Corporate Crime Lawyers

What Is White Collar Crime?

White-collar crime generally refers to financially motivated offences committed by individuals in a professional or business context. These offences are typically non-violent but are treated very seriously by the courts due to the level of planning, breach of trust, and financial impact involved.

Common examples of white collar crime include:

• Fraud and cyber fraud

• Bribery, corruption and coercion

• Money laundering

• Theft and employee theft

• Obtaining property or financial advantage by deception

• Possession of proceeds of crime (intentional, reckless or negligent)

• Embezzlement and misappropriation of funds

• Identity theft

• Insurance fraud

• Tax fraud

White collar matters are often complex and may involve allegations spanning months or years. As a result, early legal advice is critical to protecting your position.

What Is Corporate Crime?

Corporate crime generally refers to unlawful conduct committed by a company or business entity, or conduct carried out on behalf of a corporation that results in a breach of law or regulatory obligation.

These matters may involve allegations affecting:

• Shareholders and investors

• Employees and internal stakeholders

• Customers and members of the public

• Regulatory bodies and government agencies

• Environmental or compliance frameworks

Corporate crime investigations are frequently conducted by specialist agencies, including:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

• Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)

• Australian Federal Police (AFP)

These investigations can escalate quickly and require immediate legal intervention.

Types of Corporate and White Collar Crime Offences

Our corporate crime lawyers in Melbourne act in a broad range of matters, including:

• Fraud offences and financial deception

• Director and officer misconduct

• Corporations Act breaches

• Insider trading allegations

• Tax evasion and ATO investigations

• False accounting and record-keeping offences

• Cybercrime and electronic fraud

• Money laundering and proceeds of crime offences

Each matter is fact-specific and may involve overlapping criminal, regulatory and civil exposure.

Penalties for White Collar and Corporate Crime

Penalties for corporate and white collar offences are significant and may include:

• Substantial fines

• Imprisonment

• Confiscation of assets under proceeds of crime legislation

• Disqualification from managing corporations

• Professional and occupational consequences

• Reputational damage and business restrictions

Courts treat these offences seriously due to the breach of trust involved and the potential financial harm caused.

How Our Corporate Crime Lawyers Can Help

At Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally, we adopt a detailed and strategic approach to every corporate crime matter.

We can assist you by:

• Analysing the evidence and prosecution case

• Identifying potential defences and legal issues

• Advising on interviews, regulatory summonses and hearings

• Negotiating with prosecuting authorities where appropriate

• Preparing and running contested criminal trials

• Assisting with sentencing and mitigation strategy if required

We also work closely with forensic accountants and industry experts where necessary to build a comprehensive defence.

Early Legal Advice Is Critical

Corporate crime investigations often begin long before charges are laid. In many cases, what happens during the early stages of an investigation can significantly affect the outcome of your matter.

If you have been contacted by police or a regulatory body, or believe you may be under investigation, it is important to obtain legal advice immediately.

Expert Criminal Defence Lawyers Melbourne

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar or corporate offence, contact Stary Norton Halphen & Galbally on (03) 8622 8200 or submit an enquiry through our website.