Most people know that if they are caught drink driving in Queensland, they will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a Queensland driver’s licence for a period of time, with the minimum period being one month. What a lot of people don’t realise, however, is that drink driving can result in mandatory prison sentences if …
Continue reading “DUI in Queensland: 3 strikes and you’re out!”
On 1 January 2010, changes came into effect regarding how the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (“SPER”) can enforce unpaid fines. SPER is the Queensland government department responsible for handling and enforcing fines issued on behalf of the government, such as parking fines or court fines.
Every day, more and more drivers on Queensland roads are being pulled over for a random breath test to check if the driver is committing a drink driving offence. The likelihood of you being pulled over for a random breath test is therefore much higher today than ever before. But do you know what your rights …
Continue reading “Random breath tests: A Guide to Your Rights”
If you have found yourself in the unfortunate position of being caught urinating in public and given a notice to appear in court, it is important that you check exactly what you have been charged with. Many people in this position are charged with a public nuisance offence which carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 …
Continue reading “Urinating in public – a public nuisance offence?”
On 8 November 2010, the powers of the Queensland police were enlarged to give them the ability to issue on-the-spot fines for public nuisance offences in addition to their continuing power to arrest and charge a person.
With the recent floods hitting Queensland, we thought that now would be a timely reminder about the laws relating to looting. The offence of looting is considered to be a special case of stealing. What makes looting different to an ‘ordinary’ offence of stealing is that the theft of items takes place during either a …
On 6 August 2010, new alcohol ignition interlock laws were introduced into Queensland. If you have been charged with, or convicted of, a drink driving offence, it is important that you understand how these new laws may impact you. What is an interlock device? An alcohol ignition interlock is a device that is attached to …