','

' ); } ?>

Procuring a Sexual Act By Fraud

Published · Updated

Have the Police charged you with Procure a Sexual Act by Fraud? You should get advice about how to deal with the Police as soon as you become aware of this allegation.

Police interviews
You risk harming your defence if:

  • you do not know your rights,
  • you do not know what to say during a Police interview,
  • you do not know what you can decline to do or say.
We can help you by answering your legal questions. We can help you by preparing you for the Police interview.
 
We often attend Police interviews with our clients to give them legal help and support.

A lot of the time, cases like this rely on admissions to the Police that are not about the allegations but about the surrounding details.

Pleading not guilty
We are defence lawyers who have a lot of experience in charges such as Procure a Sexual Act by Fraud.

In a case like this, you want a lawyer who is going to fight for you and challenge the Police evidence. Your lawyer will prepare a defence strategy with you early in the case. They will then guide you through the stressful Court process.

Pleading guilty
We can also help you prepare for your plea of guilty to a charge of Procuring a Sexual Act By Fraud. We specialise in these sorts of matters and know what factors need to be highlighted to a Judge who is deciding your punishment.
 
  • Contact an expert in charges of Procuring a Sexual Act By Fraud on (03) 9670 5111.
  • We provide a free first phone conference.
  • Download our free booklet to learn more about the Investigation and Court process.
A charge of Procuring a Sexual Act By Fraud is always heard in the County Court before a judge and jury.

What is the legal definition of Procuring a Sexual Act by Fraud
The legal definition of Procuring a Sexual Act by Fraud is when somebody (A):

  1. Makes a false or misleading representation, which they know is or probably is false or misleading; and
  2. As a result of (A)’s false or misleading representation, another person (B) takes part in a sexual act with another person; and
  3. (A) intends that, as a result of their false or misleading representation, the sexual act will occur.
The sexual act may occur at the time of the false or misleading representation or at a later time.

A false or misleading representation may be made by words or conduct and may be implicit or explicit.

Examples of Procuring a Sexual Act by Fraud
Someone (A) pretends to be extraordinarily wealthy and promises to give another person (B) expensive gifts if (B) agrees to have sex. The other person (B) agrees and has sex with (A), and then later finds out that (A) has very little money and is incapable of giving (B) gifts.

Elements of the offence
To be found guilty of this offence, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

The Accused (‘A’):

  1. Makes a false or misleading representation, which they know is or probably is false or misleading; and
  2. As a result of (A)’s false or misleading representation, another person (B) takes part in a sexual act with another person; and
  3. (A) intends that, as a result of their false or misleading representation, the sexual act will occur.
Legislation
The section that covers this offence is section 45 of the Crimes Act 1958:

Procuring Sexual Act By Fraud
  1. A person (A) commits an offence if—
    1. A makes a false or misleading representation; and
    2. A knows that—
      1. the representation is false or misleading; or
      2. the representation is probably false or misleading; and
    3. as a result of A’s representation, another person (B) takes part (whether at the time the representation is made or at a later time) in a sexual act with A or another person; and
    4. A intends that, as a result of A’s representation, an outcome mentioned in paragraph (c) will occur.
  2. A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable to level 6 imprisonment (5 years maximum).
  3. For the purposes of subsection (1), a false or misleading representation may be made by words or conduct (including by omission) and may be explicit or implicit.1

[1] Australian legal Information Institute. “Crimes Act 1958 – Section 45: Procuring sexual act by fraud.” Austlii.edu.au. http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/ca195882/s45.html (accessed June 22, 2020).
 
  • There was no misrepresentation.
  • The person making the misrepresentation did not intend, as a result of their misrepresentation, that the sexual act would occur.
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
  • Was the representation misleading?
  • How can they prove that the person making the misrepresentation intended the sexual act to occur?
 
Procuring a Sexual Act by Fraud has a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
 
< Back to Sex Offences 

< Back to A -Z of Offences

Trustpilot

Case Studies

Sex Offences