Criminal Law
Advice and representation from the first police interview through to trial or sentencing.
General information on criminal law and procedure in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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Being accused of a criminal offense can be a daunting experience, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
Criminal law is a complex area of law that deals with offenses against society, ranging from minor infractions to serious crimes. It includes everything from traffic violations and theft to assault, drug offenses, and more. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe and long-lasting, including fines, imprisonment, and damage to your reputation and future prospects.
Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers at Jay Law Corporation understands the stress and anxiety that come with being charged with a criminal offense. Whether it is through negotiation or litigation, we are committed to helping our clients through every step of the process.
What we handle
- Cheating
- Theft
- Criminal Breach of Trust
- Criminal Trespass – Housebreaking
- Robbery
- Rioting
- Voluntarily Causing Hurt
- Money Laundering
- Murder
- Culpable Homicide
- Criminal Force Against a Public Servant
- Sexual Offences – Rape, Molest, Insult to the Modesty of a Woman (typically upskirt video related matters)
- Offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act – Drug Trafficking, Consumption, Possession, Importation, Possession of Drug related utensils
- Offences under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTP)
- Offences under the Moneylenders Act
- Offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act
- Offences under the Betting Act, Common Gaming Houses Act and Remote Gambling Act
- Films Act offences
- Offences prosecuted by the Ministry of Manpower
- Offences under the Bankruptcy Act
- Road Traffic Matters
- Immigration Offences
- Customs Offences
- Offences prosecuted by the Health Sciences Authority, Housing Development Board, National Environment Agency and Land Transport Authority
- Regulatory Matters
Fees
Fees depend on the charges and how the case proceeds. Ask us for a quote.
| First consultationExplaining the investigation or charge, the process and your options. | On us |
|---|---|
| Representations and mitigationWriting to the prosecution and presenting a mitigation plea. | On enquiry |
| TrialPreparing for and conducting your defence at trial. | On enquiry |
Common questions
The police have asked me to come in and give a statement. What should I expect?
The police can question anyone who seems to know about a case, and you are generally expected to attend and answer truthfully. You do not have to say things that would expose you to a criminal charge, but staying silent on other points can be held against you later. Your statement is read back to you and you sign it, so check it carefully first.
Read the full guide →How does bail work in Singapore?
Bail lets an accused person stay out of custody while the case continues, on conditions such as handing over their passport and turning up when required. A bailor, usually a family member or friend, pledges money or property to guarantee this. Offences punishable with death or life imprisonment are not eligible for bail.
Read the full guide →I have been offered a stern warning. Will I have a criminal record?
A stern warning or conditional warning is not a conviction and does not create a criminal record under the Registration of Criminals Act. The police do keep a record of it, and an earlier warning can count against you if you get into trouble again. A conditional warning usually requires you to stay out of trouble for a set period.
Read the full guide →What happens after I am charged in court?
Your first court date is usually a mention in the Criminal Mentions Court, where the charge is read and you can ask for time to get a lawyer. You then decide whether to plead guilty or claim trial. Many cases go through several mentions or pre-trial conferences before a plea or trial date.
Read the full guide →Can a charge be reduced or dropped before trial?
Yes, it is possible. Your lawyer can write a letter of representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers asking it to drop the charge, reduce it, or deal with the matter by way of a warning. This can be done before or after you are charged, and more than one letter can be sent. There is no guarantee of success.
Read the full guide →What is a mitigation plea?
A mitigation plea is what you or your lawyer tell the court after conviction and before sentence, explaining the circumstances and why a lighter sentence is fair. It does not excuse the offence. It must not contradict the facts you have admitted, or the court may refuse to accept a guilty plea.
Read the full guide →Will my conviction stay on my record forever?
Not always. Under the Registration of Criminals Act, a record for a minor conviction can become spent after five consecutive crime-free years. Once spent, you can generally say you have no record of that conviction. Records with heavier sentences or more than one conviction do not qualify automatically.
Read the full guide →How do the drug presumptions work in Singapore?
The Misuse of Drugs Act contains presumptions that shift the burden onto the accused. If drugs are found in something you own or control, you can be presumed to possess them and to know what they are. Above certain quantities, possession is presumed to be for trafficking. A positive urine test can lead to a presumption of consumption.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
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