Failing to Comply With Emergency Order or Building Order is found in section 118(1) of the Building Act 1993 in Victoria. It is a criminal offence that is committed by a person or a body corporate that ignored to complete works after being ordered to from a council or building surveyor.
Have you been accused of Fail to Comply With Emergency Order or Building Order?
Have you been accused of Fail to Comply With Emergency Order or Building Order?
Interview
This offence has the potential to lead to large financial penalties if not handled properly. This charge should not be treated lightly. You should get advice from one of our experienced lawyers before engaging in an interview. We can assist you by speaking with the investigator to get as much information as possible, discuss any advantages and disadvantages in making a comment.We realise that going to an interview is stressful and we can also accompany you if you feel more comfortable having someone present on your side.
Pleading Not Guilty
You may dispute this charge because of one of the following reasons:- You didn’t receive an order,
- You completed the works,
- You are in the process of completing the works,
- There is something out of your control preventing you from completing the works.
Our experienced lawyers are experienced court advocates and will devise a defence strategy for you which will increase your prospects of success.
Pleading Guilty
You may decide that the best outcome for you will be pleading guilty to this charge. Given its serious nature, it is important to engage a lawyer to represent you to make submissions on your behalf.We conduct pleas on behalf of our clients every day and know what Magistrates need to hear to arrive at a fair and just outcome.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Courts of Victoria
Which court will the case be heard in?
This is a summary offence and is heard in the Magistrates’ Court.What is the legal definition of Fail to Comply with Emergency Order or Building Order?
The term ‘building’ includes ‘structure, temporary building, temporary structure and any part of a building or structure’.1Examples of Fail to Comply with Emergency Order or Building Order
- Failing to comply with Council’s order to replace footings with approved sized timber;
- Failing to dig foundations to the required depth;
- Failing to repair a structure that is at risk of collapsing.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 118(1) of the Building Act 1993.Elements of the offence
The prosecution must establish:- The accused is subject to an emergency or building order; and
- Particulars of remedy or direction stipulated in the order were not adhered to within the time frame provided.
Defences
Defences to this charge might be that you were not in fact subject to the order or that you have already performed the works. Often people will plead guilty, so it is important to explain the circumstances of the offending and explaining your personal circumstances to urge the Court to impose a modest fine.Questions in cases like this
- Have you received an order from Council?
- Has the works already been done?
- Do you still own the property, or have you sold it?
Maximum penalty for section 118(1) of the Building Act 1993
For a person, the offence of Fail to Comply With Emergency Order or Building Order (s118(1) of the Building Act 1993) carries a fine of 500 penalty units (around $80,500) as the highest possible sentence. For a body corporate, the maximum penalty is a fine of 2,500 penalty units (around $403,000). The sentence received will obviously depend on many factors including in relation to the particular case. It is important to remember that serious breaches of this provision will attract a higher penalty.Case study related to Fail to Comply with Emergency Order or Building Order
Other important resources
- SAC Statistics – Building Act 1993 (Vic) : s 118(1) – fail to comply with building order
- Responding to Building Orders under the Building Act 1993
[1] Building Act 1993 (Vic), section 3.
