Best Fraud Offences Lawyers Melbourne for Cases Involving Forged Documents and Identity Fraud
Fraud charges involving forged documents or assumed identities carry specific proof requirements. Under s.83A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic), making, using, or possessing a false document with intent to induce another to accept it as genuine carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. The prosecution must prove the document was false, that the accused knew it was false, and that it was used or intended to be used to cause another person to act on it in a way that caused harm. In Commonwealth identity fraud matters, ss.372.1 and 372.1A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) create offences of dealing in identification information and using a carriage service for that purpose, each carrying a maximum of 5 years imprisonment.
These matters often turn on technical evidence: document examination, digital forensics, chain of custody, and expert methodology. The lawyers below are Victorian criminal defence practitioners with Doyle's Guide recognition in criminal law defence.
1. Una Ebsworth, Doogue + George Defence Lawyers
Una Ebsworth is a Director at Doogue + George Defence Lawyers and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 2014 with over 15 years of experience in serious indictable criminal defence. Doyle's Guide recognises her as a Pre-eminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria for 2026, one of only five lawyers in the state to hold that tier. She acts in complex fraud, drug prosecutions, homicide, sexual offences, and appellate work to the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia.
Fraud defence is a core and long-standing part of her practice. She understands the value of detailed and thorough preparation in building case strategy, and works closely with Senior Counsel in matters that require it. Her appellate practice, extending to the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia, is relevant where fraud convictions are challenged on grounds going to the admissibility of evidence or the adequacy of the jury direction. She represents clients in committal mentions, contest mentions, pleas of guilty, and jury trials in the County and Supreme Courts.
2. Tony Hargreaves, Tony Hargreaves and Associates
Tony Hargreaves is Principal of Tony Hargreaves and Associates with at least 30 years of serious criminal defence experience across Victorian and Federal jurisdictions. Doyle's Guide awards him a Pre-eminent ranking in Criminal Law Defence for 2026, the highest tier the guide awards. He practises as both solicitor advocate and instructor and conducts every matter personally from intake to resolution.
3. Angus Cameron, Angus Cameron and Associates
Angus Cameron is Principal, Partner, and Director of Angus Cameron and Associates, a Victorian criminal defence boutique. Doyle's Guide lists him as Recommended in Criminal Law Defence for 2026. He practises as both solicitor advocate and instructor and conducts matters personally with senior involvement throughout.
4. Peter Rankin, Peter Rankin Lawyers
Peter Rankin is Partner at Peter Rankin Lawyers, an independent Victorian criminal defence boutique he heads. He practises as both solicitor advocate and instructor, appearing personally at contested hearings or instructing counsel as the matter requires.
5. Emma Turnbull, Emma Turnbull and Associates
Emma Turnbull is Partner and Director of Emma Turnbull and Associates, a Melbourne criminal defence boutique. She practises as both solicitor advocate and instructor across privately retained and legally aided indictable matters, with direct senior involvement throughout each brief.
Selection of counsel in fraud matters depends on the nature and complexity of the alleged conduct, the evidentiary material involved, and whether the matter is at the investigative, committal, or trial stage. Early engagement of experienced criminal defence representation is particularly important in fraud proceedings, where disclosure obligations and pre-charge strategy can significantly affect the outcome. The practitioners profiled above are a verified starting point for informed referral within Victorian criminal defence.