Fraud Charges
Fraud offences are wide ranging and include obtaining property or financial advantage by deception, making and using false documents and false accounting.
Need an experienced criminal lawyer in Ballarat?
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offence, received a summons to attend court, been arrested by Victoria Police, or need urgent legal advice, obtaining early legal representation can make a significant difference to how your matter progresses.
At Wilkinson Lawyers, we practise exclusively in criminal law matters across Victoria. We regularly appear at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and other metropolitan and regional courts.
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Talk To An Experienced Criminal Lawyer
Being charged with a criminal offence is stressful. Many clients contact us after what they describe as the worst day of their life. They are worried about losing their licence, their employment, their reputation, or even their liberty. Our role is to guide you through the legal process, explain your options in plain English, protect your rights and work towards the best available outcome based on the facts of your case.
Whether you intend to plead guilty or contest the allegations, obtaining legal advice as early as possible is one of the most important steps you can take.
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case
Do I need a lawyer?
Fraud offences are taken very seriously by the Court, particularly where there has been a breach of trust, such as by an employee or family member.
You are not legally required to have a lawyer. However, criminal proceedings involve rules of evidence, legislation, court procedure and sentencing principles that most people have never encountered.
A lawyer can assist by:
- Explaining the allegations.
- Reviewing the prosecution brief.
- Identifying weaknesses in the evidence.
- Negotiating with police where appropriate.
- Preparing your plea.
- Representing you in court.
- Advising whether a charge should be contested.
- Protecting your legal rights throughout the process.
Even where the allegations appear straightforward, obtaining legal advice can significantly improve your understanding of the options available.
Am I going to jail?
Whether you will go to jail for a fraud offence in Victoria depends on the specific circumstances of your case. The court will consider a range of factors, including the value of the alleged fraud, whether there was a breach of trust, the level of planning or sophistication involved, your criminal history, whether you have made any restitution, and any personal circumstances that may reduce your moral culpability.
While less serious matters involving small amounts of money and first-time offenders may result in a fine, a Community Corrections Order, or another non-custodial sentence, larger-scale frauds or offences involving significant financial loss, multiple victims, or abuse of a position of trust are more likely to result in a term of imprisonment.
Wilkinson Lawyers regularly represents clients charged with fraud offences, obtaining financial advantage by deception, obtaining property by deception, theft, and other dishonesty offences throughout Victoria. If you have been charged with a fraud-related offence or are under police investigation, contact us as soon as possible for confidential legal advice and experienced representation in court.
Talk To An Experienced Criminal Lawyer
Get in direct contact with Jessica Wilkinson now, and receive expert advice on how to deal with your case