Fraud · stealing · receiving

Fraud & dishonesty

Fraud and dishonesty charges threaten more than a penalty — they threaten a reputation and a career. Value and any breach of trust drive both the court and the sentence, so the way the case is framed is everything.

Stealing, fraud and receiving are dealt with under the Criminal Code. Fraud in particular scales sharply: the maximum rises to 14 years where the value is $30,000 or more, and 20 years at $100,000 — and an alleged breach of an employer's or client's trust lifts the seriousness further.

Many of these matters are document-heavy and turn on intent. We work through the financial brief in detail, test whether dishonesty can actually be proved, and — where a plea is the right course — build the restitution and rehabilitation case that keeps a first offender out of custody.

The charges — and what they carry

Stealings398 Criminal Code

Maximum penalty5 years (10–14 years with circumstances of aggravation)

Frauds408C Criminal Code

Maximum penalty5 years; up to 14 years if value ≥ $30,000 and 20 years if ≥ $100,000

Receiving tainted propertys433 Criminal Code

Maximum penalty7 years (14 years if the property was an indictable-offence proceed)

Figures are statutory maximums under Queensland law. Actual sentences are usually far lower — get advice about your matter.

Defences we run

There was no dishonest intent
A genuine claim of right or entitlement to the property or money
The accounting or valuation is contested
Restitution and rehabilitation as a path to a non-custodial outcome

How we defend you

We work through the financial material forensically and test whether intent can be proved.
For first offenders we build restitution, references and rehabilitation into the file early.
We aim for a resolution that protects your record and your ability to work.

Questions people ask

I want to pay the money back — will that help?

Restitution is one of the strongest mitigating steps available and can be decisive in keeping a first offender out of custody. We help structure it properly and put it before the court.

Will a fraud charge end my career?

Not always. Where a conviction can be avoided, or the matter resolved as a lesser count, the professional consequences can be contained. That is a central part of our strategy from day one.