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In Victoria, section 45 of the Crimes Act 1958 is the offence of Procuring Sexual Act by Fraud, which is compelling another into performing a sexual act by making false or misleading representations.
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.
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 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.
Which court will the case be heard in?
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):- Makes a false or misleading representation, which they know is or probably is false or misleading; and
- As a result of (A)’s false or misleading representation, another person (B) takes part in a sexual act with another person; and
- (A) intends that, as a result of their false or misleading representation, the sexual act will occur.
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’):
- Makes a false or misleading representation, which they know is or probably is false or misleading; and
- As a result of (A)’s false or misleading representation, another person (B) takes part in a sexual act with another person; and
- (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
- A person (A) commits an offence if—
- A makes a false or misleading representation; and
- A knows that—
- the representation is false or misleading; or
- the representation is probably false or misleading; and
- 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
- A intends that, as a result of A’s representation, an outcome mentioned in paragraph (c) will occur.
- A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable to level 6 imprisonment (5 years maximum).
- 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
Defences
- There was no misrepresentation.
- The person making the misrepresentation did not intend, as a result of their misrepresentation, that the sexual act would occur.
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?
Maximum penalty for section 45 of the Crimes Act 1958
Procuring a Sexual Act by Fraud has a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.Sentencing
If you decide to plead guilty to Procuring Sexual Act by Fraud, it is open to the Court to sentence you to a term of imprisonment. This offending can attract harsh punishment because it normally results in the public’s trust being undermined. Also, because this offending involves the fraudulent production of documents and exploitation of the internet (Onnis v The Queen [2013] VSCA 271). However, the Judge also has other sentencing alternatives available to them such as a Community Correction Order. Speak to us about how you can increase your prospects of avoiding a prison sentence.Generally speaking, you can improve your prospects of receiving a Community Correction Order by showing the Court that you are committed to treatment by undergoing your own treatment prior to the plea hearing. Our experienced lawyers can direct you to appropriately qualified experts who you can engage with before your plea hearing.
Character references from your social network also have an important role to play in a plea in mitigation. The Courts are assisted when they can read or hear what your social network think if you.
The Supreme Court of Victoria stated that a Community Correction Order is an appropriate sentencing tool to achieve punishment and treatment.
[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).
Case Studies
Sex Offences
- Abduction of a Child Under the Age of 16 for a Sexual Purpose
- Abduction or Detention for a Sexual Purpose
- Administration of Drugs for a Sexual Purpose
- Assault with Intent to Commit a Sexual Offence
- Bestiality
- Compelling Sexual Penetration
- Distribution of Intimate Image
- Furnish False or Misleading Information (Sex Offender Registry)
- Incest
- Indecent Act In the Presence of a Child Under the Age of 16
- Indecent Assault
- Intentionally Visually Capture Another Person’s Genital or Anal Region
- Involving a Child in the Production of Child Abuse Material
- Loitering Near Schools By a Sexual Offender
- Offence of Failing to Comply With Reporting Obligations (Sex Offender Registry)
- Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child Under 16
- Possession of Child Abuse Material
- Procuring a Sexual Act By Fraud
- Procuring a Sexual Act By Threat
- Production of Child Pornography
- Rape
- Sexual Activity Directed at Another Person
- Sexual Assault By Compelling Sexual Touching
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Offences – Persons With a Cognitive Impairment By Providers of Special Programs
- Sexual Offences Against Persons With a Cognitive Impairment By Doctors etc.
- Sexual Penetration of 16 or 17 Year Old Child
- Sexual Penetration of a Child Under 16
- Sexual Servitude
- Threat to Commit Sexual Offence
- Threat to Distribute Intimate Image