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Melbourne Fraud and Deception Lawyers
Lauren Tye is a Melbourne lawyer who provides expert defence to clients charged with fraud, deception, forgery, identity crime, proceeds of crime, money laundering and white-collar crime offences. She represents clients in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Supreme Court of Victoria, as well as in Commonwealth fraud prosecutions.
Available 24/7 for arrests and police interviews. Confidential advice. No obligation.
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Years Criminal Defence Experience
Fraud and deception charges can involve false accounting, forged documents, identity crime, blackmail, money laundering, commercial fraud, or obtaining property or a financial advantage by deception. These matters are often complex, document-heavy and reputationally sensitive.
In Victoria, many fraud and deception offences are prosecuted under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Where Commonwealth funds, agencies, benefits or systems are involved, charges may proceed under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Lauren Tye prepares each matter personally, reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case, and advises on the strongest available path forward.
Lauren Tye acts for clients facing fraud, deception, forgery, identity crime, workplace fraud, commercial fraud and Commonwealth fraud charges. Select a category below for guidance on the offence, the evidence, possible defences and options for resolving the matter.
Core Victorian fraud charges involving allegations of false representations, dishonest claims, online conduct, banking transactions, credit applications, or obtaining property or a financial advantage by deception.
Allegations involving misuse of company funds, false invoicing, expense claims, payroll manipulation, unauthorised transactions, or misuse of workplace access.
Charges involving forged documents, using false documents, false accounting, falsification of records, or documents allegedly created or used dishonestly.
Charges involving possessing, using, making or supplying identification information for a dishonest purpose, often alongside broader fraud or deception allegations.
Allegations involving money or property suspected of being connected to offending, including fraud, drug matters or other criminal activity.
Centrelink, NDIS, ATO and other Commonwealth fraud matters prosecuted under federal law, often involving government payments, benefits, taxation, identity systems or online services.
A guide to statutory maximum penalties for fraud, deception, forgery, identity crime, proceeds of crime and money laundering offences under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The penalties listed are maximums only. The outcome in any case depends on the charge, the evidence, the value involved, any plea, prior history and personal circumstances.
| Charge | Legislation | Max Penalty | Typical Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victorian Jurisdiction (State Offences) | |||
| Extortion with Threat to Kill | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 27 | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Obtaining Property by Deception | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 81 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 82 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| False Accounting | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 83 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Falsification of Documents | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 83A | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| False Statements by Company Directors etc. | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 85 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Suppression etc. of Documents | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 86 | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Blackmail | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 87 | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Secret Commissions Offences | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), ss 176–180 | Up to 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Fraudulently Inducing Persons to Invest Money | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 191 | 15 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Identity Crime — Making, Using or Supplying Identification Information | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192B | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Identity Crime — Possession of Identification Information | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192C | 3 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Identity Crime — Possession of Equipment Used to Make Identification Documentation | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192D | 3 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Dealing with Proceeds of Crime — intending to conceal | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(1) | 20 years' imprisonment | County |
| Dealing with Proceeds of Crime — knowing | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(2) | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Dealing with Proceeds of Crime — reckless | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(3) | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Dealing with Proceeds of Crime — negligent | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(4) | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195 | 2 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| Dealing with Property Which Subsequently Becomes an Instrument of Crime — intending | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(1) | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Dealing with Property Which Subsequently Becomes an Instrument of Crime — reckless | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(2) | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Dealing with Property Which Subsequently Becomes an Instrument of Crime — negligent | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(3) | 5 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Unauthorised Access, Modification or Impairment with Intent to Commit Serious Offence | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247B | Same maximum as the serious offence | Varies |
| Unauthorised Modification of Data to Cause Impairment | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247C | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Unauthorised Impairment of Electronic Communication | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247D | 10 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Possession of Data with Intent to Commit Serious Computer Offence | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247E | 3 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Producing, Supplying or Obtaining Data with Intent to Commit Serious Computer Offence | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247F | 3 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' / County |
