These charges can be laid after online chats with a police officer posing as a child, and usually begin with an arrest and seized phones. Talk to Joseph Rahim in confidence as early as you can.
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An adult who uses electronic communication, such as messaging, social media, email or video chat, intending to procure a person under 16, or a person they believe is under 16, to engage in a sexual act.
It applies whether the act was to happen in Queensland or elsewhere.
An adult who engages in any conduct with a child, or with a person who cares for a child, intending to make it easier to procure the child for a sexual act or to expose the child to indecent material.
Pick the one closest to your situation and a chat opens with it already said. No forms, and you can call instead at any time.
Every matter is different, but most follow this order.
You may be asked to take part in an interview. You have the right to remain silent, but you must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.
You are charged and given a court date, sometimes on bail with conditions. Read the conditions carefully; breaching them is an offence.
Charges usually start in the Magistrates Court. For people charged in or around Cairns, that is usually the Cairns Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street.
The matter is resolved by a plea of guilty, a hearing or trial, or the charge being withdrawn. More serious charges can be sent to a higher court.
Leave phones, apps and accounts as they are. Do not delete, reset or move anything.
You must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.
Being charged with a disqualifying offence suspends a blue card straight away. You must stop child-related work.
Joseph Rahim, Principal. LLB (First Class Honours), Grad Dip LP. Member, Queensland Law Society. About Joseph
When you call Coral Coast Law, you speak with Joseph Rahim, and he handles your matter himself.
Yes. The law says it does not matter that the person was fictitious and presented to you as real.
No. The offence is about the intent behind the communication. Meeting, or going to meet, makes it more serious.
It is a defence to prove you believed on reasonable grounds that the person was at least 16. What was said in the chats is usually important evidence on this.
Yes. It is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.
Didn’t see your question? Ask it in chat.
The sooner you get advice, the more can be done. Tell Joseph what has happened and find out exactly where you stand, with no cost and no pressure.
0447 028 080This page is general information about Queensland law. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts, so speak with us about yours.
