Fraud and Property Offence Lawyers in Sydney
Award-winning Sydney law firm recognised every year among the city’s best.
Book your consultation
Call us now on 1800 911 129 or fill out the form below
Fraud and Property Offence Lawyers in Sydney
Award-winning Sydney law firm recognised every year among the city’s best.
Book your consultation
Call us now on 1800 911 129 or fill out the form below
Charged with a property or fraud offence? Trust Sydney’s leading defence lawyers to protect your future.
Fraud and Property Offences in NSW – Comprehensive Legal Defence
Fraud and property offences in New South Wales cover a broad range of criminal conduct, from dishonesty and deception to damage or unlawful possession of property. These charges can lead to harsh penalties, including criminal records, imprisonment, asset confiscation, and serious damage to professional and immigration prospects.
At Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney, we provide expert defence across all fraud and property offences. Whether you’ve been accused of theft, embezzlement, tax fraud or damage to property, our experienced team will protect your rights and build a strong legal defence strategy.
Types of Fraud and Property Offences
These are some of the most common charges we handle across NSW courts:
➤ Theft
Theft involves dishonestly taking property belonging to another person with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This includes:
Shoplifting
Stealing from employers
Vehicle theft
➤ Fraud
Fraud is committed when a person uses deception to obtain a benefit or cause a loss. Under Section 192E of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), fraud can include:
Misuse of corporate funds
Welfare or Centrelink fraud
Mortgage or insurance fraud
➤ Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when an employee or agent misappropriates funds or property entrusted to them. Common scenarios include payroll fraud or transferring money to personal accounts. These charges require complex financial analysis, and our legal team works with forensic accountants where needed.
➤ Tax Fraud
Tax fraud involves intentional underreporting of income, claiming false deductions or evading GST obligations. Charges may be brought by the Australian Taxation Office or NSW Police, and carry both civil and criminal penalties.
What the Prosecution Must Prove
Each charge comes with unique legal requirements, but generally, the prosecution must prove:
Intent to deceive or defraud
Knowledge of the wrongful conduct
Actual or potential gain or loss
Our lawyers meticulously review the evidence and challenge improper assumptions of dishonesty or control.
Penalties for Fraud and Property Charges
The penalties for these offences vary based on the value of the property or amount of loss. Common maximum sentences include:
2 years imprisonment for property under $2,000
5 years for fraud involving serious breaches of trust
10 years for complex tax or corporate fraud
In addition, courts may impose:
Good behaviour bonds
Community Correction Orders (CCO)
Compensation or restitution orders
Facing a fraud or property charge in NSW?
Offences involving dishonesty or property damage can carry serious penalties, including prison sentences and long-term consequences for employment and immigration. Whether you’re accused of theft, fraud, embezzlement or break and enter — we understand how to fight these charges.
How We Defend Your Case
Our criminal defence lawyers are strategic and proactive. We explore all options including:
Dismissing charges due to lack of evidence
Negotiating facts to reduce sentence
Raising defences like honest mistake or lack of intent
Proving unlawful investigation methods
Why Choose Best Criminal Lawyers Sydney
We’ve successfully defended hundreds of clients across Sydney charged with fraud or property offences. Clients choose us because:
We appear in Local, District and Supreme Courts
We act fast and protect reputations
We use forensic experts where needed
We handle high-profile and sensitive cases
Resources and Further Reading
Crimes Act 1900 (NSW)
Jameson Law – Fraud Lawyers Sydney
Contact a Fraud Defence Lawyer Now
Don’t delay. If you’ve been charged or are under investigation for a dishonesty or property offence, contact us today for urgent legal guidance and a plan forward.
Call (02) 8806 0866 or book a free consultation.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered
What is considered a fraud offence in NSW?
A fraud offence involves any dishonest conduct that leads to a financial benefit or causes another person to suffer a loss. This includes deception in contracts, using false documents, or intentionally misleading others for gain.
What’s the difference between theft and fraud?
Theft generally involves physically taking someone else’s property without permission, while fraud is based on deception or dishonesty — like lying to obtain money, property, or services.
Can I go to jail for fraud or embezzlement in NSW?
Yes. Many fraud offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, especially when large amounts of money or breaches of trust are involved. Courts consider intent, value, and prior criminal history when sentencing.
What if I didn’t mean to commit fraud?
Yes. If you do not have a licence and cannot prove lawful possession, the court may find you guilty of unauthorised possession, even if the firearm was not loaded or used. Sentences often include custodial penalties.
Will a fraud charge affect my career or visa?
To convict you, the prosecution must prove you acted with intent to deceive. If your actions were an honest mistake or you relied on misleading information, your lawyer can argue lack of intent or knowledge as a defence.
What if I’ve already paid the money back?
Repaying the money may help during sentencing, but it doesn’t erase the offence. Your lawyer may argue this as mitigating conduct, but it’s not a defence unless there was no dishonesty in the first place.
How can a criminal lawyer help with fraud or property charges?
A lawyer can help by:
→ Reviewing the evidence and raising legal defences
→ Negotiating to reduce the charges or penalties
→ Protecting your reputation and professional licences
→ Preparing expert reports or engaging financial analysts