Tax Lawyers Brisbane | Expert Defence for Tax Crimes & Offences

Tax Lawyers Brisbane – Defence for Tax Crimes & Serious Tax Offences

If you’ve been accused of a tax crime, tax fraud or other serious tax offence in Queensland, you need specialist legal representation from the outset. Tax-related prosecutions are high-stakes, complex, and often involve both criminal and regulatory consequences. At Cridland & Hua, our Brisbane tax lawyers specialise in defending individuals and businesses facing serious tax allegations—they combine technical understanding of tax law with practical criminal defence experience.

What Are Tax Crimes & Tax Offences?

Tax offences in Australia span from regulatory breaches (for example, failing to lodge a return) to full-scale criminal conduct (such as deliberate tax evasion or large-scale GST fraud). The key distinction is that in criminal tax matters the prosecution must establish dishonesty, or intent to defraud the tax system.

For example:

• Under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, offences such as obtaining property by deception (s 134.1(1)) and obtaining financial advantage by deception (s 134.2(1)) carry maximum penalties of 10 years’ imprisonment. CDPP+2Beavon Lawyers+2
• In Australia generally, serious tax fraud may involve false statements, incorrect declarations, false accounting records, or deliberate schemes to under-pay tax. GNL+1
• In Queensland, while many tax matters are state regulatory matters (fines, compliance), serious cross-jurisdictional or Commonwealth matters may involve criminal prosecution.

Types of Tax Matters We Handle

Our tax defence practice covers a wide variety of matters, including:

• Tax fraud allegations, including GST/BAS fraud, fuel tax credit abuse, false refunds
• Dishonesty in relation to ATO or State tax obligations
• Corporate tax offences, director liability and large-scale tax schemes
• Regulatory investigations by the ATO, FIRB or other agencies that may lead to prosecution
• Tax litigation prior to or as part of criminal proceedings
• Bail, plea and sentencing work in relation to tax crime charges

Penalties: How Serious Are Tax Crime Charges?

Tax crime charges are amongst the more serious white-collar offences. Some key points:

• Criminal tax offences under the Commonwealth Criminal Code carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment for obtaining property or financial advantage by deception. CDPP+1
• Even regulatory tax offences (such as failing to lodge or pay tax) may carry large fines, disqualifications or other significant consequences. pottslawyers.com.au
• If a conviction occurs, beyond financial penalties, there are serious repercussions for your business, professional registration, reputation and future opportunities.

How Our Brisbane Tax Lawyers Assist

We provide expert defence in the full lifecycle of a tax prosecution:

• Early advice & investigation: We advise you as soon as you’re under inquiry or investigation and help manage regulatory risk before it turns into criminal charges.
• Evidence review: We assess ATO or agency records, forensic accounting, witness statements, documents and digital evidence to test the prosecution case.
• Defence strategy: We explore defences such as lack of dishonesty, mistake of fact, insufficient evidence, or mistaken entitlement.
• Negotiation & plea: Where appropriate, we negotiate charge reduction, diversion or alternative resolution rather than full trial.
• Court representation: Should the matter proceed to the District Court or Supreme Court, we provide advocacy at all stages including bail, committal, trial and sentencing.
• Regulatory interface: Many tax matters also involve regulatory or civil consequences (business closures, director bans, ATO audits). We coordinate defence across both criminal and regulatory lines.

Why Choose Cridland & Hua for Tax Crime Defence?

• Proven experience defending tax crime matters and high-value financial offences in Brisbane and Queensland courts.
• A team combining criminal defence expertise with understanding of tax law, accounting and regulatory frameworks.
• Responsive and strategic legal advice—available early to preserve options and limit risk.
• Transparent fee structures and tailored advice whether you are an individual business owner or large corporation.
• Brisbane-based with strong local court knowledge and national network when matters involve Commonwealth offences.

Need a Tax Lawyer in Brisbane?

If you or your business is being investigated or you’ve been charged with a tax offence, you should act without delay. Early legal engagement can improve outcomes and safeguard your future.

Call Cridland & Hua

📞 Call (07) 3210 0500 or contact us online for specialised and confidential advice.

Disclaimer: This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, you should consult a qualified criminal defence lawyer.