At Pannu Lawyers, we defend fraud charges in NSW with precision, urgency, and a clear strategy. Fraud allegations are serious, and must be treated with utmost urgency and care. They carry the risk of imprisonment, significant fines, and permanent damage to your reputation. Therefore, we move quickly to protect your position, dismantle the prosecution’s case, and secure the best possible outcome.
Start with the Law
Fraud in NSW falls under Section 192E of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). It covers conduct where a person gains a property belonging to other, a financial advantage or causes a financial disadvantage through deception or dishonesty. While the definition is broad, the prosecution must prove every element of the offence beyond reasonable doubt. If they fail to prove even one element, the charge cannot stand.
What Police Must Prove
In every fraud prosecution, police and the prosecution must establish:
A Deceptive Act – That you acted dishonestly by making a false statement, creating a false impression, or concealing the truth.
A Benefit or Loss – That your actions resulted in either a financial gain to you or another person, or a financial loss to someone else.
Dishonesty by Community Standards – That ordinary people would consider your conduct dishonest, and that you knew it was dishonest at the time.
The above is high level overview of what the Prosecution is required to prove. The elements of particular offence you are charged with may be different depending on particular charge of fraud. By knowing exactly what police must prove, we target the weak points in their case and use them to your advantage.
Move to the Evidence
We demand full disclosure of all material in the prosecution’s possession. This includes bank statements, transaction records, emails, text messages, CCTV, and witness statements.
We check for inconsistencies, procedural errors, and gaps in proof. Since fraud allegations often rely on complex financial data, we analyse every figure and fact in detail to explore the missing link in the evidence provided by the Police.
Break Down the Prosecution Case
Our approach is methodical. We challenge the intent element, question the alleged dishonesty, and dispute the claimed benefit or loss. For example:
Mistake of Fact – We prove you acted under an honest and reasonable belief.
No Causation – We argue the alleged benefit or loss did not arise from your conduct.
Consent – We establish the complainant agreed to the arrangement.
Duress – We show you acted under threats or coercion. By addressing each point directly, we force the prosecution to meet the highest standard of proof.
Consider Negotiation
When the evidence is strong, we negotiate. This may involve having the charges withdrawn, reduced, or amended. In some cases, we can secure non-custodial outcomes, especially where the amount is low and there is no prior record.
Prepare for Court
If the matter proceeds to hearing or trial, we prepare with precision. We cross-examineprosecution witnesses, expose flaws in their version of events, and present evidence that strengthens your defence. Every question and every exhibit is designed to create doubt in the prosecution’s case.
Act Early
Fraud investigations often begin long before any charge is laid. Police may contact you and suggest an informal conversation. Do not engage without legal representation. Early legal advice allows us to control the flow of information, protect you from self-incrimination, and influence the direction of the matter before it reaches court.
Why Choose Pannu Lawyers ?
We have extensive experience in criminal defence, and fraud matters across NSW. We understand the law, the evidence, and the tactics needed to win. Therefore, we act decisively, prepare thoroughly, and fight hard. Our priority is your reputation, your record, and your future.
If you face a fraud charge or believe you are under investigation, contact Pannu Lawyers immediately. We will stand between you and the prosecution, protect your rights, and fight for the strongest possible result.
