Have you been charged with Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime?
If you believe you lacked the intent necessary for a conviction under this charge or held a legitimate purpose, you may have a valid defence by way of establishing an honest and reasonable mistake. Effectively it is easy for police to prove this charge, it is then up to the defendant to establish to the Court on the balance of probabilities that their understanding (the defendant) was the property was not the proceeds of crime.
The maximum penalty, if found guilty of this offence is 2 years imprisonment. Make sure you consult a specialist criminal lawyer prior to entering your plea before a court.
Please read below for more information in relation to this charge.
The offence
Section 195 of the Crimes Act 1958.
The prosecution must prove:
the defendant has dealt with property; and
there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the property is proceeds of crime.
The maximum penalty
Level 7 imprisonment being a maximum of 2 years.
Where will my case be heard?
Dealing with Property Suspected of Being Proceeds of Crime cases can only be heard in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
Questions to consider
Do you have a defence? If you are pleading guilty, what can you do to minimise your sentence?
What to do next?
Consult an experienced criminal lawyer urgently. Don’t put it off. Thorough preparation wins cases.
If you have been charged with Dealing with Property Suspected to be Proceeds of Crime speak to one of our experienced lawyers today.
The legislation
Section 195 Dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime
A person who deals with property if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the property is proceeds of crime is guilty of a summary offence and liable to level 7 imprisonment (2 years maximum).
