What is a Street Offence?
In Queensland, street offences can comprise of a variety of behaviours that are considered to be contrary to reasonable standards of public behaviour. The team at Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers have been assisting clients throughout Brisbane for more than 22 years, so you can rely on us to provide you with personalised legal advice. We can make sure your best interests and rights are protected at all times.
Some common charges that are considered as a street offence include:
- Being a public nuisance – disorderly, offensive or violent behaviour
- Public urination
- Public drunkenness
- Graffiti
- Begging
- Wilful exposure
Street Offence Charge Process
If you have been caught committing a street offence, police officers are legally entitled to arrest you or issue you with an on-the-spot fine. No criminal conviction will be recorded for fines.
If you have been arrested or if you are told to leave a certain public space by police, it is always in your best interest to follow directions, as failure to comply is a charge in itself. You can always contact Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers on
07 4041 4370 for help.
What are the Penalties?
Most street offences are dealt with through fines rather than criminal convictions and imprisonment – although serious street offences are excluded. The maximum charges for common street offence charges are:
- Public nuisance - up to $5,200 fine or 6 months imprisonment
- Public drunkenness - up to $260 fine
- Wilful exposure - up to $5,222 fine or 1 year imprisonment
- Contravene a direction or requirement of a police officer - up to $7,833 fine
Harsher penalties are often issued for behaviours such as hooning or graffiti. Hooning offences are defined as driving in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke. If you were also found to have been driving carelessly or street racing, this can carry a maximum fine of up to $5,338 or 6-months imprisonment. Further penalties may be issued if you committed additional traffic offences.
Punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, graffiti is subject to harsher penalties as it is considered wilful damage to property. It is also an offence to possess aerosol sprays that are being, suspected of, or could be used for graffiti, which can cause a fine of up to $2,669 or a 1-year imprisonment.
Refuting a Street Offence Charge
If you have been issued an infringement notice with a fine, you can choose to be heard by a magistrate in court if you feel you are wrongfully charged. All public nuisance charges are heard in the Magistrate’s Court, and while you can represent yourself, having the support of a lawyer can increase the likelihood of your success.
You can visit Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers on Ann Street, or call us on
07 4041 4370 to arrange a meeting anywhere in Brisbane.
How We Can Help
At Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers, we always have your best interests in mind. Our team will take the time to understand your case and make sure we are fully aware of every minor detail. You can rely on us to supply you with tailored legal advice, and we will always attempt to minimise your penalties as much as possible. So, speak to our team today on
07 4041 4370 to get started.
Our Services
Are you facing charges for a computer crime? Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers can help you navigate your case, step-by-step. Talk to us today.
Our lawyers will always work with your best interests at heart. Whether you are charged with drug supply, traffic or possession, we can help you.
We can work on cases involving all types of traffic offences. When you need legal representation or advice, make sure to contact Brisbane City Criminal Lawyers.
