5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Cairns
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Cairns, ranked by Google rating across 517 client reviews (average 4.9 stars). Criminal charges from Cairns and Far North Queensland are heard at the Cairns courthouse, 5D Sheridan Street, with the Magistrates Court on the ground floor and the District Court on level 3. A lawyer can appear at the first mention and seek the brief.
Best criminal lawyers in Cairns
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1
Hugo Law Group Editor's pick
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2
Doogue + George Editor's pick
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3
Angus Cameron Partners Editor's pick
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4
Travis Schultz & Partners
4.81score -
5
Maurice Blackburn Personal Injury Lawyers Cairns
4.75score -
6
Miller Harris Lawyers
4.74score -
7
Fisher Dore Lawyers - Cairns
4.70score -
8
Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers
4.69score
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 cairns”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among criminal lawyers in Cairns
Highest weighted score
Travis Schultz & Partners: 5.0 stars from 68 reviews.
Most reviewed
Maurice Blackburn Personal Injury Lawyers Cairns: 212 Google reviews, rated 4.8.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Maurice Blackburn Personal Injury Lawyers Cairns: 4.8 stars from 212 reviews.
Where are criminal matters heard in Cairns?
Cairns Magistrates Court deals with simple offences, summary indictable matters and committals, and runs circuit courts to remote communities. Indictable matters committed for trial or sentence are generally heard by the District Court or Supreme Court at the Sheridan Street courthouse.
What Queensland rules apply?
Criminal offences in Queensland are mostly set out in the Criminal Code (Schedule 1 to the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld)), and drug offences are in the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld). The Bail Act 1980 (Qld) decides whether an accused person is released, with a show cause requirement for some serious charges. Simple offences are dealt with under the Justices Act 1886 (Qld), which generally allows 1 year to bring a complaint.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Cairns?
Fees for criminal lawyers in Cairns 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 Cairns
Legal Aid Queensland has an office in Level 7, Citi Central Building, 46–48 Sheridan Street, Cairns. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Cairns criminal lawyer FAQs
Where is the Cairns courthouse?
The Cairns Magistrates Court is on the ground floor and the District Court on level 3 of 5D Sheridan Street, Cairns.
Is legal aid available in Cairns?
Yes. Legal Aid Queensland has an office in Level 7, Citi Central Building, 46–48 Sheridan Street, and duty lawyers attend the Magistrates Court.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost in Cairns?
Fees in Cairns vary by charge and plea. A Magistrates Court plea is often a fixed fee, while trials in the District Court cost more. Ask for a written estimate first.
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