in 2019.
Amelia was admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2020. She is eager to use her valuable prior experience to embark on her career as a criminal defence lawyer. Amelia has worked with clients charged with Murder, Serious Drug Offences, Assaults, Serious Sex Offences, Stealing, Fraud, Domestic Violence and Traffic Offences. She regularly appears before the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts of Queensland.
Amelia is available on her mobile on 0488 918 659 or via email at ameliadoolan@guestlawyers.com.au
Kirsty Brennan
Legal Secretary
Kirsty began employment in the legal industry in 2004. She gained significant experience at two Brisbane-based criminal law firms before joining Guest Lawyers in 2019. With over 16 years’ experience, Kirsty has a detailed understanding of the running of criminal law files. Her wealth of knowledge enables her to take a pragmatic approach to her work and provide helpful support to all of our lawyers in the daily progression of matters within the firm.
Kirsty has built and sustained positive professional relationships with members of the criminal law industry as well as clients. She works closely with our clients to help facilitate communication between them and our lawyers.
Karla Bee
Reception
Karla joined the Guest Lawyers team at the beginning of 2018, and has over 4 years’ experience in the criminal law industry. Karla will quite often be our client's first point of contact and is able to assist and guide them with their enquiries. Karla is responsible for the office floor with reception, filing and administrative duties.
Why Choose Our Criminal Lawyers in Brisbane?
We understand that being charged with either a criminal or traffic offence can be both a stressful and overwhelming experience. No matter the crime, your level of involvement, or lack thereof, it is important to choose a criminal lawyer with the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the legal process.
- Our criminal lawyers have built a reputation in Brisbane for providing the highest quality legal representation for all driving and criminal offences, no matter how serious the crime.
- Our team ensures that each and every client receives the best possible outcome for their situation.
- Every case is unique and we will take the time to assess your situation, and provide a tailored and personalised solution.
- We act for all clients across Queensland and interstate in all criminal courts.
- We provide free initial consultations and provide preliminary legal advice for your unique situation.
Questions that our Brisbane criminal lawyers are frequently asked
When Should I Contact a Criminal Lawyer?
Under Queensland law, you always have the right to contact a lawyer and secure representation. You should arrange a consultation with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible if you have been charged with an offence or are due to face court. We will help you navigate the sometimes complex and overwhelming legal process, offer free legal advice and represent you with a superb criminal defence lawyer. Call us on +61 7 3236 0266 to arrange an initial consultation.
How Can I Change My Court Date?
Court dates are important and failure to appear could result in a warrant for your arrest, regardless of the severity of charges that you are facing. However, sometimes life gets in the way and whether it be serious illness or injury, you may need to request that your court hearing be postponed. You can apply for this online with proof of your reasoning for requesting that your court date be adjourned.
Will a Criminal Record Affect My Future Job Prospects in Queensland?
In Queensland, there are instances where a criminal record may affect your job prospects. However, there are also times where disclosing a criminal history is not obligatory. The nature of the offence, your character, age and other factors will determine whether the court decides to record a conviction. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose this information where an employer asks for it. It is worth noting that convictions can lapse after a period of time resulting in them being removed from a person’s criminal record.
What Are My Rights When I’m Being Arrested or Questioned by Police?
If the police suspect that you have committed an offence, are involved or have any knowledge of a crime being committed, they may approach you for questioning. Whatever the situation, before police ask you any questions, you should be aware of your rights. In Queensland you have the right to remain silent unless you’re being asked about your identity or traffic matters. You also have the right to contact criminal lawyers to acquire expert legal defence.
Does Pleading Guilty Reduce My Sentence?
If you’ve been charged you have the option to plead guilty or not guilty in court. This decision will then determine whether you proceed to trial. In the justice system, pleading guilty is a mitigating factor which is considered by a judge during sentencing, meaning there is a likelihood that it will reduce your sentence. However, these sentence reductions are influenced by a variety of factors. You can obtain professional legal advice from our criminal lawyers in Brisbane to help you weigh this decision.
Can You Help Me With Applying for Bail?
Those who are refused bail by the police may apply for bail through the Magistrates Court. Should this application be refused, the offender may apply for bail through the Supreme Court. To avoid bail refusal, we highly recommend hiring a specialist lawyer to attend court on your behalf and apply for you to be released into the community.
