Author: Bill Doogue
Practice area: asic offences
Bill is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1998 with over 30 years of experience in complex criminal and corporate matters. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Bill authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of False statements by company directors?
False statements by company directors is an offence under section 85 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It targets dishonest corporate disclosures by those in control of organisations, where written information is deliberately published in a way that misleads members or creditors.
Key points
- What must be proved: Publication of a written statement or account that is misleading, false or deceptive, with intent to deceive members or creditors.
- Type of conduct: Deliberately dishonest written communications made in a corporate or organisational capacity.
- Usual court level: County Court (strictly indictable offence).
The maximum penalty for False statements by company directors is level 5 imprisonment (10 years).
Common defences may include absence of intent to deceive, lack of falsity or misleading content, or no knowledge that the statement was untrue.
Have you been accused of False Statements By Company Directors? You must call us to arrange a confidential conference with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers before you speak with the police.
Police Interview
One of our expert defence lawyers can advise you on how to respond to police questions, provide you with an understanding of how the interview will proceed, whether you will stay in custody or whether you will be released, whether you will be charged or whether police will decide not to charge you. Arming yourself with knowledge is the best decision you can make for your case at this early stage.
One of lawyers can attend the police interview with you to make sure you do not say or do anything which you are not required to. If you make admissions or a version of events which is inconsistent with the objective evidence, the prosecution will use this against you in Court.
Pleading Not Guilty
If you have been charged with the offence of False Statements by Company Directors, the next step is to obtain advice from a lawyer about defending the allegation. The police will compile a brief containing evidence they say proves the charge against you.
At Doogue + George Defence Lawyers, we take the time to carefully consider the brief and provide you with comprehensive legal advice on your best strategy for defending the charge against you.
Pleading Guilty
Deciding to plead guilty to a charge of False Statements by Company Directors does not mean the work is done. Preparing for your plea is just as important as defending the case. A well-prepared plea can be the difference between a non-conviction or conviction outcome, the latter having a direct impact on your everyday life.
We will ensure we know everything about personal history and the circumstances that lead to the offending to be able to tell the Magistrate or Judge a story about you that will persuade them to impose the lowest possible penalty.
Examples of False Statements By Company Directors
- A company director sends an untrue email to the members about performance targets being met. When in reality the company is performing badly.
- The CEO of a company fabricates productivity ratings in a letter to creditors in order to secure further investment.
Defences
- No false statements were made.
- The Director did not intend to deceive members or creditors.
- The Director had no knowledge the statements were false.
There are other possible defences, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offending. Each matter is unique and requires an individual approach and strategy.
Questions in cases like this
- Were any statements made to members or creditors that were not correct or accurate?
- Did you know the statements were false?
- Was anyone intentionally deceived?
Maximum penalty and court that deals with this charge
The maximum penalty for False Statements By Company Directors (s85 of the Crimes Act 1958) is level 5 imprisonment (10 years).
This is a strictly indictable charge which means that your case must be heard in the County Court.
What can you be sentenced to for this charge?
In severe cases where the extent of the damage caused by the false statement is significant, you may get a prison sentence if found guilty. In less serious cases, you could get fine.
Legislation
The section that covers this offence is section 85 of the Crimes Act 1958.
Were false statements made?
What is the legal definition of False Statements By Company Directors?
The Prosecution must show that you are a director or officer of a corporation. And you published a written statement or account which may be misleading or deceptive. And did so with intent to deceive members or creditors of the body corporate.
