{"id":46,"date":"2025-11-05T11:01:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T01:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/?p=46"},"modified":"2025-11-05T11:01:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T01:01:22","slug":"how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentencing is Structured, Not Arbitrary<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When an individual is found guilty of a crime, the court&#8217;s final and most critical decision is sentencing. This complex process is often misunderstood by the public, yet it forms the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. A sentence directly determines the consequence for the offending behaviour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s vital to know that a judge doesn&#8217;t simply &#8220;pluck a penalty out of the air.&#8221; Sentencing in Queensland is a highly structured legal process. It is governed primarily by the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld). Judges must follow clear laws and binding guidelines to ensure every decision is just in all the circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look at how sentencing decisions are made in Queensland. We&#8217;ll explore the core purposes of a sentence, the factors a judge <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">must<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consider, and the types of penalties available.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sentences are not arbitrary:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They must align with the law and judicial precedent.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Courts balance five main goals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These are punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, denunciation, and community protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sentences are flexible:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Judges weigh factors that increase severity (<\/span><b>aggravating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) against those that reduce it (<\/span><b>mitigating<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Imprisonment is a last resort:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The system favours community-based orders when possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The Purpose of Sentencing<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queensland law is clear that a sentence must be imposed for a specific purpose. Section 9 of the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties and Sentences Act 1992<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outlines the core objectives, which courts must balance when determining the right outcome:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Purpose<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simple Explanation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example of Focus<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Punishment<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To punish the offender in a way that is just and fair for the crime committed. This includes denunciation, making a public statement that the community condemns the conduct.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary focus when sentencing for a repeat, violent assault.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Deterrence<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Individual Deterrence<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(discouraging the specific offender from reoffending) and<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>General Deterrence<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(discouraging the community at large from committing similar offences).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The penalty for drink driving is often severe to discourage others in the community (general deterrence).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Rehabilitation<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To provide conditions that will help the offender address the causes of their criminal behaviour, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary focus for a young, first-time offender facing a minor drug possession charge often involves mandated counselling.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Community Protection<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To protect the community from the offender. This is a paramount consideration in serious cases, particularly those involving violence or sexual offences.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imprisonment or a supervised order (like parole) is imposed when an offender poses an unacceptable risk to public safety.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentencing judges must also consider the recognition of the harm done to the victim and the community.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, a sentence for a first-time shoplifting offence might prioritise rehabilitation and a fine. In contrast, a sentence for a repeat, serious violent assault will heavily prioritise punishment, denunciation, and community protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The Sentencing Process in Queensland<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process leading up to a final sentence is multi-staged and legally rigorous:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Police Investigation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Queensland Police Service (QPS) investigates the alleged offence and gathers evidence. If there is sufficient evidence, a person is charged (the defendant).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Court Hearing (Plea):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The defendant first appears in the Magistrates&#8217; Court. The case progresses based on the plea:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Not Guilty Plea:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The matter proceeds to a trial. This trial may take place in the Magistrates, District, or Supreme Court. Here, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If found not guilty, the defendant is free to go.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Guilty Plea:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the defendant pleads guilty, or is found guilty after trial, the court moves to the next phase\u2014the Sentencing Hearing.<\/span><\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Sentencing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> At the Sentencing Hearing, the prosecution and the defence lawyers make submissions (arguments and presentations of evidence) to the judge or magistrate. The judge listens to all arguments. They apply the law, which includes the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties and Sentences Act<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and case precedents. Finally, the judge determines the appropriate penalty.<\/span><\/span><\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Offender Levy:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Regardless of the sentence imposed (fine, bond, or imprisonment), all persons sentenced for an offence must pay an Offender Levy to contribute to the cost of law enforcement and administration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>4. Factors Judges Consider<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As part of this final determination, sentencing is a balancing act. The court weighs factors that make the crime more serious (aggravating factors) against those that suggest leniency (mitigating factors).<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aggravating Factors (Increase Severity)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mitigating Factors (Reduce Severity)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Seriousness of Offence<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Early Guilty Plea<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The use of violence or a weapon, high-level planning (premeditation), or the vulnerability of the victim (e.g., elderly or child victims).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signalling acceptance of guilt to the court early in the process. This saves court time and resources.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Impact on Victims<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Genuine Remorse or Cooperation<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence of significant physical, psychological, or financial harm caused, often detailed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence of sincere regret, or providing assistance to law enforcement, and cooperating with the police investigation.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Repeat Offending<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Lack of Prior Criminal Record<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of similar criminal behaviour or being on parole\/bail at the time of the new offence.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A clean record shows the current offence is an aberration and not a pattern of behaviour.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Breach of Trust<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Difficult Personal Circumstances<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offences committed while in a position of trust (e.g., a caretaker stealing from a patient).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence of poor health, mental impairment, addiction, or a history of abuse that contextualises, though does not excuse, the offending.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Organised Crime<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Rehabilitation Efforts<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offences committed as part of a criminal organisation.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proof of current employment, voluntarily attending counselling, completing drug\/alcohol treatment, or undertaking further education.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2>Sentencing Guidelines &amp; Judicial Discretion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges in Queensland adhere to strict guidelines and are rigorously guided by two key things:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Legislation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The mandatory maximum penalties and, sometimes, minimum penalties set out in the governing Act (like the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties and Sentences Act 1992<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Case Law (Precedent):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The body of law established by superior courts, known as sentencing guidelines.