Fraud Lawyers Brisbane | Expert Defence for Fraud Charges

Fraud Lawyers Brisbane – Defence for Fraud & Dishonesty Offences

If you are facing fraud or dishonesty charges in Queensland, it is essential to seek specialist legal representation early. Fraud offences can attract serious penalties, impact your professional life, and leave a permanent criminal record. At Cridland & Hua, our Brisbane fraud lawyers handle complex cases involving individual and corporate clients, offering strategic defence tailored to your circumstances.

What Is Fraud in Queensland?

Under Section 408C of the Criminal Code 1899 (Qld), a person commits the crime of fraud if they dishonestly:

• apply property belonging to another or subject to a trust for their own use; or
• obtain property from any person; or
• induce a person to deliver property; or
• gain a benefit or advantage; or
• cause a detriment; or
• induce someone to abstain from doing something they’re lawfully entitled to do; or
• make off without payment knowing payment was expected. AustLII+1

The concept of “property” is broad and includes money, credit, services, benefits or anything evidencing a right to incur a debt or recover a benefit. AustLII+1

That means fraud charges can arise in many contexts — from misusing company funds, forging documents, identity theft, to benefits fraud or insider deceit in corporations.

Types of Fraud Charges We Defend

Our fraud defence practice covers a wide range of offences, including:

• Individual fraud
• Corporate and director-fraud
• Identity fraud and cyber-fraud
• Financial services fraud and dishonesty in business
• Government benefits fraud including Centrelink or tax-related allegations
• Fraud investigations by ASIC, ATO or other regulators

Whether you’ve been charged with “fraud” in general, accused of “fraud offence”, or facing complex financial misconduct, we can assist.

Penalties – How Serious Are Fraud Charges?

Fraud is treated as a serious offence in Queensland. Key penalties include:

• The standard maximum penalty for fraud under s408C is 5 years’ imprisonment. Queensland Law Handbook Online+1
• However, if aggravating factors apply (for example: a director or employee of a victim corporation; property value between $30,000 and $100,000; or trust relationships) the maximum can rise to 14 years’ imprisonment Ashworth Lawyers+1
• In the most serious cases (property, yield or detriment of at least $100,000, or carrying on business of committing the offence) the maximum penalty can be 20 years’ imprisonment AustLII+1

Penalties vary depending on factors such as the scale of the fraud, level of planning, position of trust, number of victims, loss to victims and your prior criminal history. Armstrong Legal+1

How We Defend Fraud Charges

Fraud matters are often complex — involving financial documents, electronic trails, company records, expert accounting evidence and regulatory investigations. Our approach includes:

• Early analysis of the prosecution’s evidence, including financial records, communications and trust arrangements
• Identifying whether the prosecution can prove dishonesty — a key element of fraud. Dishonesty must be established by the prosecution. Queensland Courts+1
• Exploring defences such as:
  • Honest belief / claim of right
  • Mistake of fact
  • Lack of dishonesty
  • Insufficient evidence or identification
• Negotiating with prosecutors for charge reduction, diversion or appropriate plea arrangements
• Representing you in court — at preliminary hearings, committal, District Court or Supreme Court if required

Why Choose Cridland & Hua for Your Fraud Defence?

• Specialist criminal defence team in Brisbane with expertise in both individual and corporate fraud matters
• Proven experience in dealing with complex investigations, high value loss cases and regulatory prosecutions
• Prompt, clear advice — we help you understand your position, risks and best steps forward
• Available for urgent matters and investigations, including regulatory notices and enforcement action
• Transparent fees, strategic defence, and client‐centred service

Need a Fraud Lawyer in Brisbane?

If you are under investigation, charged or believe you are going to be charged with a fraud offence, don’t delay. Early legal advice and action may preserve your options and reduce risk.

Contact Cridland & Hua

📞 Call (07) 3210 0500 or contact us online for a confidential discussion.

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified criminal defence lawyer.