Fraud Offences

Expert Legal Representation for Fraud Charges

Fraud allegations can have serious consequences, including lengthy imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and reputational damage. Whether facing an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Markets Authority (FMA), or other regulatory bodies, early legal intervention is critical to achieving the best possible outcome.

Steven Lack is a specialist criminal defence barrister with experience representing individuals and businesses accused of serious fraud. He is highly skilled in engaging with investigating authorities during the pre-charge phase, ensuring that clients are strategically positioned before any formal allegations are laid. His ability to distill complex forensic evidence, financial data, and regulatory material makes him an invaluable advocate in fraud trials.

Why Choose Steven Lack for your Fraud Defence?

  • Early Engagement with Investigators: Proactively engages with the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Markets Authority, and other regulatory bodies to challenge allegations at the investigation stage.

  • Strategic Defence Planning: Develops pre-charge strategies aimed at mitigating risk, avoiding prosecution, or negotiating resolutions before charges are laid.

  • Expert Analysis of Forensic & Financial Evidence: Works closely with forensic accountants and regulatory experts to challenge the prosecution’s financial data and case theory.

  • Extensive Trial Experience: Successfully defends fraud allegations in jury trials before the District Court and High Courts of New Zealand.

  • Challenging Regulatory & Criminal Overlap: Navigates the complex intersection between civil regulatory proceedings and criminal fraud charges.

Defending Serious Fraud Charges

Fraud cases often involve complex financial transactions, forensic accounting, and digital evidence. A strong defence requires a detailed understanding of:

  • Financial Investigations & Forensic Accounting: Analysing complex transactions to challenge the prosecution’s theory.

  • SFO & FMA Investigative Powers: Ensuring that investigative agencies act lawfully and do not exceed their statutory authority.

  • Electronic & Digital Evidence: Scrutinising communications, email trails, and financial records for inconsistencies.

  • Insider Trading & Market Manipulation Defences: Challenging regulatory allegations under New Zealand’s financial laws.

  • Corporate & Director Liability Issues: Defending executives accused of fraud in the business sector.

Steven takes a proactive and meticulous approach to fraud defence, ensuring that every piece of financial evidence is rigorously tested to protect his clients’ rights.

Notable Case Experience

R v E & Ors

Defended a prominent sportsperson who was charged with fraudulently obtaining and using monetary grants by the Department of Internal Affairs. The case involved voluminous documentation, including issues of whether material was covered by legal professional privilege. Following extensive discussions with the Crown it elected to offer no evidence and all of the charges were dismissed without the need for a trial.

R v I & Anor

Defended a business person charged with human trafficking and immigration fraud. The case involved a large amount of evidence which had been obtained from immigration documentation as well as subsequent enquiries regarding how the complaints had been brought to the attention of the authorities. Following a jury trial in District Court, the business person was found not guilty of the charges of the most serious charges of human trafficking.

Understanding the Fraud Investigation & Trial Process

Fraud cases often begin with an intensive investigation before charges are laid. Understanding this process is crucial:

  • Investigation Stage: If the Serious Fraud Office or another agency is investigating, securing early legal advice is essential.

  • Pre-Charge Representation: Legal represenation at this stage may result in investigations being discontinued before prosecution.

  • Bail & Pre-Trial Hearings: If charged, strong advocacy at the bail stage is crucial to protecting rights and limiting restrictions.

  • Case Preparation: Reviewing forensic reports, instructing expert witnesses, cross-examining financial experts, and constructing a defence strategy.

  • Trial: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence through expert cross-examination and detailed financial analysis.

Secure the Best Defence for Fraud Charges

If facing fraud allegations or an ongoing investigation, securing a lawyer with experience in financial crime, forensic evidence, and regulatory challenges is critical. Contact Steven today for an initial consultation.