Home › Criminal law › Fraud and dishonesty
Fraud and dishonesty · Cairns & Far North QLD

Fraud lawyer in Cairns

Fraud charges turn on dishonesty, and that is judged by the standards of ordinary honest people. Many matters involve documents and money trails that need careful review. Talk to Joseph Rahim before you answer questions.

Free, confidential first consultation. No obligation.

An older man reading bank statements at his home desk while his wife stands beside him
The charge

What fraud means in Queensland

Fraud is an offence under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld). The prosecution has to prove that you acted dishonestly in one of the ways the law lists, such as obtaining property, gaining a benefit, or causing someone a loss.

How dishonesty is judged

By the standards of ordinary honest people. The prosecution does not have to prove you realised it was dishonest, but it has to identify what knowledge, belief or intention made the conduct dishonest. Evidence that you honestly believed you were entitled has to be disproved.

What makes it more serious

  • the offender was an employee of the person defrauded
  • the value involved reached specified thresholds
Start a conversation

Where are you at?

Pick the one closest to your situation and a chat opens with it already said. No forms, and you can call instead at any time.

The process

What usually happens after a criminal charge

Every matter is different, but most follow this order.

Police contact

You may be asked to take part in an interview. You have the right to remain silent, but you must give your name and address when asked. Get advice before you say anything else.

The charge and bail

You are charged and given a court date, sometimes on bail with conditions. Read the conditions carefully; breaching them is an offence.

First court date

Charges usually start in the Magistrates Court. For people charged in or around Cairns, that is usually the Cairns Magistrates Court on Sheridan Street.

Resolution

The matter is resolved by a plea of guilty, a hearing or trial, or the charge being withdrawn. More serious charges can be sent to a higher court.

Things to avoid

A mistake is not automatically fraud

A misrepresentation or an unauthorised transfer does not on its own prove dishonesty. What you knew and believed matters.

Repaying does not end the matter

Courts can order compensation or restitution to the person who lost property. Those orders can be referred to SPER for collection.

How Joseph helps

One lawyer, from your first call to the end of your matter

Joseph Rahim, Principal. LLB (First Class Honours), Grad Dip LP. Member, Queensland Law Society. About Joseph

When you call Coral Coast Law, you speak with Joseph Rahim, and he handles your matter himself.

  • He goes through the police allegations with you and tells you exactly what you are charged with.
  • He advises you before you speak to police or make any statement.
  • He gets the evidence reviewed early, and looks at whether the charge fits what is alleged.
  • He represents you in court, including on bail if it is needed.
  • He tells you plainly what to expect, and puts your circumstances properly to the court.
Talk to Joseph
Joseph Rahim, Principal of Coral Coast Law
Reviews

What people say on Google

Questions

Fraud questions

How do courts decide if something was dishonest?

By the standards of ordinary honest people, looking at what you knew, believed and intended.

Does it matter that I worked there?

Yes. Fraud by an employee is treated more seriously.

I have paid it back. Will that help?

It does not answer the charge, but it can be relevant to how the matter is resolved.

Is the first consultation free?

Yes. It is free, confidential and comes with no obligation.

Didn’t see your question? Ask it in chat.

Talk to Joseph before your court date

The sooner you get advice, the more can be done. Tell Joseph what has happened and find out exactly where you stand, with no cost and no pressure.

0447 028 080

Free, confidential first consultation.

Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later.

This page is general information about Queensland law. It is not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts, so speak with us about yours.