Cairns Criminal Defence Lawyers
Helping North Queenslanders navigate the legal system since 2016
Pascoe Law assists clients across Cairns and Far North Queensland with criminal charges and other legal matters, offering advice, preparation and representation at every stage of a case. Whatever you're dealing with, from a first police interview to an upcoming court date, we can talk you through your options and what happens next.
Our legal services
At Pascoe Law, we assist with criminal defence, traffic offences, domestic violence matters, and child protection cases. If you’re dealing with charges, court proceedings, or questions about your legal rights, our team can provide clear advice and representation.
Criminal law
Assault, drug offences, fraud and dishonesty, break and enter, sexual offences, Weapons Act matters and Crime and Corruption Commission interviews. We also act in more serious matters, including homicide charges and dangerous prisoner applications.
Traffic offences
Drink driving and drug driving charges, plus applications for a restricted or work licence if you need to keep driving for work or family.
Bail applications
We gather the supporting material and put together a bail proposal for court, and can advise on a Supreme Court application if bail is refused at the Magistrates Court.
Child protection matters
Representation for people responding to a protection order application, and for people charged with breaching an existing order.
Domestic violence orders
Where a charge overlaps with a Department of Child Safety matter, we act on that side of the case too.
Not sure which of these fits your situation?
Call us and we'll talk it through, no obligation.
Meet our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers
Pascoe Law has been practising criminal law in Queensland since 2016. Principal solicitor Sarah Pascoe has been a Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Criminal Law finalist three years running, and a Criminal Law Partner of the Year finalist in 2024 and 2025. She and the wider team appear regularly before Magistrates, District and Supreme Courts across Queensland.
Private client or on Legal Aid, you get the same attention either way. If you're unsure about eligibility, ask us. We can talk you through the criteria and, where it makes sense, start on your matter while the application is being assessed.
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Facing charges in Cairns?
You may have been given a Notice to Appear, released on bail, asked to attend a police interview or told to appear at Cairns Magistrates Court.Whatever stage you’re at, you don’t need to work out the legal process before contacting us.
Getting advice early gives you a clearer picture of the charge, the decisions in front of you and what needs to happen before court. It can be particularly important before speaking with police, as what you say may later form part of the evidence in a criminal case.Already been arrested?
Our Just Arrested page explains some of the first things to know.
Our legal process
Every legal matter is different, but the first step is usually the same. We get a clear picture of what’s happening, explain your options and work out what needs attention first.
We understand your situation
We’ll look at the documents you have, any upcoming dates and the issues that need to be dealt with straight away.
We prepare the next step
That may involve reviewing evidence, gathering documents, taking detailed instructions, preparing an application or getting ready for court.
We guide you through the process
If your matter involves court, we’ll explain what each appearance is for and what needs to happen beforehand. If it doesn’t, we’ll keep you clear on the next step and what we need from you.
Your local Cairns criminal law firm
Our Cairns office is located at 36 Abbott Street, Cairns City QLD 4870.
From here, we assist people with criminal matters in Cairns and across the wider Far North Queensland region.
If your matter is before a Cairns court but you live elsewhere, get in touch and tell us where you’re based and which court is listed on your paperwork. We can discuss how we can assist and what can be handled by phone or in person.
Why choose Pascoe Law?
When you’re dealing with criminal charges, you need to know your lawyer will be honest with you, move quickly when it matters and be properly prepared when your case reaches court.
Expert legal assistance and advice
We’ll explain the strengths, risks and options in your case so you can make decisions with a clear understanding of where you stand in the criminal justice system.
Fast action on urgent matters
Bail applications, police interviews and approaching court dates can’t sit around. We act quickly so the right preparation can begin straight away.
Thorough preparation at every stage
We review the material, take detailed instructions and prepare for every stage of the matter, not only hearings and trials.
Empathetic representation
We know legal proceedings can be stressful. You’ll be treated with respect and care while we focus on protecting your rights and your future.
A coordinated legal team on your side
Your matter isn’t left with one person. Solicitors, clerks and support staff work together across preparation, documents, court dates and communication.
Clear communication throughout your matter
You’ll know what’s happening, what we need from you and what comes next. We keep you updated as your matter progresses so you’re not left chasing answers or trying to work out the process on your own.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Pascoe Law provides legal representation for matters listed at Cairns Magistrates Court, as well as cases that progress to the District or Supreme Court. If you already have a court date, contact us with the details and we can explain what the court appearance involves and what needs to happen beforehand.
You can contact us as soon as police get in touch, after an arrest, once charges are laid or at any stage after court proceedings begin. Getting legal advice early can give you more time to understand the charge, your options and what needs to happen before your next court date.
In many situations, you have the right to remain silent and speak with a lawyer before answering police questions. What you say may later be used as evidence, so it’s worth getting advice before taking part in an interview. You can read more about the arrest process here or call us on 07 3556 3995.
We assist with assault and violent offences, drug charges, fraud and dishonesty, break and enter, sexual offences, Weapons Act matters, bail applications, traffic offences, domestic violence matters and more serious criminal proceedings. If you’re unsure where your matter fits, call us, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Need legal assistance now?
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