5 Best Criminal Lawyers in Sunshine Coast
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated criminal lawyers in Sunshine Coast, ranked by Google rating across 682 client reviews (average 4.9 stars). Criminal charges on the Sunshine Coast are listed at the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Cornmeal Parade, or at Caloundra or Noosa Magistrates Courts depending on where the matter arose. The District Court sits at Maroochydore.
Best criminal lawyers in Sunshine Coast
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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
4.95score -
5
Smith Criminal Law Sunshine Coast
4.86score -
6
MMLaw
4.79score -
7
Driving Law Queensland
4.76score -
8
AXIA LITIGATION LAWYERS
4.75score
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 sunshine coast”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among criminal lawyers in Sunshine Coast
Highest weighted score
Travis Schultz & Partners: 5.0 stars from 316 reviews.
Most reviewed
Travis Schultz & Partners: 316 Google reviews, rated 5.0.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Travis Schultz & Partners: 5.0 stars from 316 reviews.
Where are criminal matters heard on the Sunshine Coast?
The Maroochydore, Caloundra (3 Gregson Place) and Noosa (Langura Street) Magistrates Courts deal with simple offences, summary indictable matters and committals. Indictable matters committed for trial or sentence are generally heard by the District Court at the Maroochydore courthouse.
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 Sunshine Coast?
Fees for criminal lawyers in Sunshine Coast 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 Sunshine Coast
Legal Aid Queensland has an office at 1 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Sunshine Coast criminal lawyer FAQs
Which court will my Sunshine Coast matter be in?
The notice to appear or bench charge sheet names the court. Sunshine Coast criminal matters are heard at Maroochydore, Caloundra or Noosa Magistrates Courts.
Does the District Court sit on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. The District Court of Queensland sits at Maroochydore, on Cornmeal Parade.
Is legal aid available on the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. Legal Aid Queensland has an office in the M1 Building, 1 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore.
Compare nearby and related
- Criminal Lawyers in Australia
- Law Firms in Sunshine Coast
- Criminal Lawyers in Brisbane
- Criminal Lawyers in Gold Coast
- Criminal Lawyers in Toowoomba
- Criminal Lawyers in Cairns
- Criminal Lawyers in Townsville
