Will a traffic conviction give me a criminal record in Queensland?

A traffic conviction can result in a criminal record depending on the offence. Drink driving and drug driving convictions are recorded. Minor infringement matters dealt with by fine only generally are not, but you should confirm the position for your specific charge with a solicitor.

How long does a Brisbane Magistrates Court matter usually take?

Most straightforward guilty-plea matters are resolved in one or two court appearances. Contested matters take longer depending on the complexity of the evidence and court availability.

Can I apply for a work licence if I am charged with drink driving in Brisbane?

You may be eligible if you hold a current open Queensland licence, your reading was below the high-range BAC level, and you have no drink or drug driving convictions in the past five years. The application must be filed before the court imposes disqualification. We can advise on your eligibility quickly.

What happens if I miss my court date?

A warrant can be issued for your arrest if you fail to appear. Contact your solicitor or the court registry as soon as possible if you cannot attend.

Criminal and Traffic Law Lawyers Serving Brisbane and Queensland

Being charged with a criminal or traffic offence in Brisbane can turn your life upside down quickly. You may be worried about your licence, your job, and what a conviction could mean for your record. Australian Law Group (ALG) is here to give you plain, honest advice about where you stand and what your options are. Call us on 1300 658 215 or find us on Google Maps. We have offices in Toowong, Morningside, Wynnum, and Stones Corner in Queensland, with further offices in Murwillumbah and Byron Bay in New South Wales.

Over the past 20 years, ALG has grown by combining the practices of Hogan and Company, Leith Sinclair and Co, Porter Hulett, Williams Lawyers, Bayside Law Practice, Heydons, and Eliadis Lawyers. That collective experience covers every level of the Queensland Magistrates Court system and beyond.

This page gives general information about criminal and traffic law in Queensland. It is not legal advice about your matter.

Criminal Law Matters We Handle in Brisbane

ALG represents people facing a broad range of criminal charges in Brisbane and across Queensland.

Assault and violence offences. These range from common assault to more serious charges. Since 26 May 2025, coercive control has also been a criminal offence in Queensland, which means a pattern of controlling behaviour in a domestic relationship can be charged in its own right. If you are facing a domestic violence-related charge, this page covers the position of people who are charged. If you are looking for protection from domestic violence rather than facing a charge, please see our domestic violence law page.

Drug offences. Possession, supply, and production matters each carry different consequences. Early legal advice helps you understand your options before your court date.

Theft, robbery, and fraud. These charges cover a wide spectrum from shoplifting to serious financial offending. The appropriate response depends heavily on the evidence and your personal circumstances.

Bail applications and appeals. If you or someone you know has been refused bail, we can apply to the court for release or appeal an existing bail decision. Acting quickly matters here.

Traffic Law Matters We Handle in Brisbane

Traffic matters carry the same weight as any criminal charge and often have more immediate practical consequences, such as losing the licence you depend on for work.

Drink and drug driving. These are among the most common matters before Queensland Magistrates Courts. A conviction can mean automatic disqualification and, for some, the loss of employment.

Work licence applications. If you hold a current open Queensland licence and your blood alcohol concentration was below the high-range threshold, you may be eligible to apply for a restricted work licence under section 87 of the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. This application must be lodged and heard before the court imposes a disqualification, so timing is critical. We help you prepare the supporting evidence and present the application properly.

Licence suspension and demerit points. Accumulating demerit points or receiving a suspension notice does not always mean the end of your licence. We can advise on your review and appeal options under Queensland law.

Other driving offences. Dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and traffic matters arising from a crash are all areas we handle. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver, that is a separate compensation matter handled under our motor vehicle accident services.

Step by Step: From Charge to Queensland Magistrates Court

Understanding the process can make it feel less overwhelming.

1. You are charged. Police issue a Notice to Appear or a charge notice setting out the offence and your court date.
2. Get advice early. Contact ALG as soon as possible. Early advice shapes every decision that follows, including whether to apply for bail or a work licence before your first appearance.
3. We review the brief. We obtain the police brief of evidence and advise you on the strength of the prosecution case and your realistic options.
4. Plead or contest. You decide, with our advice, whether to plead guilty or contest the charge. Both paths require preparation.
5. Magistrates Court appearance. Most traffic matters and less serious criminal charges are dealt with in the Queensland Magistrates Court. More serious charges, including some assault, robbery and fraud matters, start in the Magistrates Court and then move through a committal to the District or Supreme Court. We appear with you, present your circumstances, and address the court on your behalf.
6. Sentencing or acquittal. If convicted, the Magistrate considers factors including your personal circumstances and employment situation before imposing a sentence. If the matter is defended successfully, the charge is dismissed.

Criminal and traffic matters are handled on a fee for service basis, and we explain our costs to you before you commit to anything. Our no-win, no-fee arrangements apply to eligible compensation claims, not to criminal or traffic charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal and Traffic Law in Brisbane

Will a traffic conviction give me a criminal record in Queensland?
A traffic conviction can result in a criminal record depending on the offence. Drink driving and drug driving convictions are recorded. Minor infringement matters dealt with by fine only generally are not, but you should confirm the position for your specific charge with a solicitor.
How long does a Brisbane Magistrates Court matter usually take?
Most straightforward guilty-plea matters are resolved in one or two court appearances. Contested matters take longer depending on the complexity of the evidence and court availability.
Can I apply for a work licence if I am charged with drink driving in Brisbane?
You may be eligible if you hold a current open Queensland licence, your reading was below the high-range BAC level, and you have no drink or drug driving convictions in the past five years. The application must be filed before the court imposes disqualification. We can advise on your eligibility quickly.
What happens if I miss my court date?
A warrant can be issued for your arrest if you fail to appear. Contact your solicitor or the court registry as soon as possible if you cannot attend.

Get Calm, Clear Advice From ALG

If you have been charged and need to know where you stand, call Australian Law Group on 1300 658 215 or contact us online at https://www.australianlawgroup.com.au/contact-alg. We have offices across Brisbane at Toowong, Morningside, Wynnum, and Stones Corner, and we serve clients across Queensland and New South Wales.