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Further to a previous article, from 12 February 2018, defendants in Queensland Courts aged 17 years of age will have their criminal charges dealt with through the Youth Justice System rather than in the adult criminal justice system. This includes any 17-year-old defendants who have court proceeding currently before a Queensland Magistrates, District or Supreme Court. Those 17-year old’s serving sentences of imprisonment in adult correctional facilities who will turn 18 or will be released after 12 March 2018 will be eligible to be transferred to youth detention centres and any 17-year-old currently subject to a community-based order with Probation and Parole will also be diverted to a Youth Justice caseworker.
The changes are part of the implementation of the Youth Justice and Other Legislation (inclusion of 17 year old Persons) Amendment Act which was originally passed by the Palaszczuk Government in 2016.
The changes will bring Queensland into line with other Australian states and territories regarding how 17-year-old defendants are dealt with in relation to criminal charges.
If you require any assistance with any criminal law matters, please do not hesitate to contact Steven Hayles.
About the author
Steven Hayles
Director
LLB
Born and raised in Mackay, Steven completed his High School studies at Pioneer High School, before moving north to complete his law degree at Townsville’s James Cook University.
During his law degree, Steven was offered a position as a law clerk with Macrossan & Amiet during University vacation periods.
After spending several stints with Macrossan & Amiet during his degree, Steven elected to commence his solicitor’s traineeship with the firm in 2006. Steven was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 20 April 2007.
As a Mackay local, Steven is pleased to have secured a position with such a highly regarded local firm, that has a wealth of legal experience shared between its practitioners.
When Steven is not at work, he enjoys sporting pastimes including cricket, touch football and watching the National Rugby League.
About Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors
For over 100 years, Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors has been a leading local law firm in Mackay, with offices in Proserpine and Cannonvale servicing the Whitsundays region. Our experienced solicitors provide professional legal services to individuals, families and businesses across regional Queensland.
Whether you need representation in court, assistance buying or selling property, or advice on protecting your assets, our Mackay lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
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