Queensland criminal & traffic defence specialists
When your freedom
is on the line.
Charged with an offence in Queensland? You don't have to face it alone. Speak to an Accredited Specialist — your first consultation is free, and our urgent line is answered 24/7.
Arrested right now? Read what to do in your first 48 hours →
Someone in the watch-house right now? Don't wait for morning. Our lawyers answer the urgent line any hour, any day.
Call 0489 200 733Charges we defend
Whatever you're facing, we've defended it — hundreds of times
Criminal and traffic law is all we do. Choose your charge to see how it works in Queensland, the penalties, and how we build a defence.
Assault & violence charges
From a one-off pub altercation to a serious wounding, assault charges cover an enormous range — and so do the outcomes. The right defence often turns on self-defence, provocation, or whether the injury meets the legal threshold at all.
See how we defend this PCA · DUI · drug drivingDrink & drug driving
For most people a drink or drug-driving charge is their first time in a courtroom — and the licence disqualification hurts more than the fine. Early advice protects your record, and sometimes your livelihood.
See how we defend this Possession · utensils · productionDrug offences
A small possession charge and a production charge sit worlds apart in the courts and in the penalties. The category, the schedule and the quantity decide almost everything — including whether diversion is on the table.
See how we defend this Supply · trafficking · Supreme CourtDrug trafficking & supply
Trafficking and supply are among the most serious charges in Queensland, carrying up to 25 years and, for trafficking, a Supreme Court trial. These are not matters to face without a specialist.
See how we defend this Dangerous driving · disqualified · unlicensedTraffic & driving offences
Dangerous operation, driving while disqualified and unlawful use are criminal charges — not just demerit points. A conviction can cost you your licence, your insurance and, in the worst cases, your liberty.
See how we defend this Fraud · stealing · receivingFraud & dishonesty
Fraud and dishonesty charges threaten more than a penalty — they threaten a reputation and a career. Value and any breach of trust drive both the court and the sentence, so the way the case is framed is everything.
See how we defend this Protection orders · breaches · DV assaultDomestic & family violence
A domestic-violence allegation moves fast and touches everything — family, housing, work and reputation. Whether you are named in a protection-order application or charged with a breach, how you respond in the first days matters.
See how we defend this Sexual assault · rape · Supreme CourtSexual offences
Sexual offence allegations carry the heaviest penalties and the gravest consequences for reputation and liberty. They demand discretion, specialist experience, and careful work from the very first day.
See how we defend this Unlawful possession · knives · licensingWeapons & firearms
Weapons charges range from carrying a knife in public to unlawful possession of a category-H firearm — and the penalties, and the effect on any weapons licence, vary enormously with the category.
See how we defend this Burglary · robbery · wilful damageProperty, burglary & robbery
Property offences span minor wilful damage to armed robbery, which carries life imprisonment. Identity, intent and the circumstances of aggravation decide where a case lands — and there is real room to move on each.
See how we defend thisWhat happens next
From arrest to outcome — and where we make the difference
Every case follows a path. Knowing it — and having someone who has walked it thousands of times — takes away the fear.
- 01
Arrest or charge
You are arrested, interviewed, or handed a Notice to Appear. This is the moment to get advice — before you say anything.
- 02
The police interview
You have the right to silence. We advise whether to take part at all, and on what terms.
- 03
Bail
If police refuse bail, we make an urgent application to get you home while the case is dealt with.
- 04
The brief & advice
We obtain the full evidence, find its weaknesses, and tell you honestly what a realistic outcome looks like.
- 05
Hearing, committal or trial
We negotiate hard first — many charges are withdrawn or downgraded. If it proceeds, we run it.
- 06
The outcome
Whether a withdrawal, an acquittal, or the lightest sentence open to the court, we fight for the best result the facts allow.
Recent outcomes
Results that speak for themselves
A selection of recent, de-identified matters. Withdrawn, acquitted, diverted, downgraded — real outcomes for real Queenslanders.
Outcomes are illustrative, de-identified, and depend entirely on the facts of each matter. Past results are not a prediction of the result in your case.