| Unauthorised Access to or Modification of Restricted Data | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247G | 2 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| Unauthorised Impairment of Data Held in Computer Disk, Credit Card or Other Device | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247H | 2 years' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| Destruction of Evidence | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 254 | 5 years' imprisonment, level 6 fine, or both | Magistrates' / County |
| Body Corporate Offence Connected with Destruction of Evidence | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), ss 254–255 | Body corporate: 3,000 penalty units | County / Supreme |
| Perjury | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 314 | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Bomb Hoaxes | Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 317A | 5 years' imprisonment or 600 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' / County |
| Attempting to Pervert or Perverting the Course of Justice | Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320 | 25 years' imprisonment | County / Supreme |
| Conspiracy to Cheat and Defraud | Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320 | 15 years' imprisonment | County |
| Misconduct in Public Office | Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320 | 10 years' imprisonment | County / Supreme |
| False or Misleading Information in Statutory Declarations | Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 (Vic), s 36 | 5 years' imprisonment or 600 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' / County |
| Making False Reports to Police etc. | Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 53 | 1 year's imprisonment or 120 penalty units | Magistrates' Court |
| False Information Relating to Sex Offender Registry Obligations | Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (Vic), s 47 | 2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units | Magistrates' / County |
| Forging Prescriptions and Orders for Drugs of Dependence | Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic), s 77 | 12 months' imprisonment or 20 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Obtaining Drugs by False Representation | Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic), s 78 | 12 months' imprisonment or 20 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Procuring Use of Motor Vehicle by Fraud | Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 69 | 10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| Obtaining Licence etc. by False Statements | Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 71 | 10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| Forgery etc. of Documents and Identification Marks | Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 72 | 10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' Court |
| False Representation Relating to Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration | Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 53 | 20 penalty units | Magistrates' Court |
| Unauthorised Access to or Interference with Register | Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 54 | 100 penalty units or 2 years' imprisonment, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| Falsification of Certificates etc. | Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 55 | 100 penalty units or 2 years' imprisonment, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| False or Misleading Information or Documents to Inspector | Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), s 178 | 60 penalty units | Magistrates' Court |
| False or Misleading Statements | Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), s 208 | 30 penalty units | Magistrates' Court |
| Offence to Use False or Other Person's WWC Clearance | Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic), s 126 | 2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| False or Misleading Information Relating to Worker Screening / WWC Checks | Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic), s 128 | 2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units, or both | Magistrates' Court |
| False or Misleading Information to Authorised Officer | Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), s 201 | 10 penalty units | Magistrates' Court |
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 27
15 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 81
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 82
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 83
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 83A
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 85
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 86
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 87
15 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), ss 176–180
Up to 10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 191
15 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192B
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192C
3 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 192D
3 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(1)
20 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(2)
15 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(3)
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 194(4)
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195
2 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(1)
15 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(2)
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 195A(3)
5 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247B
Same maximum as the serious offence
Varies
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247C
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247D
10 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247E
3 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247F
3 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247G
2 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 247H
2 years' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 254
5 years' imprisonment, level 6 fine, or both
Magistrates' / County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), ss 254–255
Body corporate: 3,000 penalty units
County / Supreme
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 314
15 years' imprisonment
County
Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 317A
5 years' imprisonment or 600 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' / County
Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320
25 years' imprisonment
County / Supreme
Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320
15 years' imprisonment
County
Common law; Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), s 320
10 years' imprisonment
County / Supreme
Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018 (Vic), s 36
5 years' imprisonment or 600 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' / County
Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), s 53
1 year's imprisonment or 120 penalty units
Magistrates' Court
Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 (Vic), s 47
2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units
Magistrates' / County
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic), s 77
12 months' imprisonment or 20 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' Court
