Are you facing serious charges in Qld?
There are two sides to every story. Nothing is black and white. We get to know your story. We are ready for your defence.
or
Brisbane criminal lawyers for serious offences
Ashworth Lawyers is a Brisbane criminal defence law firm exclusively representing clients charged with serious and complex criminal offences in Queensland.
Our criminal lawyers appear daily in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Court of Queensland, for indictable offences including sexual offences, drug offences, serious violence, and fraud and financial crime.
When facing serious charges in Qld, urgent legal advice from a specialised Brisbane criminal lawyer is critical. The early steps affect the outcome.
Our Brisbane criminal lawyers are available now
-
Amy Soong - Legal Practice Director
Criminal defence lawyer with over 16 years’ experience representing clients in complex Qld and Cth offences.
-
David Svoboda - Senior Consultant
Senior criminal lawyer with over 15 years’ experience , appearing in complex and high-profile criminal cases in Qld.
-
Jessica Incledon - Senior Associate
Senior criminal lawyer appearing in all Qld criminal courts with strong technical expertise and a compassionate approach.
-
Paris Brotherton - Criminal Lawyer
Criminal defence lawyer experienced in a wide range of serious offences, including sexual violence, fraud, and drugs.
Criminal Defence Recognition and Awards
Our award-winning Brisbane criminal lawyers have been recognised for our work in high-stakes criminal defence and client service in Queensland.
4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Reviews2026 Best Criminal Defence Lawyers - Queensland - APAC CEO of the Year Awards
2025 Top 6 Criminal Defence Lawyers in Brisbane for Expert Legal Representation - The Best Brisbane - Brisbane Criminal Lawyers
2025 Ashworth Lawyers Trailblazer of the Year - Scalable Law
2025 Criminal Law Firm of the Year Qld - APAC Insider Australian Made Awards
2025 Client Service Excellence Award - APAC Insider Australian Made Awards
2025 Top Law Firm - Lawzana
2023 Best Criminal Defence Law Firm 2023 Qld - APAC Insider Legal Awards
Our Difference
Experience
Our Brisbane criminal lawyers have defended 1000+ clients for over 10 years. We have combined experience of over 40 years.
Focus
Defending serious offences is all we do, everyday. We know all the ins and outs from appearing daily in the Qld criminal courts.
Strategy
We have developed and apply the Ashworth Lawyers’ Strategic Defence Framework which is our 22 step method to achieve your best outcome.
Getting started in 3 steps
Call
Call us or fill in a Quick Enquiry, for a free 15 minute confidential call. No booking required.
After our call, we will send an email to you outlining the key steps and fee range for your case.
Confirm
Once you give us the ok, we start work the same day.
“Luckily, in the week leading up to sentencing, I made contact with whom I now call the “Gods of Criminal Defence”. I went private with Ashworth Lawyers, North Quay Brisbane. I would have died in prison if I didn’t go private. Ashworth Lawyers are known as the best in Qld and specialise in serious and complex cases. My case was all of the above, and they went above and beyond. I highly recommend if you want to be home with your family. Thank you Ashworth Lawyers.”
WW - Wolston Correctional Centre - About Time Magazine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐How to defend serious criminal charges in Qld
To ensure the best possible outcome in every case, our criminal defence lawyers developed The Ashworth Lawyers’ Strategic Defence Framework.
The framework is a comprehensive 22-step process which is applied to every case we handle. It provides an overarching strategic approach to each case, ensuring that every possible legal, procedural, and tactical option is methodically considered for every client.
An example of the steps considered in each case include:
What are the essential elements to the charge?
Are there any circumstances of aggravation?
Who bears the onus of proof?
What are the particulars relied on by the prosecution?
Are there any defences to the charge?
Is this a direct evidence case, or a circumstantial case?
Are there any grounds to exclude the evidence, such as texts or the record of interview?
Is there a basis to negotiate with the prosecutor?
Are there any immunities from prosecution?
Does the court have jurisdiction?
This is just a selection of the complex issues which can arise in defending serious offences in Qld. Our leading criminal lawyers exclusively practice in criminal law and have expertise in identifying strategic arguments to achieve your best outcome.
Criminal Defence Lawyers in Brisbane
We represent clients across Queensland for all serious and complex criminal charges. Read more about our criminal defence areas.
Recent criminal case outcomes
Sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent treatment of a child charges - clients acquitted through not guilty verdicts in the District Court and Children’s Court
Child exploitation material– charges dismissed
Serious violence offences – including murder, grievous bodily harm, choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, stalking, and organised crimes, resolved through charges being discontinued or negotiated
Drug offences – trafficking, supply, possession of a dangerous drug - clients found not guilty after trial, drug diversion, and wholly suspended sentences
Fraud and white-collar crime – including fraud, extortion, money laundering, and cybercrimes - not guilty verdicts, and charges downgraded, dismissed, or negotiated
How criminal defence works in Brisbane
Criminal charges in Queensland usually begin with a police investigation or arrest, followed by a court appearance in the Magistrates Court.
Depending on the charge, the case may need to be transferred to the District or Supreme Court. The role of an specialist criminal defence lawyer is to advise on police interviews, bail, evidence, and case strategy from the earliest stages of a case.
Our approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on providing clear and practical advice. We are available 24/7 for urgent matters, including police searches and arrests.
FAQs
These are common questions clients ask when choosing a Brisbane criminal lawyer for serious charges in Qld.
Do I need a criminal defence lawyer?
Yes. In Qld, early advice is important when facing serious charges.
Criminal law is highly technical, and even minor charges can result in imprisonment or a conviction being recorded.
What should I do if the police want to speak to me?
If the police want to speak to you, you should seek legal advice before answering any questions.
Anything you say can be used as evidence. Our Brisbane criminal lawyers will contact police on your behalf and advise whether to participate in, or decline, an interview.
How much are legal fees?
Legal fees in criminal cases vary depending on the charge and evidence.
Fees may be fixed or hourly, and we can give you an estimate at the start of your case. You can view more information about legal fees for criminal cases in Qld here.
Facing serious charges in Qld?
If you or someone you know needs urgent legal advice, our criminal lawyers are available now.
Call us on (07) 3012 6531 or fill in our Quick Enquiry form for a confidential discussion with our Brisbane criminal lawyers.