If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, the most important step is to speak with our experienced criminal lawyers as soon as possible. Whether you’ve been given a notice to appear or taken into custody, early legal advice can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.

Do not answer police questions without legal advice. You have the right to remain silent. Your lawyer can help you understand:

• What the charge means
• Whether you should plead guilty or not guilty
• What evidence the police must provide
• What your legal options are moving forward

Our Mackay criminal lawyers can also represent you in court and help reduce the impact of the charge on your life, including your job, licence, and future opportunities.

If the police contact you for an interview, whether formally or informally, it is critical that you seek legal advice before speaking to them. Many people believe cooperating fully will help their case, but saying the wrong thing, even unintentionally, can seriously affect your defence.

You have the right to remain silent, and in most cases, you’re not legally required to participate in a police interview. Anything you say can be used as evidence. Our criminal lawyer can:

• Explain your legal rights
• Assess whether it’s in your best interest to participate
• Be present during the interview to protect your rights and prevent unfair questioning

Police interviews can be highly stressful, and you may feel pressured to explain yourself. Contact us today so can intervene early and potentially prevent charges from being laid, or ensure any defence is not undermined before your case even reaches court.

We highly recommend you contact our criminal law team immediately for legal advice and representation during police interviews.

Yes, we can assist you in applying for legal aid if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Our experienced lawyers will represent you in supreme courts, ensuring the best possible defence.

Choosing the right criminal lawyer can make a major difference to the outcome of your case. When searching for the best criminal lawyer for your needs, look for the following:

• Local Court Experience: You want a lawyer familiar with the Mackay Magistrates Court and the local prosecution team. Local knowledge can help with practicalities like court procedure, common sentencing patterns, and negotiating with local police prosecutors.
• Proven Track Record: Ask about their experience with your specific charge—whether it’s drink driving, assault, drug possession, or more serious offences.
• Clear Communication: A good criminal lawyer will explain things in plain English, keep you informed at every stage, and give honest advice about the likely outcomes.
• Fixed or Transparent Fees: Look for a lawyer who offers fixed-fee options or a clear fee structure so you’re not surprised by legal costs.
• Availability and Support: Criminal matters can be urgent. Make sure your lawyer offers timely support, especially for police interviews, bail applications, or short-notice court appearances.

A criminal charge is serious, and you deserve to work with a lawyer who takes your case seriously. The right legal support can protect your record, reduce your penalty, or even get charges dropped.

If you’re struggling to decide on who can best defend your case, we’d be happy to organise a meeting with our team to see if we are the right fit for your needs.

It’s advisable to seek legal advice as soon as you believe you may be under investigation. Early intervention by our criminal law team can make a difference in the outcome of your case. But please don’t worry if you think it may be too late. You can always reach out to our team for advice and we can help guide you in the right direction.

The timeline of a criminal case depends on several factors:

• The seriousness of the charge
• Whether you plead guilty or not guilty
• The availability of evidence
• Court scheduling and adjournments

A straightforward guilty plea in the Mackay Magistrates Court might be resolved in a single appearance or within a few weeks. A not-guilty plea, particularly for more serious offences, can take several months or even longer, especially if the matter proceeds to a hearing or trial.

Your lawyer will help manage deadlines, court appearances, and negotiations with police or prosecutors, aiming to resolve your matter as efficiently as possible.

Yes. At Brooke Winter Solicitors, we understand that criminal charges don’t always occur during business hours. If you’ve been:

• Arrested after hours
• Held in custody and require urgent bail assistance
• Contacted by police and need legal advice before an interview

We can assist. We offer after-hours and emergency legal support to clients across Mackay and Queensland. If your matter is urgent, call our office on 1300 066 669, and we will do our best to respond promptly or connect you with a solicitor who can assist immediately.