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.
If a person is issued a fine for a public nuisance offence, the police officer must also give the person a “Public Nuisance Ticket Information Sheet” which provides information about options for payment, court election and accessing any relevant court diversion programs. If the person then pays the fine, the matter will be finalised and no conviction will be recorded. Alternatively, the person may elect to have the matter dealt with in court.
The offences which a police officer can issue a fine for, and the amount of each fine, are as follows:
- Public nuisance – disorderly behaviour: $300
- Public nuisance – offensive behaviour: $300
- Public nuisance – threatening behaviour: $300
- Public nuisance – violent behaviour: $300
- Public nuisance – language only: $100
- Public urination: $100
- Obstruct police officer in the performance of the officer’s duties: $300
- Disobey requirement by police officer to state correct name and address: $100
It is important to note that these are not new offences. Rather, the police have been given new ways to deal with people who commit these specific offences.
If you have been charged with any of the above offences and you would like to discuss your options, please contact us for an obligation free chat.