Advocate Law, with over 23 years of experience in criminal defence, recognizes the gravity of fraud offences, which can lead to substantial jail terms and have far-reaching consequences on one's career, travel opportunities, and community reputation. Fraud is an expansive criminal offence encompassing activities ranging from altering price tags to elaborate multi-million dollar Ponzi schemes. Distinct from theft, fraud necessitates an element of deceit or falsehood. Depending on the monetary value involved, an individual may face charges of fraud under $5,000 or fraud over $5,000, with significant differences in potential penalties.
To secure a conviction for fraud, the Crown Prosecutor must establish specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt, including the accused's intent to defraud or knowledge that their conduct could result in deprivation. Deceit involves an untrue statement made knowingly to induce another person to act on it, causing detriment. Notably, if a person was unaware of the statement's falsehood, they cannot be found guilty of fraud unless they were willfully blind or reckless. "Other fraudulent means" encompasses a broad range of fraudulent activities, such as breach of trust, misuse of corporate accounts, non-disclosure of material acts, breach of contractual obligations, and unauthorized diversion of funds or property.
Given the complexity of fraud cases involving voluminous disclosure, forensic accountants, and specialized prosecutors, it is imperative to have a highly skilled defence lawyer. Advocate Law is committed to navigating this intricate area of law, leveraging its extensive experience and expertise to mount an effective defence strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.