Criminal Defence Lawyer
Criminal Defence Lawyer Singapore | Experienced Criminal Law Firm
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime in Singapore, you need professional advice you can trust. Here at GJC Law, our criminal defence lawyers respond quickly, providing you with the legal advice you urgently need.
Our well-respected criminal law team understands that this can be a very difficult and confusing experience for many of our clients, and we strive to keep you informed of your rights and obligations every step of the way in the language you understand.
Contact our criminal law team today to find out how we can help you.
How Our Criminal Defence Lawyers in Singapore Can Help
Our criminal defence lawyers assist clients who are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing criminal charges by providing clear legal guidance and structured representation at every stage of the process. This includes:
- Explaining your legal rights and obligations during police investigations and interviews
- Reviewing evidence and assessing the nature and seriousness of potential charges
- Preparing and submitting representations to the relevant authorities where appropriate
- Developing a defence strategy based on the facts and applicable law
- Representing clients in court proceedings, mitigation hearings, and appeals
Early legal advice often has a material impact on how a case develops, including decisions made during investigations, charging, and plea taking.
Criminal Defence Services We Provide
Our criminal defence lawyers in Singapore provide structured legal assistance to individuals facing investigations or criminal charges, offering clear guidance on procedural requirements, legal rights, and available options from the earliest stages through to the conclusion of proceedings. Whether a matter involves regulatory offences, complex commercial issues, or serious criminal allegations, our approach is grounded in careful legal analysis, procedural accuracy, and focused representation tailored to the circumstances of each case.
The practice is led by Ms Gloria James, who brings decades of litigation experience before the Singapore Courts, and Mr Kevin Liew, a former Public Prosecutor with first-hand experience in criminal prosecutions and prosecutorial decision-making. The team also includes Ms Noelle Teoh, who achieved a High Distinction in her Part B examinations and contributes a strong academic and analytical foundation to the firm’s criminal defence practice.
Our criminal defence lawyers assist clients at all stages of the criminal process, including:
- Police investigations and statements
- Bail applications
- Representation during charging and plea taking
- Trial preparation and court hearings
- Mitigation submissions
- Appeals against conviction or sentence
Each case is approached based on its specific facts, applicable law, and procedural posture.
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Types of Criminal Offences We Handle
Our criminal law team represents clients in matters including:
- Drug-related offences (possession, consumption, trafficking)
- Theft, cheating, and fraud offences
- White-collar and commercial crimes
- Assault and violent offences
- Sexual offences
- Criminal breach of trust
- Immigration-related offences
- Regulatory and compliance offences
- Internet and cyber-related offences
- Traffic and road-related criminal charges
Where appropriate, we also advise on parallel civil or regulatory consequences arising from criminal proceedings.
Singapore Criminal Procedure – An Overview
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a criminal offence, you should contact an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. Our team is available to assist you from the outset, and should you choose to instruct us, we will guide you through each stage of criminal procedure in Singapore.
Arrest and Detention
The police may arrest you without a warrant in Singapore if they have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a serious offense. However, a warrant is required where the police are required to conduct investigations before making an arrest.
If you have been arrested, you should contact a criminal lawyer right away to discuss your rights, and receive legal advice on how to proceed. You may wish to contact your family and your lawyer if you have been detained. The police may detain you for up to 48 hours. If they wish to extend custody to conduct further investigations, they must get permission by applying for an order from the Magistrate.
If you are released from detention, you may be let go on a personal promise or on police bail to ensure you return to the police station or attend Court when required.
Our Criminal Defence team can provide you with urgent legal advice if you are under police investigation and required to attend a formal interview. We will ensure that your rights are protected and also respected by the authorities while taking a strategic approach to defense aimed at securing the best possible outcome.
Being Charged with an Offence
If the prosecuting authorities reasonably believe there to be sufficient evidence to pursue prosecution, it is highly likely that you will be charged with a criminal offence. The police will contact you to allow you to state a defence, or plead guilty to any elements of the charge, should you wish to do so.
It is crucial that you get in contact with criminal defence lawyers as soon as you are charged. The representation you receive at these early stages can make all the difference to how far a case progresses. Our lawyers can fully advise you of the best course of action to take under these circumstances. Please contact us.
Appearing in Court
If you have been charged and required to attend court, you can instruct a lawyer to attend court with you. There are a number of stages to the court process, to find out more please read our ‘Arrest and Court Procedure’ blog here.
It is highly recommended that you instruct a lawyer to represent you in court from the outset. The quality of the defence put forward will have a material impact on the outcome – instructing experienced criminal defence lawyers can make all the difference between acquittal and conviction.
GJC Law has a wealth of experience in advising clients in all areas of criminal law and providing exceptional representation with great results. We can also help you if you:
- Have been served with a Private Summons Prosecutions / Magistrate’s Complaint
- Want to initiate a Private Summons Prosecutions / Magistrate’s Complaint
- Want to initiate an application for Prevention of the Harassment Act (POHA)
If you have been arrested, detained or charged with an offence Contact our responsive team now to receive the high-quality legal advice and representation you need.
Contact our Experienced Criminal Lawyers
At Gloria James-Civetta & Co., our criminal defence lawyers can provide you with the quality advice and representation you require to get results. We understand that criminal court procedure may seem complex, but we work with our clients to explain the process clearly and concisely in language they understand. We provide advice and representation at each stage of proceedings, and can assist you regardless of the complexity of your case.
For a comprehensive overview of the Criminal Justice Process and offences in Singapore, please visit our Singapore Criminal Lawyer Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions – Criminal Law in Singapore
When should I contact a criminal lawyer?
As soon as you become aware that you are under investigation or have been contacted by the Police.
Do I need a lawyer to attend a police interview?
You are entitled to consult a lawyer before giving statements. Legal advice can help you understand your position and obligations. However, lawyers are not allowed to attend police interviews and statement taking sessions.
Can a criminal lawyer prevent charges from being filed?
A lawyer may make representations to prosecution based on evidence and legal considerations, but decisions ultimately rest with the prosecution.
What if I am guilty of the offence?
Legal advice is still important to ensure proper mitigation and fair sentencing outcomes.
How long do criminal cases take?
This depends on the nature of the offence, whether the matter proceeds to trial, and court schedules.