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentencing guidelines are the legal &#8220;yardsticks&#8221; established by superior courts (like the Court of Appeal). These guidelines set the acceptable range of penalties for specific offences, ensuring consistency across Queensland.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a judge maintains judicial discretion to tailor a sentence to the unique facts and personal circumstances of the offender, this power is not unlimited; the final sentence must fall within the established, legally recognised range.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Types of Sentences Available in Queensland<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Queensland courts have a wide spectrum of sentencing options, from non-custodial orders (allowing the offender to stay in the community) to immediate imprisonment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts apply these penalties based on a spectrum of severity, starting with options that keep the offender in the community and progressing to custodial sentences:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A monetary penalty payable to the State.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Good Behaviour Bonds or Recognisance Orders:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The offender is released on the condition that they enter into a court order (a recognisance) promising to keep the peace and be of good <\/span><b>behaviour<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a specified period.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Community Service Orders (CSO):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The offender must perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community for a specified number of hours.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Probation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A court order where the offender is released into the community subject to the supervision of a correctional officer and mandatory conditions (e.g., reporting, attending programs).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suspended Sentences:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A custodial (prison) sentence is imposed but is suspended, either wholly or in part. The offender is not required to go to jail unless they breach the conditions of their suspension by committing another offence.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Intensive Correction Orders (ICO):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The most serious type of community-based sentence. It is served in the community under strict, intensive supervision. This is often an alternative to short-term imprisonment.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Imprisonment:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A sentence involving the deprivation of liberty, served in a correctional facility. This is legally considered a <\/span><strong>sentence of last resort<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for most offences.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Alternatives to Prison<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The law dictates that a sentence allowing an offender to remain in the community is preferable. Imprisonment should only be imposed as a last resort. This preference highlights the system&#8217;s commitment to rehabilitation where possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key alternatives and rehabilitative pathways include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Restorative Justice Conferencing<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is often used in the youth justice system. It involves bringing the offender face-to-face with the victim(s) and community representatives to discuss the harm caused. They then agree on a pathway for repair and rehabilitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Diversion Programs<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts offer specific programs for eligible offenders, such as the Drug and Alcohol Court or mental health interventions. These substitute custodial penalties with mandated treatment and rehabilitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Parole<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A system that allows certain prisoners to serve the remainder of their prison sentence in the community, under strict supervision and conditions, promoting a supported return to society.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Misconceptions About Sentencing<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite this structured process, the complexity of balancing the competing purposes of sentencing often leads to public frustration and common misconceptions:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These false beliefs are often fueled by selective media coverage that highlights extreme cases and a general lack of public understanding regarding the specific legal constraints judges must follow. Here is the truth behind the most common myths:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. &#8220;Judges are too soft.&#8221;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentences must adhere to the principles of proportionality (the sentence must fit the crime) and be consistent with legal precedent. While the media may highlight light sentences, the overall process is constrained by law, not personal preference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. &#8220;First offences don&#8217;t matter.&#8221;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While a clean record is a powerful mitigating factor, first offences for serious crimes (like a high-range drink driving charge or serious assault) can still result in mandatory imprisonment or lengthy licence disqualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. &#8220;A guilty plea won&#8217;t help much.&#8221;<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A timely guilty plea is one of the strongest mitigating factors available. Section 13 of the Act requires the court to take a guilty plea into account, often resulting in a lesser sentence than if the offender had been found guilty after a lengthy trial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Importance of Expert Legal Representation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Navigating these misconceptions and the complex legal system requires expert help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A highly experienced <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michaelmcmillan.law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">criminal defence lawyer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as Michael McMillan, provides crucial legal advice to clients. He expertly interprets the complex law and court precedents to ensure your personal circumstances are given the fullest possible weight in the final sentencing decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sentencing in Queensland is not a random event; it is a meticulous process of balancing the fundamental principles of punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and community protection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By understanding how courts weigh aggravating and mitigating factors and the range of sentencing options available, we can better appreciate the structure and fairness of Queensland\u2019s justice system. The process is complex, but it is not random<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sentencing is Structured, Not Arbitrary When an individual is found guilty of a crime, the court&#8217;s final and most critical decision is sentencing. This complex process is often misunderstood by the public, yet it forms the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. A sentence directly determines the consequence for the offending behaviour. It&#8217;s vital to &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":52,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts - Gold Coast Lawyers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts - Gold Coast Lawyers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sentencing is Structured, Not Arbitrary When an individual is found guilty of a crime, the court&#8217;s final and most critical decision is sentencing. This complex process is often misunderstood by the public, yet it forms the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. A sentence directly determines the consequence for the offending behaviour. It&#8217;s vital to &hellip; Continue reading &quot;How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts&quot;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gold Coast Lawyers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-05T01:01:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077326-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Legal Boffin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Legal Boffin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\",\"name\":\"How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts - Gold Coast Lawyers\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077326-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-05T01:01:22+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/ab32843f1e6204194ed7ee2e9b889db2\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077326-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pexels-ekaterina-bolovtsova-6077326-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"Judges gavel.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/how-sentencing-works-in-queensland-courts\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How Sentencing Works in Queensland Courts\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.goldcoast-lawyers.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Gold Coast Lawyers\",\"description\":\"Blog, Latest News &amp; 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This complex process is often misunderstood by the public, yet it forms the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. A sentence directly determines the consequence for the offending behaviour. 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