Who are the best criminal lawyers in Brisbane/Gold Coast 2025?
Ultimate guide to find the Best Criminal Lawyers Brisbane/Gold Coast 2025: Who to Look For and How to Choose the Right One
Daniel McShane
Kristy Bell
Bruce Peters
Justin Sibley
Amy Soong
If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Brisbane or Gold Coast, you need the best criminal lawyer to represent you in court. The right criminal lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. But with so many criminal lawyers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, how do you know which one to choose? In this article, we will discuss who and what to look for when choosing a criminal lawyer and provide you with the awarded criminal lawyers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for 2025.
When facing criminal charges, it is important to have a criminal lawyer represent you in court. Criminal charges can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. A criminal lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. They can provide you with legal advice, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court.
If your freedom, job and your reputation is at stake, we strongly recommend that you have a close look at this guide. We provide ways to find the best criminal lawyers as well as profiles of the best criminal lawyers in Brisbane and ther Gold Coast that have recently been awarded on 7 June 2025, by Lawyers & Barristers Awards.
What to Look for in a Criminal Lawyer
When choosing a criminal lawyer in Brisbane or Gold Coast, there are several factors to consider:
Experience
You want a criminal lawyer who has experience in the specific area of law that your case involves. For example, if you are facing drug charges, you want a criminal lawyer who has experience with drug cases. Look for a criminal lawyer who has a track record of success in similar cases.
Reputation
You want a criminal lawyer with a good reputation in the legal community. Look for a criminal lawyer who is well-respected by their peers and has positive reviews from clients. You can check online reviews and ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used a criminal lawyer in the past.
Communication
You want a criminal lawyer who communicates well and keeps you informed throughout the legal process. Look for a lawyer who is responsive to your calls and emails and explains things to you in a way that you can understand.
Cost
You want a criminal lawyer who is affordable and offers transparent pricing. Look for a lawyer who offers a flat fee or an hourly rate with a clear breakdown of costs.
Availability
You want a criminal lawyer who is available when you need them. Look for a lawyer who is willing to meet with you outside of normal business hours if necessary and who can accommodate your schedule.
Who are the best criminal lawyers in Brisbane and Gold Coast 2025?
Awarded Criminal Lawyers Brisbane 2023
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Daniel McShaneDaniel McShane
Daniel McShane is an accomplished legal professional with a uniquely well-rounded perspective on the justice system, gained with over a decade of experience across the Queensland Police Service, prosecution and defence. Currently the Director and Principal of Rawlings McShane Lawyers, Daniel is known for his strategic approach to defending cases, strong courtroom advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Daniel regularly appears in the Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts throughout the state, representing individuals charged with offences including assault, drug possession and trafficking, fraud, domestic violence, sexual offences, and murder. Daniel is meticulous in preparing every case and is dedicated to ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.
Clients value Daniel’s honest advice, dedication to each case, and clear communication. He understands the stress and uncertainty of facing criminal charges and works closely with each client to provide guidance, support, and a rigorous defence.
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Kristy BellKristy Bell
Kristy is the Director of Bell Criminal Lawyers, a boutique, specialist criminal law firm based in the Brisbane CBD.
Kristy has been engaged with the practice of criminal law since 2011. Despite commencing her career as a Prosecutor, she quickly found her calling as a criminal defence lawyer and is now one of a handful of Accredited Criminal Law Specialists in Queensland.
Kristy is a member of the Queensland Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee and Queensland Law Society’s Specialist Accreditation Committee. Kristy has been consistently recognised as one of Queensland’s recommended leading Criminal Defence Lawyers in Doyle’s Guide.
Kristy works on all kinds of criminal and quasi-criminal matters including investigative hearings, commissions, coronial inquests, parole applications and criminal confiscations matters.
Kristy understands being charged with a criminal offence is a distressing experience and considers discretion imperative in the conduct of all her matters, irrespective of the profile of her clients. She takes a considered and empathetic approach to client care, but is unyielding in the advocacy of her client’s rights.
Kristy’s areas of practice are:
• Criminal Law
• Investigative Hearings
• Proceeds of Crime
• Parole Applications
• Traffic Offences
• Domestic Violence
• Coronial Inquests
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Bruce PetersBruce Peters
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Justin SibleyJustin Sibley
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Amy SoongAmy Soong
Now that you have a list of the best criminal lawyers in Brisbane for 2023, the next step is to choose the right legal professional to represent you in your case. Here are some tips on how to select the best criminal lawyer in Brisbane for your case.
Do your research
The first step in choosing the best criminal lawyer in Brisbane is to do your research. Look up the law firms and individual lawyers on your list, and read their websites and online reviews. Pay attention to their experience, success rate, and client feedback. This information can help you make an informed decision about which lawyer or law firm to choose.
Check their qualifications and credentials
When choosing a criminal lawyer in Brisbane, make sure to check their qualifications and credentials. Look for a lawyer who is licensed to practice law in New South Wales and is a member of the Law Society of Queensland. You can also check if they have any additional qualifications or certifications that make them an expert in their field.
Look for a lawyer with a personalised approach
Each case is unique, and you want a lawyer who will take the time to understand the specific details of your case and develop a personalised strategy for your defense. Choose a lawyer who is committed to providing personalised service and will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Book a free consultation and ask questions
During your initial consultation, there are several questions you should ask to determine if the lawyer is the right fit for your case. Some questions to consider include:
- What is your experience in handling cases like mine?
- What is your approach to defending criminal cases?
- What are your fees, and how do you charge for your services?
- How will you keep me informed about my case?
- What is the likely outcome of my case?
- What is the best case scenario if I plead guilty?
- What is the worst case scenario I plead guilty?
- Do I get a discount off my sentence if I plead guilty at the first available opportunity?
- Can I change the facts sheet?
- What happens if I plead not guilty?
- What are the fees if I plead guilty?
- What are the fees if I plead not guilty?
- What do my bail conditions mean?
- What happens if I breach my bail conditions?
- Are bail conditions the same as AVO conditions?
- What happens if I breach my AVO?
- If I serve time in custody, will the days served be accounted for when I am sentenced?
- How do I show the courts that I am otherwise a good person?
- At the time of the alleged offence I was suffering from a mental health condition, can this be considered by the courts?
- What defences are available to me?
- How can I avoid a criminal conviction?
- Do I need a barrister?
In conclusion, choosing the best criminal lawyer in Brisbane for your case requires careful consideration and research. By following these tips, you can select a legal professional with the experience, qualifications, and personalised approach needed to provide you with the best possible defense.
The awarded criminal lawyers at Lawyers & Barristers Awards is certainly a starting point for those that need the best possible outcome in their matter. Go through their profiles, and see which lawyer would best serve your needs.
For more information please email info@lawyersbarristersawards.com.au.
Daniel McShane
Kristy Bell
Bruce Peters
Justin Sibley
Amy Soong