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic), s 78
12 months' imprisonment or 20 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' Court
Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 69
10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 71
10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic), s 72
10 penalty units or 2 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' Court
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 53
20 penalty units
Magistrates' Court
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 54
100 penalty units or 2 years' imprisonment, or both
Magistrates' Court
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), s 55
100 penalty units or 2 years' imprisonment, or both
Magistrates' Court
Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), s 178
60 penalty units
Magistrates' Court
Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic), s 208
30 penalty units
Magistrates' Court
Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic), s 126
2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' Court
Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic), s 128
2 years' imprisonment or 240 penalty units, or both
Magistrates' Court
Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic), s 201
10 penalty units
Magistrates' Court
| Charge | Legislation | Max Penalty | Typical Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Jurisdiction (Federal Offences) | |||
| Bribing a Foreign Public Official | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 70.2 | Individual: 10 years' imprisonment, 10,000 penalty units, or both; body corporate: higher corporate fine | Varies |
| Failure to Prevent Bribery of a Foreign Public Official | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 70.5A | Body corporate only: greatest of 100,000 penalty units, 3× benefit, or 10% annual turnover | Varies |
| Obtaining Property by Deception | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 134.1 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 134.2 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| General Dishonesty | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.1 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Obtaining Financial Advantage from a Commonwealth Entity | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.2 | 12 months' imprisonment | Varies |
| Conspiracy to Defraud | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.4 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| False or Misleading Statements in Applications | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 136.1 | 12 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' / Local |
| False or Misleading Information | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.1 | 12 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' / Local |
| Aggravated False or Misleading Information | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.1A | 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| False or Misleading Documents | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.2 | 12 months' imprisonment | Magistrates' / Local |
| Unwarranted Demands of Commonwealth Public Officials | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 139.1 | 12 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Unwarranted Demands Made by Commonwealth Public Officials | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 139.2 | 12 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Bribery of Commonwealth Public Official | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 141.1 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Corrupting Benefits Given to or Received by Commonwealth Public Officials | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 142.1 | 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Abuse of Public Office | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 142.2 | 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Forgery | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 144.1 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Using Forged Document | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.1 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Possession of Forged Document | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.2 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Possession, Making or Adaptation of Devices for Making Forgeries | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.3 | Up to 10 years' imprisonment; 2 years for false Commonwealth document device offences | Varies |
| Falsification of Documents etc. | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.4 | 7 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Giving Information Derived from False or Misleading Documents | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.5 | 7 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Impersonation of Commonwealth Official by Non-Official | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 148.1 | Up to 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Impersonation of Commonwealth Official by Another Official | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 148.2 | Up to 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| False Representations in Relation to Commonwealth Bodies | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 150.1 | Up to 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Money Laundering / Proceeds of Crime Offences | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), Div 400 | Varies by value and fault element; up to life imprisonment | Varies |
| Dealing with Property Reasonably Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 400.9 | Varies by value; commonly up to 3–5 years depending on value | Varies |
| Unauthorised Access, Modification or Impairment with Intent to Commit Serious Offence | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.1 | Same maximum as the serious offence | Varies |
| Unauthorised Modification of Data to Cause Impairment | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.2 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Unauthorised Impairment of Electronic Communication | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.3 | 10 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Unauthorised Access to, or Modification of, Restricted Data | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.1 | 2 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Unauthorised Impairment of Data Held on Computer Disk etc. | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.2 | 2 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Possession or Control of Data with Intent to Commit a Computer Offence | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.3 | 3 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Producing, Supplying or Obtaining Data with Intent to Commit a Computer Offence | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.4 | 3 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Dishonestly Obtaining or Dealing in Personal Financial Information | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.4 | 5 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Possession or Control of Thing with Intent to Dishonestly Obtain or Deal in Personal Financial Information | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.5 | 3 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Importation of Thing with Intent to Dishonestly Obtain or Deal in Personal Financial Information | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.6 | 3 years' imprisonment | Varies |
