Fraud, Dishonesty & Identity
Theft Lawyers Melbourne

At James Dowsley & Associates, we have expert solicitors who can advise you on any criminal fraud, dishonesty and identity theft charges in Victoria.

  • It is illegal to pose as someone else, lie to a legal body, or obtain property by deception

  • These offences can incur serious penalties, ranging from fines to terms of imprisonment, so it is important you access quality legal advice

  • We can represent you in both the Magistrates’ and County Court where fraud, dishonesty and identity theft cases are heard

The Process

If you are facing a fraud, dishonesty or identity theft related charge, the following steps may ensue:

  • Police may interview an accused before laying charges. Information provided to police at the interview stage can be important

  • Police may have a warrant to search your home or work, including information on your, or your employees’ computers

  • If a charge proceeds, you will be asked to plead guilty or not guilty

  • A trial may be held and all evidence presented

  • If you are found guilty, the court must decide on a penalty. Penalties for fraud, dishonesty and identity theft offences can vary from fines to several years in prison

Expert legal advice at every step of this process ensures you are informed and prepared.

Types of Fraud, Dishonesty & Identity Theft Offences

A very long list of offences come under the umbrella of fraud and dishonesty.

They range in severity, some being summary offences and others being indictable offences.

It is important to understand the exact offence you are being charged with and the possible penalties that may be imposed.

The seriousness of such offences may depend on factors including:

  • Your role and participation in the alleged offence

  • The value of any items/money involved

  • Whether any breach of trust took place

  • The duration of the alleged offending (how many days, weeks, months or years the offending occurred over)

Read the following descriptions for more information on specific crimes.

  • Deception, as defined by section 81 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), includes any false words or conduct as to fact or as to law, whether deliberate or reckless.

    The elements of the offence of obtaining property by deception are described below. Like any criminal offence, all of the elements of the offence are required to be proven by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt for the offence to be made out.

    They are:

    • The accused obtained property belonging to someone else

    • They did so with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of their property

    • They used deceit to do so

    • The accused knew they were acting dishonestly

    Some examples of activity that may fall under this crime includes:

    • Stealing money from an employer by way of deceptive conduct, for example by issuing illegitimate refunds

    • Using a stolen credit card to purchase items or withdraw cash from an ATM

    • Defrauding investors by paying existing investors with funds collected from new investors

    When disputing this charge, you may seek to arouse reasonable doubt as to the evidence that links the dishonesty and the obtaining of property. You may also present another explanation for what has happened.

  • Falsification of documents is listed under Section 83A of the Crimes Act 1958. It is intentionally using or making documents that you know are not of an honest and legal nature.

    You may also be charged if you are found in possession of a machine designed or adapted for the intention of making a false document.

    Some examples of such activity include:

    • Making or altering an ID to get into clubs

    • Having a machine that makes fake passports

    • Making a fake bank statement to get a loan

    Maximum sentencing for this indictable offence is 10 years in prison, so it is extremely important to seek advice from an expert lawyer as soon as possible.

  • Division 2AA of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) lays out all identity crimes in Victoria.

    Legally, identification documentation refers to an item that contains or incorporates identification information and is capable of being used by a person to be, or pretend to be someone else real, made up, dead or alive.

    Documents, or parts of documents that are illegal to falsified include:

    • A passport or passport number

    • A birth date, such as on a licence or passport

    • A licence or licence number

    • A voice print

    • An ABN

    • A digital signature

    Making, using or supplying documents that you know may be used to commit an indictable offence holds a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment.

    • False Accounting

    • Falsification of Documents

    • False Statements by Company Directors

    • Suppression of Documents

    • Blackmail

    • Obtaining Property by Deception

    • Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception

    • Destruction of Evidence

    • Tax Evasion Unauthorised Access to or Modification of Restricted Data Money Laundering

Need a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne for a Fraud, Dishonesty, Identity Theft or Related Offence?

Simply contact JDA Law on (03) 9781 4900 to receive expertised advice 24/7 in relation to all Fraud, Dishonesty, Identity Theft or Related Offences.