Sexual assault · rape · Supreme Court
Sexual 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.
These are among the most serious charges in the criminal law. Sexual assault carries up to 10 years, and rape is a Supreme Court matter carrying life imprisonment. The stakes — and the reputational damage of even an allegation — mean nothing about these cases can be left to chance.
Consent, reliability and the timing and consistency of a complaint are frequently central. We prepare these matters meticulously and with complete discretion, testing the Crown case at committal and, where it proceeds, running a considered trial defence.
The charges — and what they carry
Figures are statutory maximums under Queensland law. Actual sentences are usually far lower — get advice about your matter.
Defences we run
- Consent, or a reasonable and honest belief in consent
- The reliability and consistency of the complaint
- Forensic and medical evidence that does not support the allegation
- Delay and its effect on the fairness of the trial
How we defend you
- A director-led, Accredited-Specialist team runs the matter with complete discretion.
- We test the complaint and the forensic material rigorously at committal.
- We prepare a careful trial defence where the matter proceeds.
Questions people ask
I've only been accused — do I need a lawyer now?
Yes, immediately, and before any police interview. What you do in the first days of a sexual-offence allegation can shape the entire matter. Early specialist advice is essential.
Will my case be reported?
We act with complete discretion and advise you on the suppression and privacy protections that may apply. Protecting your reputation is part of how we run these matters.