Prior to being admitted as a solicitor, I was a sworn Police Prosecutor in New South Wales. In that capacity I regularly dealt with applications for domestic violence orders. Since being admitted to the Bar in Queensland I have appeared for both Aggrieved and Respondents before the Magistrates Court.

My extensive familiarity with the jurisdiction places me in an excellent position to be briefed in domestic violence matters.

Many applications for a protection order, under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), involve complicated factual backgrounds, disputed evidence and are often linked to family law applications. The granting of a protection order is a serious matter, because not only do the conditions affect a person’s day-to-day life and relationships with family members (including children) they also can result in a Respondent being ordered to leave the family home.

Upon being instructed in domestic violence applications, I methodically work through the process from case preparation, reviewing the facts, providing my expert legal opinion as to the merits of the application, offer mediation between with the parties to resolve the application and appearing for clients before a Magistrate.

My services include but are not limited to:
• Representation at the first Court mention in an effort to resolve the application by the use of an undertaking;

• Negotiating with the Queensland Police Service in respect of police applications;

• Providing expert legal advice and on various aspects of the case, including the merits of the application;

• Defending individuals who are the subject of domestic violence order applications, defending their rights and challenging the allegations, and

• I have assisted clients who are facing charges for breaching domestic violence orders, including defending against those charges in court.