Experience matters when your future is at stake.
A boutique criminal defence firm giving you honest, practical advice in plain English — and a clear strategy for what happens next.
North Queensland Coverage
Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, Charters Towers, Mount Isa & beyond
What to look for in a lawyer
Are you charged with a criminal offence?
And looking for a lawyer with significant criminal law experience.
Do you want plain English, not jargon?
Someone who can cut through the legal language and tell you plainly where you stand.
Do you want transparency about costs?
A lawyer who will sit down with you, discuss your financial situation and work out a fee arrangement that suits your circumstances.
Do you want to understand your options?
Clear advice on your options and the likely outcomes, so every decision you make is an informed one.
North Queensland's boutique defence firm
We understand how distressing it is to be charged with a criminal offence — and the impact it can have well beyond the charge itself.
- We take the time to sit down with you and understand your personal situation
- We build a clear strategy for your matter based on years of trial experience
- Based in Townsville, servicing all of North Queensland
- Including Ayr, Ingham, Charters Towers, Mount Isa and everywhere in between
Tara Payne
Principal, Payne Criminal Lawyers
- High-end matters: murder, drug trafficking, sexual offences, counter-terrorism
- Particular interest in forensic evidence (DNA & fibre)
- Experience with encrypted applications & covert police strategies
Experience
A lawyer who listens
We explain, not obscure
We explain the law and your options clearly, so you always know where you stand.
Upfront, from the start
Upfront advice on fees and a fee arrangement that works for your circumstances.
Your matter, our focus
Your matter isn't just another file — we stay focused on your best possible outcome.
Will you make the right choice the first time?
Call Payne Criminal Lawyers for a free initial consult and see what we can do for you.