We represented a client charged with fraud offences involving a total of $12,350. The allegations carried significant consequences, including the real prospect of a custodial sentence given the financial loss, breach of trust issues, and the sustained nature of the conduct.

We worked closely with the client to gather comprehensive material addressing their personal circumstances, remorse, financial restitution, and steps taken towards rehabilitation. Full repayment was made prior to sentence, and supporting documentation was prepared to demonstrate the client’s insight and efforts to ensure the behaviour would not recur.

At the sentencing hearing, we submitted that despite the seriousness of the offending, the client’s rehabilitation, repayment, lack of prior convictions, and genuine acceptance of responsibility justified a community-based outcome rather than imprisonment.

The Court accepted our submissions and imposed a non-custodial sentence, allowing the client to remain in the community.

Outcome: Community-based order. No imprisonment.