Fighting Fraud Charges in NSW

To secure a conviction for fraud under s 192E of the Crimes Act, the prosecution must establish three crucial elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. That you engaged in deceptive actions with dishonest intent:
The law recognises deception through words or any other conduct, such as misleading others about your intentions or using electronic means to execute unauthorised transactions, like transferring money that does not belong to you. The court evaluates dishonesty based on the standards of an ordinary person, assessing whether your actions would be considered dishonest by those standards and whether you should have known that your conduct was dishonest accordingly.

2. That your deceptive or dishonest conduct resulted in a financial advantage for you or someone else, or caused financial harm to another individual:
The prosecution must demonstrate that your actions led to you or someone else gaining a financial benefit or obtaining property, including ownership, possession, or control of the property, that belonged to another person. To establish ownership by another person, the individual must have possession or control of the property or legal ownership over it. The definition of property extends beyond tangible items and can encompass intangible assets like shares, debts, and electronic money. Additionally, you can also be found guilty of fraud if your actions caused financial harm to another person, leading them to experience a financial loss they should not have suffered.

3. That your actions were either intentional or reckless:
The prosecution needs to prove that your actions were deliberate, or if not deliberate, that you acted recklessly. Recklessness implies that you knew your actions were dishonest and deceptive, but you proceeded with them regardless.

By proving these three elements, the prosecution can establish your guilt for the offence of fraud under s 192E of the Crimes Act.

If you have doubts that the prosecution can sufficiently establish any of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, you have the option to enter a plea of ‘not guilty’ and contest the charges in court, seeking to prove your innocence. For instance, you may argue that you did not engage in any deceptive or dishonest conduct.

Moreover, you have the opportunity to present a defence to justify or explain your actions. If your defence is successful, it could result in a verdict of ‘not guilty.’

Available defences include:

1. Honest belief in being legally entitled to the property (claim of right).
2. Coercion or threat forcing you into fraudulent conduct (duress).
3. Suffering from a mental illness during the fraudulent conduct.
4. Engaging in fraudulent conduct to prevent serious injury or danger (necessity).

If you opt not to contest the charges, you may consider entering a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

Entering an early guilty plea comes with several advantages – it saves you time and expense by avoiding a trial or hearing to determine your guilt, and importantly, it may lead to a reduced sentence or a less severe penalty.

However, before pleading guilty to any offence, it is essential to consult an experienced criminal lawyer who can assess your case and advise you on whether you might have a viable defence.

If you choose to enter a guilty plea, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the maximum penalties that could apply.

Being found guilty of fraud under s 192E of the Crimes Act can result in a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Nevertheless, this is the highest penalty and is reserved for the most serious fraud cases.

The actual penalty you receive depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, including the extent of your dishonest actions and the value of the financial benefit obtained. The court may also consider other factors, such as your previous criminal record and the likelihood of reoffending.

The court has the authority to impose various penalties, including:

– Section 10 Dismissal
– Conditional Release Order
– Fine
– Community Correction Order
– Intensive Correction Order
– Prison

Keep in mind that having an experienced criminal lawyer on your side, who possesses an in-depth understanding of fraud law, can significantly increase your chances of receiving a favorable penalty.

Fraud in NSW involves intentionally deceiving or misleading another person or entity to obtain property, financial advantage, or some form of benefit.

Penalties for fraud offences in NSW can vary widely based on factors like the severity of the offense, the value of property involved, and whether it’s categorised as a summary or indictable offense. Penalties may include fines, good behavior bonds, community service orders, or imprisonment.

Tax evasion involves deliberately providing false information to tax authorities to reduce tax liabilities. It can lead to criminal charges under tax and fraud-related laws.

Consequences of tax evasion convictions may include substantial fines, penalties, interest charges, and even imprisonment, depending on the extent of the evasion.

Common defences may include lack of intent, mistake, lack of evidence, or challenging the prosecution’s case.

Answer: Common defences may include lack of intent, lack of knowledge, or challenging the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Yes, restitution—requiring the defendant to compensate the victim for financial losses—can be part of a fraud case resolution in NSW.

It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer as soon as you become aware of fraud charges or are contacted by law enforcement. Early legal advice can be crucial in building a strong defence.