Victoria’s only reliable 24-hour legal service.
Call us on (03) 9870 1959
Victoria’s only reliable 24-hour legal service.
Call us on (03) 9870 1959
Not all prosecutions in Victoria begin with Victoria Police. Instead, government departments, regulators, statutory authorities and specialist agencies often commence them using their own investigative and enforcement powers. These matters are commonly known as agency prosecutions.
At Paul Vale Criminal Law, our lawyers act for individuals and businesses facing agency prosecutions. We provide advice from the investigation stage through to court resolution.
Not all prosecutions in Victoria are brought in the ordinary way by Victoria Police. Many are commenced by government departments, regulators, statutory authorities and specialist agencies with investigative and enforcement powers of their own. These are often referred to as agency prosecutions.
At Paul Vale Criminal Law, our lawyers act for individuals and businesses facing agency prosecutions and provide advice from the investigation stage through to court resolution.
Agency prosecution matters may arise from investigations by bodies such as:
These cases may involve workplace incidents, regulatory breaches, environmental offences, licensing matters, public health offences, compliance failures and other specialised allegations.
Agency prosecutions differ from standard police prosecutions in several important ways. For example, they may involve technical legislation, compulsory notices, expert evidence, corporate documents and detailed compliance issues. In addition, they often raise questions about who within an organisation bears legal responsibility.
Sometimes, prosecutors charge both a company and an individual. In other matters, the case depends heavily on records, reporting obligations or industry-specific regulatory requirements.
If a regulator or agency contacts you, you should obtain legal advice as early as possible. What you say in an interview, what documents you produce, and how you respond at the investigation stage can all affect the outcome.
Early representation can assist with:
At Paul Vale Criminal Law, we assist individuals and businesses facing agency prosecutions by advising during the investigation process, analysing the legislation relied upon, appearing in court, and developing a practical strategy for contest, negotiation or plea.
Above all, our focus is on protecting your position while dealing carefully with the technical and procedural issues these prosecutions often involve.
Read up on some of our past criminal law cases studies. Disclaimer: Please be aware that the above piece is NOT intended to be definitive legal advice. If you have enquires relating to the above subject matter, please contact us for an obligation free, face to face consultation.