| Intentional False Dealing with Accounting Documents | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 490.1 | 10 years' imprisonment for an individual | Varies |
| Reckless False Dealing with Accounting Documents | Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 490.2 | 5 years' imprisonment for an individual | Varies |
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 70.2
Individual: 10 years' imprisonment, 10,000 penalty units, or both; body corporate: higher corporate fine
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 70.5A
Body corporate only: greatest of 100,000 penalty units, 3× benefit, or 10% annual turnover
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 134.1
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 134.2
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.1
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.2
12 months' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 135.4
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 136.1
12 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' / Local
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.1
12 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' / Local
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.1A
5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 137.2
12 months' imprisonment
Magistrates' / Local
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 139.1
12 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 139.2
12 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 141.1
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 142.1
5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 142.2
5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 144.1
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.1
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.2
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.3
Up to 10 years' imprisonment; 2 years for false Commonwealth document device offences
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.4
7 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 145.5
7 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 148.1
Up to 5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 148.2
Up to 5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 150.1
Up to 5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), Div 400
Varies by value and fault element; up to life imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 400.9
Varies by value; commonly up to 3–5 years depending on value
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.1
Same maximum as the serious offence
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.2
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 477.3
10 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.1
2 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.2
2 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.3
3 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 478.4
3 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.4
5 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.5
3 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 480.6
3 years' imprisonment
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 490.1
10 years' imprisonment for an individual
Varies
Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), s 490.2
5 years' imprisonment for an individual
Varies
“Typical Court” is a practical label, not statutory wording. Many indictable fraud matters can be heard summarily in the Magistrates’ Court where appropriate. *Money laundering and proceeds of crime penalties vary by value involved and degree of knowledge or recklessness.
Maximum penalties are drawn from the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) (Authorised Version) and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Penalties shown are maximums only. Contact Lauren for advice specific to your charge. PU = Victorian penalty unit, currently valued at $203.51 (2025–26). This value is adjusted annually by the Victorian Treasurer. This is general information only — contact Lauren for advice on your specific charge.
Many fraud and deception matters are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, including indictable charges that can be heard summarily. More serious, complex or contested matters may proceed to the County Court for plea or trial.
Commonwealth fraud and deception matters, including Centrelink, NDIS, ATO and other federal allegations, are prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. These matters may be heard in the Magistrates’ Court or the County Court, depending on the charge, the seriousness of the allegation and how the case proceeds.
Lauren Tye advises on jurisdiction, procedure and strategy from the outset, and acts in both State and Commonwealth fraud and deception matters.
How Lauren Tye has secured strong outcomes for clients facing fraud, deception and white-collar charges in Victorian
Our client faced multiple charges including obtaining a financial advantage by deception involving a significant sum of nearly $700,00000, dealing with proceeds of crime $15,000.00 and committing perjury during the course of offending.
The prosecution sought a significant term of imprisonment with a non-parole period, inline with standard sentencing practices in Victoria.
Lauren Tye prepared detailed plea material, including psychological reports and submissions on the client’s circumstances. The Court accepted the submissions and imposed a term of imprisonment far below that anticipated alongside a community corrections order.
An exception result, considering our client had served terms of imprisonment for similar offending in the past.
Our client faced multiple charges of obtaining a financial advantage by deception involving a significant sum.
Lauren Tye prepared comprehensive material addressing the underlying circumstances, evidence of repayment, and submissions on the client’s character and rehabilitation.
The Court accepted the submissions and dealt with the matter on an adjourned undertaking with no conviction recorded upon compliance with the undertaking.
Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.
Fraud and deception charges can affect your criminal record, employment, professional registration, business interests and reputation. Early decisions matter. Before speaking to police, investigators, an employer or a government agency, get legal advice.
Do not take part in a police, Centrelink, ATO, NDIA or workplace interview before speaking to a lawyer. Anything you say, including informal explanations, may later be used as evidence.
Do not apologise, explain, offer repayment or contact anyone involved in the allegation directly. Even well-intentioned contact may be misinterpreted, breach conditions or create further issues.
Keep all relevant material, including invoices, receipts, bank statements, employment records, accounting records, emails, messages and device data. Do not delete, alter or recreate records.
