Have you been Charged with Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime?
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What does it mean to be charged with Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceds of Crime?
Being charged with Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime under Section 195 of the Crimes Act (“CA”) means that an individual is accused of handling, managing, or using property that is reasonably suspected to have originated from unlawful activities. The property itself is believed to be the result of criminal conduct, whether directly (e.g., stolen goods, money obtained through illegal activities) or indirectly (e.g., laundering funds from crime).
This encompasses a range of actions, such as:
Dealing with Property
- Buying, selling, or trading property.
- Possessing or transferring property.
- Any engagement with property that implies ownership or control.
Reasonable Grounds to Suspect
- The charge requires that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the property is connected to criminal activity.
- This means that the suspicion must be based on concrete facts or circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe the property is linked to crime, rather than mere speculation.
Proceeds of Crime:
- The term refers to any property obtained, directly or indirectly, through criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, theft, fraud, etc.
What must the prosecution prove?
- You dealt with property; and
- There are reasonable grounds to suspect that the property is proceeds of a crime.
Penalties for Dealing with Property Suspected of being Proceeds of Crime:
A maximum of level 7 imprisonment, which is up to 2 years.
Where will my case be heard?
This is classified as a less serious offense, typically tried in the Magistrates’ Court.
Factors and Defences to consider:
- Was the property you dealt with directly related to criminal activity?
- Were you aware of the property’s origin and the nature of the property?
- Did you reasonably suspect illegal origin of the property?
- What was the property involved?
- Were you involved in the offence in any other way other than your property dealings?
- Did you take any steps to verify the source of the property?
- Did you have any legitimate purpose or authorisation to deal with the property?
- Did you gain any benefit from the property?
- Were you the only person involved or were there other people?
- What were the surrounding circumstances of your offence?
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What happens next?
If you’ve been charged with dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, the first crucial step is to reach out to MK Law for immediate legal advice. Your lawyer will guide you through the complexities of your case, helping you to understand the charges against you and the potential consequences. They will review all relevant evidence, including any documentation or communications related to the allegation, and work with you to formulate a strong defence strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
It is essential to attend all court appearances as these are critical to your case. Your lawyer will advise you on how to prepare for these hearings and what to expect during the process. They will also assist you in exploring various possible defences, negotiating potential settlements, or preparing for trial if necessary. Early legal representation is vital, as it equips you with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the legal system effectively, increasing your chances of achieving the best possible outcome.
Moreover, maintaining open lines of communication with your lawyer throughout this process is important. They will keep you informed of any developments in your case and advise you on the best course of action at each stage. If you need expert advice, don’t hesitate to call 1800 130 120 for confidential assistance tailored to your situation.
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- 1800 130 120
- marcus@mklawfirm.com.au