Criminal Defence, Done Properly.
When you are facing criminal charges, what matters is control — of the case, the strategy, and the outcome.
Bamberry Lawyers is led by two Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law. We act exclusively in criminal matters and are regularly instructed in cases that are serious, complex and high-pressure.
From the outset, we identify the real issue, give clear advice, and take control of the case.
Serious charges require serious representation.
Criminal defence is not general legal work. It requires judgment, preparation and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure.
We act for clients across the full spectrum of criminal matters, including:
- Serious indictable offences
- Drug offences and trafficking
- Fraud and dishonesty offences
- Violence offences
- Bail applications and appeals
- Sentence proceedings and trials
We appear in the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court throughout Queensland, and have experience in complex and high-level matters, including proceedings before investigative bodies such as the Crime and Corruption Commission.
A controlled, strategic approach.
Every case is different, but the approach is consistent:
- Early assessment — identify the real issue and the risks
- Clear advice — no confusion about where you stand
- Structured strategy — each step taken for a reason
- Disciplined advocacy — focused on outcome, not noise
This is not about overpromising. It is about doing the work properly.
If you are under investigation or have been charged, the early decisions matter.
We will tell you where you stand, what can be done, and what comes next.
If you need advice on a Criminal Law matter, then contact Bamberry Lawyers.
Areas of Practice
Criminal Law
Criminal law is a very broad area of law. Some of the criminal law offences that we assist clients with include:
Assaults
Including: Assault occasioning bodily harm (AOBH), Common Assault, Grievous Bodily Harm, Manslaughter, Murder
Property/Dishonesty
Including: Fraud and Stealing
Drugs
Including: Possess Dangerous Drugs, Supply Dangerous Drugs, Trafficking
Public Order
Including: Public Nuisance, Obstruct Police Officer, Assault Police Officer, Affray
Sex
Including: Rape, Indecent Treatment, Indecent dealing, Carnal knowledge
Traffic Law
Traffic law can range from charges such as speeding in excess of the speed limit, driving under the influence drugs and/or alcohol, driving while disqualified, or dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm or death.
Including: Disqualified Drive, Drive SPER Suspended, Drive Demerit Point Suspended, Unlicenced Drive, Drive under the influence, Dangerous Operation, Fail to stop
Including applying for a special hardship order, S87 restricted licences, work licences, SPER (State Penalties and Enforcement Registry)
Bamberry Lawyers practises exclusively in criminal and traffic law.
We take on matters we are equipped to handle and do not accept work outside our scope. That is deliberate. In this area, poor advice and poor preparation can have immediate consequences, including loss of liberty, loss of licence and damage to a person’s livelihood.
We appear in criminal courts every day. We give our clients clear, practical advice from the outset, with a focus on resolving matters properly and without unnecessary cost or delay.
OUR TEAM
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Joe WickingDirectorJoe Wicking is a Director of Bamberry Lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law (Qld). He practises exclusively in criminal law and represents clients in serious, complex and high stakes matters across Queensland.
Joe has built his practice acting across the full spectrum of criminal matters, from the most serious indictable offences — including murder, drug trafficking, corruption and fraud — through to contested hearings, sentence proceedings, appeals and related applications. He appears regularly in the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court and has experience representing clients in investigative and regulatory settings, including proceedings before the Crime and Corruption Commission.
His work is defined by early case control and disciplined decision-making. Joe focuses on identifying the real issue at the outset, cutting through unnecessary complication, and advancing a clear, structured position. That approach allows clients to understand where they stand and what is being done about it — particularly in matters where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small.
Joe is known for giving clear, direct advice and for maintaining control of matters that are often stressful, technical and time sensitive. He combines technical ability with practical judgment and strong advocacy and is trusted to appear in cases that require both precision and composure.
He has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide across multiple years in both criminal defence and traffic law, including as a Leading Criminal Defence Lawyer in Queensland, and a Leading Traffic & DUI Lawyer in Queensland.
Joe holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of International Business (International Relations) from Griffith University. He also contributes to the profession through the supervision and development of junior lawyers, and by presenting to other criminal lawyers at continuing professional development seminars.
In addition to his criminal law practice, Joe acts in traffic matters, including drink driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, licence disqualification matters and special hardship applications.
Joe acts for clients throughout Queensland, including in regional and rural courts. He is regularly instructed in matters that are serious, complex or high-pressure, and is relied upon to bring clarity, control and strategic direction from the outset.
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Sam JacksonDirectorSam Jackson is a Director of Bamberry Lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law (Qld). He has practised exclusively in criminal law throughout his career and is recognised for the depth of his experience, the care he brings to difficult cases, and the quality of his advocacy.
Sam acts for clients across the full range of criminal matters in Queensland, from contested summary proceedings to serious indictable prosecutions, appeals and related applications. He appears regularly in the Magistrates Court, District Court and Supreme Court, and has also been involved in matters of particular complexity, including international extradition proceedings and matters before the High Court of Australia.
He brings a thoughtful and disciplined approach to criminal defence work. Sam is known for his ability to work through complex factual and legal issues, to keep cases properly framed, and to give advice that is measured, clear and dependable. That judgment is particularly important in matters where the consequences are serious and every decision carries weight.
In 2018, Sam was recognised by the Queensland Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and received the Highest Achiever Award among that year’s graduating Accredited Specialists in Criminal Law. He is also a member of the Queensland Law Society Criminal Law Committee and regularly presents at professional seminars and events.
Sam holds a law degree from the University of Queensland and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2011. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients facing allegations ranging from drug offending and fraud to violence offences and other serious criminal charges.
He also acts in traffic matters, including drink driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, licence disqualification matters and special hardship applications.
Sam acts for clients throughout Queensland and is regularly instructed in matters that require close attention, sound judgment and steady advocacy. He is relied upon to bring clarity, structure and composure to cases from the outset.

