Our experienced criminal law solicitors have prepared a brief overview of the law relating to corporate fraud.
If you or someone you care about is facing a charge of corporate fraud, you need specific advice and should contact Gatenby Criminal Lawyers on 55800120 for advice.
For more information on other criminal charges, visit our WHITE COLLAR OFFENCES.
Corporate Fraud – The Law
Section 408C 2(a) of the Criminal Code of Queensland creates the offence of corporate fraud. The section provides:
(1) A person who dishonestly—
(a) applies to his or her own use or to the use of any person—
(i) property belonging to another; or
(ii) property belonging to the person, or which is in the person’s possession, either solely or jointly with another person, subject to a trust, direction or condition or on account of any other person; or
(b) obtains property from any person; or
(c) induces any person to deliver property to any person; or
(d) gains a benefit or advantage, pecuniary or otherwise, for any person; or
(e) causes a detriment, pecuniary or otherwise, to any person; or
(f) induces any person to do any act which the person is lawfully entitled to abstain from doing; or
(g) induces any person to abstain from doing any act which that person is lawfully entitled to do; or
(h) makes off, knowing that payment on the spot is required or expected for any property lawfully supplied or returned or for any service lawfully provided, without having paid and with intent to avoid payment;
Elements of the offence
To be found guilty of the offence of corporate fraud, the prosecution is required to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following elements:
- The accused dishonestly applies to their own use
- property of another
Maximum penalty
The maximum penalty for the an allegation of corporate fraud is 14 years imprisonment.
Jurisdiction – Where will the matter be heard?
The offence of corporate fraud is an indictable offence.
The charge will initially be commenced in the Magistrates Court, and will ultimately proceed on Indictment and be finalised in the District Court of Queensland.
Conviction – Does a conviction have to be recorded?
The sentencing Court has a discretion whether or not to record a conviction against you for the offence of corporate fraud. Generally a conviction would be recorded for this type of offence, although one is not inevitable.
The relevant factors are set out in section 12 of the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992, and include, the nature of the offence, the offenders character and age, together with the impact the recording a conviction would have on the offenders chances of finding employment. If you are concerned about a conviction being recorded on you or a loved you should seek legal advice.
For legal advice specific to your matter, you should immediately contact Gatenby Criminal Lawyers on (07) 5580 0120.