Best Law Firms Australia

5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Brisbane

Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms

Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Brisbane, ranked by Google rating across 972 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Criminal charges from Brisbane are first heard at the Brisbane Magistrates Court, 363 George Street, Brisbane. A lawyer can appear at the first mention, apply for bail and request the police brief of evidence.

Best criminal lawyers in Brisbane

  1. 1

    Hugo Law Group Editor's pick

    ★★★★★ 4.7 121 Google reviews

    Sydney NSW · Canberra ACT · Perth WACriminal defence law firm

  2. 2

    Doogue + George Editor's pick

    ★★★★★ 4.8 223 Google reviews

    Melbourne VIC · Broadmeadows VIC · Heidelberg VICCriminal defence law firm

  3. 3

    Angus Cameron Partners Editor's pick

    ★★★★★ 4.8 38 Google reviews

    Melbourne VICCriminal defence law firm

  4. 4

    Robinson Law

    ★★★★★ 5.0 235 Google reviews

    Brisbane City QLDLaw firm

    4.93score
  5. 5

    Watling Roche Lawyers

    ★★★★★ 5.0 143 Google reviews

    Brisbane City QLDLaw firm

    4.90score
  6. 6

    Sibley Lawyers

    ★★★★★ 5.0 108 Google reviews

    Brisbane City QLDCriminal justice attorney

    4.87score
  7. 7

    Beavon Lawyers

    ★★★★★ 4.9 258 Google reviews

    Brisbane City QLDCriminal justice attorney

    4.85score
  8. 8

    TWC Lawyers

    ★★★★★ 4.9 228 Google reviews

    Brisbane City QLDCriminal justice attorney

    4.84score

Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “criminal lawyer brisbane”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms

Standouts among criminal lawyers in Brisbane

Highest weighted score

Robinson Law: 5.0 stars from 235 reviews.

Most reviewed

Beavon Lawyers: 258 Google reviews, rated 4.9.

Highest rated with 100+ reviews

Robinson Law: 5.0 stars from 235 reviews.

Where are criminal matters heard in Brisbane?

The Brisbane Magistrates Court deals with simple offences and indictable offences that can be heard summarily, and holds committal proceedings. Indictable offences committed for trial or sentence go to the District Court in the QEII Courts of Law, 415 George Street, and the most serious charges go to the Supreme Court of Queensland in the same complex.

What Queensland rules apply?

Queensland's main criminal offences are in the Criminal Code, which is Schedule 1 to the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), and many minor offences are in the Summary Offences Act 2005 (Qld). Bail is governed by the Bail Act 1980 (Qld), under which some accused people must show cause why their detention is not justified. Under section 52 of the Justices Act 1886 (Qld), a complaint for a simple offence generally must be made within 1 year.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Brisbane?

Fees for criminal lawyers in Brisbane depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.

Free and low-cost legal help in Brisbane

Legal Aid Queensland provides duty lawyers at the Brisbane Magistrates Court and free advice through its Brisbane office. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.

Brisbane criminal lawyer FAQs

Where are the Brisbane criminal courts?

The Brisbane Magistrates Court is at 363 George Street. The District and Supreme Courts sit in the QEII Courts of Law at 415 George Street.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Brisbane?

Criminal lawyer fees in Brisbane vary with the charge and plea. A Magistrates Court plea is often a fixed fee, while District Court trials cost considerably more. Ask for a written costs disclosure.

Is legal aid available for criminal charges in Brisbane?

Yes. Legal Aid Queensland provides duty lawyers at the Brisbane Magistrates Court and grants aid for criminal matters that meet its means and merit tests.