Top 10 ranked

Best Criminal Law Firms in Cairns, Queensland

The top 10 law firms ranked by client ratings and reviews.

Firms are ranked by their Google rating, weighted by how many reviews they have. Nobody can pay for a higher position. See the full directory for every firm in this area.

Criminal lawyers defend people charged with offences, from traffic matters and assault to serious indictable charges. They advise on your rights, represent you in court, and work to achieve the best possible outcome.

  1. 1
    Preston Law
    ★4.7(317)

    Preston Law helps individuals, families, businesses and government bodies across North Queensland with their legal matters. The firm acts in family law and…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Employment & Workplace LawPersonal Injury & CompensationWills, Estates & ProbateBusiness & Commercial LawFamily & Divorce LawProperty & ConveyancingCriminal Law
  2. 2
    Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers
    ★5.0(29)

    Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers helps people in Cairns and across Queensland who have been charged with a crime or face police questioning. The firm acts in…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Criminal Law
  3. 3
    Osborne Butler Lawyers
    ★4.7(54)

    Osborne Butler Lawyers helps people in Queensland who are facing criminal charges, traffic offences or domestic violence orders. The firm focuses on criminal…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Criminal Law
  4. 4
    Universal Lawyers
    ★4.7(27)

    Universal Lawyers is a law firm based in Cairns City, Queensland, with a presence in Sydney. It helps people with family law and criminal law matters. Clients…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Family & Divorce LawCriminal Law
  5. 5
    AbsoluteLaw
    ★5.0(6)

    AbsoluteLaw is a boutique law practice in North Cairns. It helps individuals, families and businesses with property, business, workplace, criminal and estate…

    📍 Cairns North, QLD
    Employment & Workplace LawWills, Estates & ProbateBusiness & Commercial LawProperty & ConveyancingCriminal Law
  6. 6
    Daniel Towne Lawyers
    ★5.0(5)

    Daniel Towne Lawyers helps people and businesses in Cairns and North Queensland with personal injury claims, property, wills, family, crime, employment and…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Employment & Workplace LawPersonal Injury & CompensationWills, Estates & ProbateBusiness & Commercial LawFamily & Divorce LawProperty & ConveyancingCriminal Law
  7. 7
    O'Reilly Stevens Lawyers
    ★4.1(28)

    O'Reilly Stevens Lawyers helps individuals and businesses in Cairns and Far North Queensland with criminal charges, traffic offences, commercial and property…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Wills, Estates & ProbateBusiness & Commercial LawProperty & ConveyancingCriminal Law
  8. 8
    E & H Law
    ★4.4(7)

    E & H Law is a law firm based in Cairns City, Queensland. It helps clients with legal matters, including court cases. Clients can visit the Cairns City office…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Criminal Law
  9. 9
    Cairns Community Legal Centre
    ★4.3(6)

    Cairns Community Legal Centre is a not-for-profit community organisation that gives free legal help to people in the Cairns region who face disadvantage. It…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Employment & Workplace LawFamily & Divorce LawCriminal Law
  10. 10
    Cairns Lawyers
    ★4.2(6)

    Cairns Lawyers helps individuals, families and businesses in Cairns and Far North Queensland with property, estate, injury, family and business matters. The…

    📍 Cairns City, QLD
    Personal Injury & CompensationWills, Estates & ProbateBusiness & Commercial LawFamily & Divorce LawProperty & ConveyancingCriminal Law

How we rank these firms

This ranking is based on real client feedback, not paid placement. We combine each firm's average client rating with the number of reviews it has received, so a firm with a single five-star review does not outrank an established practice with a long, consistent track record.

Ratings and review counts are sourced from public Google reviews and refreshed regularly. Because new reviews come in over time, the order of criminal law firms can change as client feedback accumulates.

A high rating is a useful starting point, but it is not a substitute for your own research. We recommend contacting two or three firms, asking about their experience with matters like yours, and confirming fees before making a decision.

Criminal Law FAQs in Cairns, Queensland

Should I speak to a lawyer before talking to police?

Yes. You have the right to remain silent and to obtain legal advice before being interviewed. Speaking to a criminal lawyer first helps you avoid saying something that could harm your case.

How much does a criminal lawyer cost?

Costs depend on the seriousness of the charge and whether the matter is contested. Many firms offer a fixed fee for a guilty plea in the Local or Magistrates Court and a free initial consultation. Always ask for fees in writing.

Can I get legal aid for a criminal charge?

Legal aid may be available depending on your income, assets and the type of charge. If you do not qualify, many private firms offer payment plans. A lawyer can tell you quickly whether you are likely to be eligible.

How do I choose the right law firm in Cairns, Queensland?

Look for a firm with genuine experience in your specific type of matter, clear and upfront pricing, and strong client reviews. Most firms offer an initial consultation, which is a good chance to ask about their approach and likely costs.

Should I get a free initial consultation?

Many firms offer a free or low-cost first appointment. Use it to explain your situation, understand your options and get a sense of fees before committing. It is also a useful way to compare a few firms.

Are the firms on this directory verified?

Listings are compiled from publicly available information and, where available, show client ratings drawn from Google reviews. Always confirm a firm's current details and credentials directly before engaging them.