See more resultsWhy Harlowe Vane
The firm you want in your corner
Accredited Specialists
Two directors hold the Queensland Law Society's specialist accreditation in criminal law — a credential only a small number of solicitors earn.
Available 24/7
Arrests do not keep business hours. Our urgent line is answered day and night, and we can be at the watch-house fast.
Criminal law only
We do not dabble. Criminal and traffic defence is all we do, in every court from the Magistrates to the Supreme Court.
Fixed fees, quoted upfront
For most charges you know the cost before you commit — no hourly surprises, no meter running.
Focused on your record
Wherever the facts allow, we fight to keep a conviction off your record and your future open.
A track record that shows
Withdrawals, acquittals, diversions and non-convictions — real outcomes for real Queenslanders since 2008.
Every court, every day
We appear across Queensland's courts
From a first mention in the Magistrates Court to a jury trial in the Supreme Court, we are in front of Queensland's benches every week.
- Magistrates CourtWhere most criminal matters begin and where summary offences are finalised. Bail, first appearances, drink-driving and many assault and drug matters are dealt with here.
- District CourtHears serious indictable offences — including many assault, fraud, sexual and drug matters — before a judge and jury after committal.
- Supreme CourtThe highest trial court, dealing with the most serious offences: murder, manslaughter and serious drug trafficking.
- Childrens CourtDeals with defendants under 18, with a focus on diversion and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- Court of AppealHears appeals against conviction and sentence from the District and Supreme Courts.
- Mental Health CourtDetermines questions of unsoundness of mind and fitness for trial for indictable offences.
★ 4.9 from 300+ Google reviews
What clients say at the hardest time of their lives
Called the after-hours line at 1am when my brother was in the watch-house. Someone actually answered, and by the next morning he was out on bail. I can't put a value on that.
Daniel handled my drink-driving charge and got me a work licence I didn't think was possible. Calm, clear, and no judgment. Kept my job because of him.
Facing a serious assault charge and terrified. Marcus walked me through every step and the whole thing was withdrawn. Worth every cent.
Sophie was incredible with a DV order I was wrongly named in. She was measured and strategic when I was a mess. The conditions ended up completely workable.
First time ever in trouble, a fraud allegation at work. Aisha built a case that kept it off my record. Professional and genuinely kind the whole way.
Explained my options honestly instead of just telling me what I wanted to hear. Ended up with a far better result than I expected. Highly recommend.
Insights
Know your rights before you need them
Your rightsWhat to do if you're arrested in QueenslandThe first few hours after an arrest matter more than any other stage of a case. Here is exactly what to do — and what not to do.6 min read
Your rightsShould I take part in a police interview?The single most common question we're asked — and why the answer is almost always to get advice first.5 min read
TrafficDrink driving in Queensland: penalties, disqualification and work licencesWhat a first drink-driving charge really means for your licence — and the options for keeping you on the road.7 min read
Common questions
Straight answers, no jargon
I've just been arrested — what should I do right now?
Give police only your name, address and date of birth, ask to speak to a lawyer, and call our 24/7 urgent line before taking part in any interview. What happens in the first few hours often shapes the entire case.
Do I have to answer police questions?
For the allegation itself, no. You have the right to silence in Queensland, and anything you say in a record of interview can be used against you. We strongly advise getting advice before any interview.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. Your first consultation is free and confidential, whether by phone or in person at our Brisbane or Southport office. We explain your charge, your options and likely costs before you commit to anything.
How much will my defence cost?
We use fixed fees for most charges so you know the cost upfront, with no hourly surprises. The fee depends on the charge and how the matter is likely to run — we quote it in writing after the first consultation.
Will I have to go to court myself?
Not always. For many Magistrates Court matters we can appear on your behalf so you do not have to take time off work. For matters where you must attend, we prepare you thoroughly and are beside you throughout.
What is an Accredited Specialist, and why does it matter?
Accredited Specialist (Criminal Law) is a formal Queensland Law Society credential held by only a small number of solicitors who have proven advanced expertise. Two of our directors hold it, and they lead our most serious matters.