Criminal lawyers in Singapore
Being investigated or charged is unsettling, and the early decisions often matter most. We explain where you stand, what each stage involves and what your options are, so you can make each decision with a clear head.
General information on criminal law and procedure in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
How we work
Careful, considered counsel
Criminal matters are handled by Sara Ng, a Director of the firm, with paralegal support on road traffic matters. You know who is looking after your case.
Your interests at the centre
We take time to understand your circumstances, your concerns and what is at stake for you, including your work, family and travel, before advising on the way forward.
Straight answers at each stage
We explain the process, the realistic options and their consequences in plain language, so that decisions such as whether to plead guilty or claim trial are yours to make, properly informed.
Our criminal law services
We advise individuals on criminal and regulatory matters from the first contact with the authorities through to sentencing and appeal.
- Advice on police investigations
- Preparing for statement recording
- Bail applications
- Advice on charges & plea
- Representations to the AGC
- Trials in the State Courts
- Mitigation pleas & sentencing
- Road traffic offences
- Composition offers & minor offences
- Regulatory investigations
- Criminal appeals
Understanding a criminal case in Singapore
Criminal procedure in Singapore is governed mainly by the Criminal Procedure Code. Knowing the main stages, and the choices that come up along the way, makes the process easier to face.
Terms you are likely to come across
- Police statement
- During an investigation you may be asked to attend an interview and give a statement. If you are later charged or told you may be charged, the police will usually record a cautioned statement, and what you say or leave out can be relevant at trial.
- Bail and personal bond
- Bail allows you to remain free while the case proceeds, usually on conditions and with a bailor who pledges a sum of money. A personal bond is a similar undertaking given by you alone, without a bailor.
- Representations to the AGC
- Written submissions to the Attorney-General's Chambers asking for a charge to be reduced, amended or withdrawn, or for a warning to be given in place of prosecution. The prosecution decides whether to accept them.
- Plead guilty or claim trial
- You may admit the charge and proceed to sentencing, or claim trial and require the prosecution to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. It is an important decision and worth taking advice on.
- Mitigation plea
- If you plead guilty or are convicted, a mitigation plea puts relevant personal circumstances and context before the court, which the judge takes into account when deciding the sentence.
- Composition
- Some minor offences are compoundable. An agency may offer to compound the offence for a sum of money, and paying it generally ends the matter without a prosecution.
How a criminal case usually runs
Every case is different, but most follow a broadly similar path.
- 1.
Investigation
The police or another agency investigate. You may be asked to give a statement, and you may be arrested and released on police bail while enquiries continue.
- 2.
Charge and first mention
If the prosecution decides to proceed, you are charged and attend a first mention in the State Courts. The charge is read to you and bail is dealt with.
- 3.
Pre-trial stage
The case is adjourned for further mentions or pre-trial conferences. This is usually when representations are made to the AGC and, in many cases, when a Criminal Case Disclosure Conference is held for both sides to exchange case summaries.
- 4.
Plea or trial
If you plead guilty, the court hears the facts and your mitigation plea before sentencing. If you claim trial, the prosecution and defence present evidence and the court decides whether the charge is proved.
- 5.
Sentence and appeal
After sentencing, either side may appeal against conviction or sentence. Appeals from the State Courts are heard by the High Court, and the notice of appeal must generally be filed within 14 days.
If you have been asked to give a statement
You can seek legal advice before or after you attend, and it is often sensible to do so. Be aware that in Singapore there is no immediate right to have a lawyer present during police investigations: the Constitution gives a right to consult a lawyer within a reasonable time, and the police are generally not required to grant access before your statement is recorded. This is general information only; please speak to a lawyer about your own situation.
Fees
Criminal matters vary widely in length and complexity. We discuss the scope of work and the fee with you before we begin, and explain at the outset what further stages could cost.
| Initial adviceA consultation to review your situation, explain the process and set out your options. | Quoted upfront |
|---|---|
| Plea & mitigationRepresentations to the AGC, advice on plea, and preparing and presenting a mitigation plea. | Quoted upfront |
| Trials & appealsPreparation for and conduct of a trial, or an appeal to the High Court. | Quoted upfront |
Every engagement includes
- An explanation of the process and your options
- A clear scope and fee before work begins
- Updates at each stage of the case
- Direct contact with the lawyer handling your matter
You will have a clear figure at your consultation before you commit to anything.
Speak to us early
Whether you have been contacted by the police, received a charge or a notice for a traffic offence, or are deciding how to plead, a consultation lets us understand your position and explain what comes next.
Common questions
The police have asked me to attend an interview. What should I do?
Attend as requested, and consider getting legal advice beforehand so you understand the process. Be truthful, read your statement carefully before signing it, and ask for corrections if anything is recorded inaccurately. There is no immediate right to have a lawyer present during the interview, but you may consult a lawyer within a reasonable time.
What happens at the first mention in court?
The charge is read to you and the court deals with bail. Most cases are not decided at the first mention; the matter is usually adjourned to allow time for advice, representations and the next steps.
Can the charges against me be reduced or withdrawn?
Your lawyer can write to the Attorney-General's Chambers with representations asking for a charge to be reduced, amended or withdrawn, or for a warning instead of prosecution. The prosecution has the discretion to decide, and the outcome depends on the facts of each case.
Should I plead guilty or claim trial?
It depends on the evidence, any defence available to you and the likely consequences of each course. Points usually considered include:
- The strength of the prosecution's evidence
- Whether you have a defence to the charge
- The likely sentence on a guilty plea compared with a conviction after trial
- The time, cost and stress involved in a trial
I have been charged with a road traffic offence. Do I need a lawyer?
Not always. Some minor traffic offences can be dealt with by paying a composition sum. More serious offences, such as dangerous driving or drink driving, can carry fines, imprisonment and disqualification from driving, and advice on plea and mitigation can make a real difference to how the case is presented.
Can I get legal aid for a criminal case?
Possibly. The Public Defender's Office, set up in 2022, provides criminal defence for eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents who meet its means test. The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), run by the Law Society's pro bono services, also assists some accused persons who cannot afford a lawyer.
Can I appeal against my conviction or sentence?
Yes. A conviction or sentence in the State Courts can be appealed to the High Court. Time limits are short, and a notice of appeal must generally be filed within 14 days, so advice should be sought promptly.
Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
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