Avoid discussing the allegation on social media, by message, email, or with colleagues, witnesses or others connected to the matter. Those communications may later become evidence.
Character references, repayment evidence, counselling material and other supporting documents may assist in some cases, but they should be prepared carefully and at the right stage.
Lauren Tye reviews the evidence, analyses the financial and documentary material, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case and advises on the strongest available path forward. Where appropriate, she considers diversion, negotiation, plea options and non-conviction outcomes. Lauren Tye is available 24/7 on 0451 877 714.
Early legal advice can help protect your position, avoid unnecessary risk and preserve options as the matter progresses.
Criminal charges require criminal court experience
Fraud and deception cases are often document-heavy, reputationally sensitive and strategically important from the outset. A conviction can affect employment, registration, travel, business interests and reputation.
Lauren Tye prepares each matter personally. She reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case and advises on the strongest available strategy, including negotiation, diversion, plea, contest or non-conviction outcomes.
Available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Direct access to your lawyer, not a call centre or junior associate.
Call Lauren directly on nights, weekends, and public holidays.
Melbourne Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court, and regional Victoria.
Your initial consultation is free. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Victorian fraud and deception charges are usually brought under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Commonwealth fraud matters, including Centrelink, NDIS and ATO allegations, are usually charged under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Not automatically. A charge is an allegation. A criminal record depends on how the matter is resolved, including whether diversion or a non-conviction outcome is available.
Many matters are heard in the Magistrates’ Court. More serious or complex cases may proceed to the County Court. Commonwealth matters can be heard in either court.
As early as possible, especially before an interview, written response, court date or contact with police, an employer or an investigating agency.
Fraud usually involves deception, false representations or concealment. Theft usually involves dishonestly taking property. Fraud cases often focus on what was represented and whether it was dishonest.
The prosecution must prove each element beyond reasonable doubt. In fraud and deception cases, the key issues are often deception, dishonesty, intent, knowledge and whether property or a financial advantage was obtained.
Victorian charges are usually brought under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Commonwealth matters usually involve federal money, agencies, benefits, taxation or systems, and are prosecuted by the CDPP.
Sometimes. Diversion may be available in suitable matters, depending on the charge, the facts, the prosecution’s position and court approval.
Yes. Charges may be withdrawn, reduced or resolved early where there are evidentiary weaknesses, legal issues or negotiation prospects.
Penalties vary by charge and can include fines, community-based orders or imprisonment. The outcome depends on the facts, value involved, plea, prior history and personal circumstances.
Identity crime involves making, using, supplying or possessing identification information for a dishonest purpose. It is often linked to broader fraud allegations.
Money laundering involves dealing with money or property connected to crime, or suspected of being connected to crime. Penalties depend on the value and the level of knowledge or recklessness alleged.
Yes. A fraud charge or conviction may affect employment, professional registration, licences, travel, security checks and reputation.
It depends on the charge, evidence, court and whether the matter resolves early or is contested. Complex fraud matters usually take longer because they often involve detailed financial records.
Costs depend on the charge, evidence, urgency, court and likely pathway. Lauren Tye can provide fee guidance after reviewing the matter.
Yes. Urgent advice is important before any police interview, agency interview, workplace meeting, written response or court appearance.
This information is general only and not legal advice. If you need advice about your situation, contact Lauren directly.
Many fraud and deception charges are heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, including some indictable charges dealt with summarily. More serious, complex or contested matters may proceed to the County Court for plea or trial.
Commonwealth fraud matters are prosecuted by the CDPP and may also be heard in Victorian courts. The appropriate court depends on the charge, seriousness of the allegation and how the matter proceeds.
Lauren Tye advises on jurisdiction and strategy from the outset, and acts in both State and Commonwealth fraud matters across Victoria.
Lauren Tye appears in Magistrates’ Courts, the County Court, and the Supreme Court of Victoria for fraud and deception matters across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
