Have you been charged with Financial Assistance by a Company for Acquiring Shares in the Company or a Holding Company?
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Good Faith, Use of Position and Use of Information as Criminal Offence
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Financial Assistance by a Company for Acquiring Shares in the Company or a Holding Company
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Failing to Keep Proper Records
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Failing to Keep Additional Records for Taxation
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Inclusion of False or Misleading Information in Records
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Failing to Provide Access to Records
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Form of Record
-
Giving False or Misleading Information to Tax Officers
-
Deliberately Omitting Information
-
Falsifying or Concealing Identity
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Tax Evasion
-
Contaminating Goods with Intent to Cause, or Being Reckless as to Whether it would Cause, Public Alarm or Economic Loss
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Destruction of Evidence
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Corporate Criminal Responsibility, section 255
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False Accounting
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Falsification of Documents
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Suppression of Documents
What does it mean to be charged with financial assistance by a company for acquiring shares in the company or a holding company?
Failing to comply with Section 260A of the Corporations Act 2001 refers to the unlawful provision of financial assistance by a company to a person for the acquisition of shares in the company or a holding company.
This offense is taken seriously as it can impact the financial health of the corporation and the interests of shareholders. The law seeks to prevent companies from engaging in financial transactions that could lead to detrimental outcomes, such as an inability to pay creditors or prejudice to shareholders.
What Must the Prosecution Prove?
To secure a conviction for this offense, the prosecution must establish that:
- The company provided financial assistance to you, to acquire shares in the company or its holding company.
- The acquisition:
- Materially prejudiced the interests of the company or its shareholders, or
- Materially prejudiced the company’s ability to pay its creditors.
- Alternatively, that the financial assistance was not approved by the shareholders, as required by law, or it was not exempt under the Act.
Penalties or financial assistance by a company for acquiring shares in the company or a holding company:
The penalties for breaching Section 260A can be severe, including:
- A fine of up to $200,000, or
- Disqualification from managing a corporation.
Given the serious nature of these penalties, early legal intervention is critical.
Where will my case be heard?
Cases involving financial assistance for acquiring shares under Section 260A are typically heard in the County Court of Victoria. However, the complexity and seriousness of the matter could see it escalate, depending on the circumstances.
Factors and defences to consider:
When facing this charge, several factors may influence your case:
- Was the financial assistance approved by the shareholders as required by law?
- Did the acquisition cause material prejudice to the company or its shareholders?
- Did the acquisition affect the company’s ability to pay its creditors?
- Are there any exemptions under Section 260C that could apply to your case?
Potential defences may include arguing that the assistance was properly authorised or exempt or that it did not materially affect the company. It is crucial to explore these defences with a qualified criminal lawyer to fully understand your options.
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St Kilda, Victoria 3182
1800 130 120
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I want to sincerely thank my lawyer Mr Daniel Moon for representing me so well in court. He made me feel comfortable, as it was my first experienc... Read MoreI want to sincerely thank my lawyer Mr Daniel Moon for representing me so well in court. He made me feel comfortable, as it was my first experience in court. I liked his professionalism, preparation, confidence and attention to details. He explained everything clearly, guided me step by step, and fought for the best possible outcome for me. With him handling my case, it gave me a peace of mind during a very stressful time. The outcome spoke volumes about his expertise, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of strong legal representation. Read Less55/5
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Michael Sunderland from MK Law handled my matter with professionalism, respect, and genuine care. It was clear that he genuinely cared about gett... Read MoreMichael Sunderland from MK Law handled my matter with professionalism, respect, and genuine care. It was clear that he genuinely cared about getting the best result possible, and his preparation and courtroom presence reflected that commitment. Michael’s professional demeanour and respectful conduct, both with me and within the court, gave me the utmost confidence I was in the right hands. He clearly explained the process, kept me informed, and made me feel confident throughout. The outcome was far better than I expected, thanks to his expertise and strategic approach. I’m truly grateful for his support and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. Read Less55/5
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I cannot thank Michael Sunderland from MK Law enough for the way he handled my case. From the very beginning, Michael was highly professional, kno... Read MoreI cannot thank Michael Sunderland from MK Law enough for the way he handled my case. From the very beginning, Michael was highly professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in every aspect of the process. He took the time to explain everything clearly, which gave me great comfort and confidence throughout what could have been a very stressful time. Michael’s expertise and guidance reassured me that I was in the best hands, and his calm and confident approach made a huge difference to my peace of mind. He was always approachable, responsive, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for me. I would highly recommend Michael Sunderland to anyone seeking a lawyer who is not only exceptionally skilled but also genuinely cares about his clients. Read Less55/5
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I would like to sincerely thank Ashleigh for her exceptional support and professionalism during a very difficult time in my life. From the first m... Read MoreI would like to sincerely thank Ashleigh for her exceptional support and professionalism during a very difficult time in my life. From the first meeting, she was calm, respectful, and clear about what I could expect. She never judged me, always listened carefully, and explained every step of the legal process in a way that made me feel supported and confident. Ashleigh handled my case involving a traffic offence with care and honesty. She gave me solid advice, helped me prepare all the right documents, and even guided me on how to speak respectfully in court. Because of her help, I was able to present myself properly before the judge and achieve a much better outcome than I expected. What really stood out to me was her genuine concern for my future. She didn’t treat me like “just another case.” Ashleigh is not only a skilled lawyer — she is also a kind person who truly cares about her clients. I highly recommend Ashleigh to anyone in need of legal help. She is trustworthy, professional, and goes above and beyond for her clients. Thank you again for everything. Read Less55/5
-
Good Faith, Use of Position and Use of Information as Criminal Offence
-
Financial Assistance by a Company for Acquiring Shares in the Company or a Holding Company
-
Failing to Keep Proper Records
-
Failing to Keep Additional Records for Taxation
-
Inclusion of False or Misleading Information in Records
-
Failing to Provide Access to Records
-
Form of Record
-
Giving False or Misleading Information to Tax Officers
-
Deliberately Omitting Information
-
Falsifying or Concealing Identity
-
Tax Evasion
-
Contaminating Goods with Intent to Cause, or Being Reckless as to Whether it would Cause, Public Alarm or Economic Loss
-
Destruction of Evidence
-
Corporate Criminal Responsibility, section 255
-
False Accounting
-
Falsification of Documents
-
Suppression of Documents
What happens next?
If you have been charged under Section 260A for providing unlawful financial assistance, it is essential to seek legal advice immediately. The ramifications of a conviction are significant and could impact your ability to manage a corporation or even result in a substantial fine. At MK Law, we have the expertise to help you navigate this complex legal issue, assess the available defences, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact MK Law today on 1800 130 120 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers. Don’t wait—start preparing your defence now to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
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