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 Falsification of documents?
Falsification of documents is an offence under section 83A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It involves intentionally making, using or having a false document, including where it is used to get someone to accept it as genuine and act to their disadvantage. The maximum penalty is level 5 imprisonment (10 years).
Key points
- What must be proved: Intentional making, using or having a false document, with intended reliance or disadvantage.
- Type of conduct: Using or possessing false documents, or equipment designed to make false documents.
- Usual court level: County Court (strictly indictable).
The maximum penalty for Falsification of documents is level 5 imprisonment (10 years).
Common defences may include No documents were forged; no knowledge the documents were false; no damage was caused by any false documents.
Have you been accused of Falsification of Documents? Do not delay getting in contact with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers. It is important that you receive legal advice before speaking with the police. Anything you tell the police over the phone or in person can be used against you and will most likely appear in the police brief.
Police Interview
It is highly recommended that you speak with a lawyer before attending the police station for an interview. At Doogue + George Defence Lawyers, we will listen to your case and will advise you of all the things you need to know about the police interview
For example, you may wonder:
- Will I look guilty if I don’t answer the questions?
- Will the police leave me alone if I explain my side of the story?
- Do I need to give them access to my electronic devices?
Knowing how to handle the police investigation process is important to protecting your interests.
You may also decide to have one of our lawyers attend the police interview with you. It is always helpful to have someone there looking after your interests.
Pleading Not Guilty
If you have been charged with Falsification of Documents and you deny the allegation, the next step is to prepare to defend your case in Court. At Doogue + George Defence Lawyers, we will review the evidence compiled by police to advise you on your best strategy for defending the charge of Falsification of Documents. This may include obtaining an expert report, seeking disclosure from police and searching material that sheds a different light on your case, which the police may have over-looked.
Pleading Guilty
Making the decision to plead guilty to a charge of Falsification of Documents is not the end of the road. The next step is the convince the Magistrate or Judge that they should impose the lowest possible penalty available to you. At Doogue + George Defence Lawyers we have experience in addressing the sentencing factors a Court is required to consider when determining a penalty. We can provide you with advice on how best to address those factors, such as engaging with a psychologist to obtain a report, seeking drug or alcohol counselling, gathering character references that are suitable for the Court purpose. Simply turning up on the day of your plea, is not going to get you the desired outcome. Preparation is key.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the higher courts of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) s 83A(1) — 64 charges, higher courts, 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2024.
| Sentencing outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 50.0% |
| Community Correction Order | 34.4% |
| Other | 14.1% |
| Fine | 1.6% |
The data reflects a substantial risk of custody in this jurisdiction, typically associated with more serious or large-scale offending. The court will consider the degree of dishonesty, the impact on victims and the offender’s background before determining penalty. Strong, strategic advocacy remains essential in matters carrying significant custodial exposure.
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Courts of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) s 83A(2) — 689 charges across 436 cases, Magistrates’ Court, 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2023.
| Sentencing outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 40.2% |
| Adjourned Undertaking | 16.1% |
| Community Correction Order | 25.0% |
| Fine | 15.7% |
| Discharge/Dismissal | 1.6% |
| Other | 1.5% |
The figures demonstrate a significant risk of imprisonment, although courts also utilise community-based supervision and financial penalties. The sentence will depend on the extent of dishonesty, any harm caused and the offender’s prior history. Careful preparation and strong advocacy are essential.
Examples of Falsification of Documents
- A 16 year old girl makes a false ID to get into over 18 clubs.
- A man has a machine that makes fake passports.
- A woman makes a fake bank statement to get a loan.
Defences
- No documents were forged.
- There was no knowledge that the documents were false.
- No damage was caused by any false documents.
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
- Did you forge any documents?
- Can they prove that you forged documents?
- Was anyone affected by the false documents?
Maximum penalty and court that deals with this charge
The maximum penalty for Falsification of Documents (s83A 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.
Legislation
The section that covers this offence is section 83A of the Crimes Act 1958.
What is the legal definition of Falsification of Documents?
To prove this charge, the Prosecution must show that you intentionally made or used or had a document which was false. And that false document was relied on by someone else to their disadvantage. Or you intentionally used a false document to induce someone else to do or not do something to their disadvantage. Or you had possession of a machine designed or adapted for the intention of making a false document.
