Fraud Defence Lawyer 

Fraud and white-collar crime allegations are among the most document-intensive and complex prosecutions in the criminal justice system.

 

These investigations often involve years of financial records, corporate documents, banking transactions, electronic communications, tax filings, and extensive forensic analysis.

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When investigating fraud-related offences, police and prosecutors often follow one guiding principle: "Follow the Money." Law enforcement agencies have significant powers to obtain financial records, analyze transactions, review CRA filings, trace assets, and seize property believed to be connected to alleged criminal activity.

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If convicted, individuals may face substantial jail sentences, restitution orders, asset forfeiture, professional consequences, and a permanent criminal record.

 

At Michael Coristine Law, we provide strategic defence for individuals facing complex fraud and financial crime allegations, including:

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Fraud & White-Collar Crime Charges

• Fraud Over $5,000 (Criminal Code s. 380)

• Fraud Under $5,000 (Criminal Code s. 380)

• Uttering a Forged Document (Criminal Code s. 368)

• Identity Theft (Criminal Code s. 402.2)

• Identity Fraud (Criminal Code s. 403)

• Mischief Over $5,000 (Criminal Code s. 430)

• Mischief Under $5,000 (Criminal Code s. 430)

 

Complex Financial Investigations

 

White-collar crime investigations are often lengthy and sophisticated. Police agencies frequently work alongside financial investigators, forensic accountants, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to build cases involving significant amounts of documentary evidence.

 

These investigations may involve allegations relating to:

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• Large-scale fraud schemes

• Mortgage fraud

• Investment and stock fraud

• Identity theft and identity fraud

• Government benefit fraud

• Business and corporate fraud

• Immigration-related fraud

• Romance scams

• Forged documents

• Financial misrepresentation

 

Many investigations begin long before charges are laid, making early legal advice critical when an individual becomes aware they are under investigation.

 

Large Volumes of Evidence

 

Complex fraud prosecutions often involve thousands of pages of disclosure, including:

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• Bank records

• Corporate records

• Contracts and agreements

• CRA and tax records

• Accounting records

• Electronic communications

• Cell phone records

• Business transactions

• Financial statements

• Search warrant materials

 

Successfully defending these allegations requires more than courtroom advocacy. Defence counsel must be capable of understanding, organizing, and analyzing large volumes of financial and documentary evidence while identifying weaknesses in the Crown's theory of the case.

 

Building a Strategic Defence

 

Fraud-related prosecutions frequently involve disputes concerning:

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• Intent and knowledge

• Financial transactions

• Ownership and control of funds

• Documentary evidence

• Reliability of witnesses

• Business practices and accounting records

• Search warrants and police investigations

• Charter violations

• Asset seizure and forfeiture proceedings

 

The Crown must prove each element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, what initially appears to be criminal conduct may ultimately involve misunderstandings, business disputes, accounting errors, contractual disagreements, or insufficient evidence of fraudulent intent.

 

Experience with Large-Scale Fraud Prosecutions

 

From 2015 to 2017, Michael Coristine served as a prosecutor within the Ontario Government's Large-Scale Fraud Unit. During that time, he litigated complex fraud matters involving:

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• Criminal organizations

• Frauds exceeding $1 million

• Romance scams

• Immigration fraud

• Mortgage fraud

• Stock and investment fraud

• Fraud against government programs

 

This experience provides Michael with a unique understanding of how large-scale fraud investigations are conducted, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and how complex financial cases are prepared for trial.

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Today, Michael uses that insight to defend individuals facing serious white-collar crime allegations throughout Ontario.

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Protecting Your Reputation, Assets & Future

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Fraud allegations can have immediate consequences long before a case reaches trial. Professional licences, business relationships, employment opportunities, financial accounts, and personal reputations may all be affected.

 

If you have been charged with fraud, identity theft, identity fraud, uttering forged documents, or another white-collar crime offence, contact Michael Coristine Law immediately. Early intervention can be critical to protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and building an effective defence strategy.