About Us
Built on trial experience
Meet the person who will be handling your matter, and how we approach criminal defence.
Our Principal
Tara Payne
Principal, Payne Criminal Lawyers
Tara is the Director and Principal of Payne Criminal Lawyers and has been helping people navigate the criminal justice system for over 18 years.
Tara spent ten years working at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Perth, Western Australia where she conducted countless jury trials. Tara was also involved in high profile matters, including prosecuting Bradley Edwards, the Claremont Serial Killer.
Since returning to Townsville, Tara has established herself as a trusted and robust defence lawyer who fiercely protects her clients’ rights.
Tara has significant experience in high-end criminal matters, such as murder, drug trafficking, sexual offences and hate crimes. Her particular interests are forensic evidence (DNA and fibre evidence) encrypted applications, and the covert strategies police use to gather evidence.
Throughout her career, Tara has worked with leading national and international experts in these areas, from Western Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the FBI in the USA. This experience enables her to confidently navigate complex evidence, sophisticated investigative techniques and matters where the stakes are exceptionally high.
Criminal law is complex, and no two matters are the same. Having a lawyer who understands not only the law, but also how police investigate and prosecute criminal offences, can make a significant difference to the outcome of your case.
Tara ensures her clients understand their position, their options and the potential consequences of each decision, so they can make informed decisions about their case.
Her dedication and commitment to her clients is unparalleled, regardless of the charge. Whether it's a drink drive or the most serious of criminal charges, she gives every client the same level of commitment, care and determination.
International Experience
- Worked with leading experts from Western Australia, the UK, New Zealand and the FBI (USA)
- Confidently navigates complex evidence & sophisticated investigative techniques
- Strategic, analytical approach — examining the evidence and how it was obtained
- Ensures clients understand their position, options and the consequences of every decision
“Experience matters when your future is at stake.”
— Tara Payne, PrincipalA Solicitor With Jury Trial Experience
Solicitor vs. Barrister
We work exclusively in criminal law with significant trial experience and courtroom advocacy.
Many people do not know the difference between a solicitor and barrister and when to engage a barrister.
Solicitor
A solicitor is a lawyer who works directly with you as the client and remains with you from start to finish. Your solicitor is responsible for managing your matter, providing legal advice and advocating on your behalf in court proceedings.
Barrister (Counsel)
A barrister is typically engaged by a solicitor to provide specialist advocacy in complex or higher-level matters.
Briefing a barrister can bring real benefit in complex cases — but it also means paying for both a solicitor and a barrister. In many cases, an experienced solicitor can conduct your matter from start to finish without needing to brief Counsel. That choice — and the cost saving it brings — belongs to you.
Why Choose Payne Criminal Lawyers?
More than legal representation
Payne Criminal Lawyers is a private criminal defence firm in Townsville with barrister experience. That gives our clients the benefit of both extensive criminal law knowledge and first-hand experience in courtroom advocacy. You need a lawyer who will listen to you, understand your circumstances and fight for you.
- Plain English, not legal jargon
- Upfront about costs, from the very first conversation
- Realistic advice about your prospects and likely outcomes
- A boutique firm — your matter isn't just another file
- Personal attention, focused on your best possible outcome
- Robust and persuasive courtroom advocacy built on years of trial experience
“Choosing a criminal lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. Will you make the right choice the first time?”
— Payne Criminal LawyersReady to talk about your matter?
Come and sit down with us — no matter your budget, we'll discuss your options and the best way forward.