One of our preferred areas of practice is representing individuals facing criminal charges involving alleged corruption, fraud, and similar conduct. We provide strategic, discreet representation to professionals and executives facing financial crimes, fraud, or corruption allegations. Our team works tirelessly to protect our client’s liberty and reputation and have achieved outstanding outcomes in extremely challenging cases.
Overview
White-collar crime encompasses a broad range of non-violent, financially motivated offenses committed by business and government professionals. In Australia, these crimes are prosecuted under various federal and state laws, including the Corporations Act 2001, the Criminal Code Act 1995, and state-based crimes acts. Common white-collar offenses include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The prosecution of white-collar crimes has become increasingly aggressive in recent years, with police and regulatory bodies dedicating significant resources to these cases. Convictions can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines, imprisonment and permanent exclusion from certain professions. The reputational damage from merely being charged can devastate an individual’s career and personal life.
Defending against white-collar criminal charges requires a nuanced understanding of criminal law and complex financial transactions. It often involves analysing vast amounts of financial data, untangling intricate business structures, and dealing with highly technical legal issues. Early intervention and defence planning are crucial in these cases as decisions made in the initial stages of an investigation can significantly impact the final outcome.
Our approach
We take a comprehensive and proactive approach to white-collar criminal defence. From the moment we are engaged, our team works diligently to understand every aspect of the case, including the underlying business context, the specific allegations, and the potential consequences for our client. We conduct thorough internal investigations, often collaborating with forensic accountants and other experts to build a robust defence strategy.
Our lawyers are skilled in dealing with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies. We aim to engage with prosecutors early in the process, often seeking to prevent charges from being preferred or having them discontinued where appropriate.
Throughout the defence process, we prioritise discretion and reputation management. We understand the sensitive nature of white-collar crime allegations and work to minimise media exposure and protect our clients’ professional standing. Our team also provides guidance on parallel civil proceedings or regulatory actions that may arise from the same set of facts.
We believe in keeping our clients fully informed and involved in their defence. We provide clear, easy-to-understand explanations of legal concepts and potential strategies, empowering our clients to make informed decisions about their cases. Our goal is to achieve the best possible legal outcome and support our clients through a challenging and stressful period in their lives.
Representative experience
- Successfully defended an alleged associate of a high-ranking public servant accused of 542 offences of aiding official corruption. Maintaining a consistent defence case left the prosecution with no option but to discontinue all charges.
- Represented a financial advisor in a complex fraud investigation, negotiating a no-prosecution agreement with authorities.
- Secured an acquittal for a government official facing corruption charges after a high-profile trial.
- Guided a corporate executive through a tax evasion investigation, resulting in no criminal charges being filed.
- Defended a medical professional against Medicare fraud allegations, achieving a favourable plea agreement that avoided imprisonment.
- Represented a real estate developer in a money laundering case, successfully suppressing key evidence and leading to case dismissal.