Accused of a Crime in Singapore? Don’t Risk Jail or a Criminal Record — Our Expert Criminal Lawyers Are Here To Help Fight for Your Freedom, Future & Reputation
Claim Free Criminal Defence Consultation With Experienced Lawyers With Over 20 Years Of Combined Expertise!
Charged with a crime or under investigation? We’re here to defend your rights.
Our experienced criminal lawyers in Singapore provide clear, strategic legal guidance and robust representation across a wide range of offences. Whether you’re facing arrest, formal charges, or trial, we stand by you at every step—protecting your interests and working toward the best possible outcome.
Don’t face the legal system alone.
Schedule your free consultation with our criminal defence team today.
Why Choose Tembusu Law?
Strong Defence from Day One
We act fast during police investigations and questioning, helping you avoid costly mistakes or premature guilty pleas.
End-to-End Criminal Law Representation
From arrest to appeal, we represent you at every stage of the process — no handoffs, no surprises.
Clear Legal Advice, No Legal Jargon
We explain your rights, options, and likely outcomes in plain language, so you always know where you stand.
Proven Experience Across Serious Offences
Our criminal lawyers have handled complex cases ranging from drug trafficking and assault to white-collar crime and sexual offences.
Transparent, Predictable Fees
We offer fixed-fee packages where possible, and will always explain your costs before you commit.
Available 24/7 for Urgent Matters
Arrested or called in for questioning? Call or WhatsApp (+65 8886 0278) us anytime because criminal cases don’t wait for business hours.
Criminal Process in Singapore: What to Expect From Arrest to Sentencing
Being involved in a criminal case can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first encounter with the law. At Tembusu Law, we believe you deserve to know what’s coming next. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key stages in the Singapore criminal justice process:
1. Arrest & Investigation
- What Happens: Police may arrest you with or without a warrant, depending on the nature of the offence. After arrest, you may be detained for up to 48 hours without being charged.
- Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer. The police will investigate by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and questioning the accused.
- Why It Matters: Early legal advice during this stage can prevent self-incrimination and help protect your rights.
2. Bail Application & Pre-Trial
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What Happens: If you’re charged, the Court will decide whether to grant bail. Pre-trial procedures include mentions, case management, and potentially plea bargaining.
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Your Rights: You can request bail unless the offence is non-bailable or the Court deems you a flight risk.
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Why It Matters: A lawyer can help secure bail, negotiate charges, or file representations that may result in a warning or discharge before trial.
3️. Court Proceedings & Trial
- What Happens: If you plead guilty, sentencing follows. If you claim trial, your case proceeds to a full hearing, with witness testimony, cross-examination, and legal submissions.
- Your Rights: You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Why It Matters: A skilled criminal defence lawyer can challenge weak evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present arguments that could lead to acquittal or reduced charges.
4️. Sentencing & Appeals
- What Happens: If found guilty, the Court will decide on sentencing based on factors like offence severity, intent, harm caused, and mitigating pleas.
- Your Options: You can appeal the conviction and/or sentence within 14 days of judgment.
- Why It Matters: Sentencing is not the end; appeals and mitigation pleas can significantly impact the outcome. Legal representation at this stage is critical to avoid harsh penalties.
Our Expertise in Criminal Defence
When you’re facing criminal charges, you need a criminal lawyer who understands both the law and the stakes involved, your freedom, your future, and your reputation. At Tembusu Law, our team is equipped to represent you in cases involving:
Theft, Fraud & White-Collar Crimes
Defence for criminal breach of trust (CBT), cheating, and other financial crimes with a focus on minimising custodial sentences and reputational damage.
Corruption & Bribery
Strategic representation in high-stakes cases investigated by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), including both public and private sector offences.
Drug-Related Offences
From consumption and possession to trafficking and importation, we defend clients facing serious drug charges, including under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Sexual Offences
Discreet, thorough defence for allegations such as outrage of modesty, sexual assault, and rape. We handle sensitive matters with empathy and strategic clarity.
Assault & Violent Crimes
Representation in cases involving hurt, grievous hurt, rioting, or voluntarily causing bodily harm, with an emphasis on disproving intent or reducing charges.
Pleading Guilty & Mitigation Pleas
For clients seeking closure, we craft compelling mitigation pleas that can reduce sentencing outcomes, including probation, fines, or community-based sentencing.
Claiming Trial & Full Defence Strategy
If you’re contesting the charges, we build a full defence: challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and identifying procedural weaknesses.
Public Order & Harassment Offences
Cases involving unlawful assembly, verbal threats, and Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) offences, often involving online conduct or domestic disputes.
Traffic & Drink Driving Offences
Defence for dangerous driving, driving under the influence, hit-and-run incidents, and driving without a licence, with a focus on retaining licences and avoiding jail time.
Additional Criminal Law Services We Handle
- Criminal Breach of Trust (CBT)
- Cheating
- Forgery
- Insider Trading
- Multi-level Marketing & Pyramid Selling
- Companies Act offences
- Regulatory Offences
- Corporate Disclosure Breaches
- Breach of Fiduciary Duties
- Electronic & Computer Crimes
- Anti-money Laundering Matters
- Transnational Criminal Matters
- Representations & Letters of Appeal
- Plea Negotiations & Plea Bargaining
- Magistrate’s Appeals
- Employment-related offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, Employment Act and Employment Agencies Act
- Workplace safety and industrial accident-related offences under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Work Injury Compensation Act
Meet Our Team of Family & Divorce Law Experts
Jonathan Wong
Managing Director
+65 8886 0278
jonathan.wong@tembusulaw.com
Jonathan is the Founder and Managing Director of Tembusu Law. He is also the founder of LawGuide Singapore, a prominent legaltech startup which successfully created and launched Singapore’s first legal chatbot in 2017.
Yamuna Bala
Associate Director
+65 8064 1810
yamuna.bala@tembusulaw.com
Yamuna Bala is a passionate and results-driven Associate Director at Tembusu Law LLC, specialising in criminal and family litigation. With a strong commitment to safeguarding her clients’ interests, Yamuna combines aggressive advocacy with a practical approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
Parveen Kaur Grewal
Associate
+65 8505 6960
parveen.grewal@tembusulaw.com
Parveen Kaur Grewal is a lawyer at Tembusu Law with a focus on family matters, namely divorce, separation, wills and deed polls. Parveen read law at Durham University (UK), where she obtained her LL.B. from 2018 to 2021, and was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Singapore in 2024.
Our Leadership & Client Support Team
Gloria Chung
Director, People & Culture
+65 8886 0278
gloria.chung@tembusulaw.com
Gloria looks after People & Culture in Tembusu Law as well as LawGuide Singapore, a legaltech startup that educates and empowers consumers by making basic law-related information easier to find, understand and use and which is today Singapore’s fastest-growing and most-followed online legal information portal.
Calvin Christopher
Director of Operations
+65 9668 1452
calvin.christopher@tembusulaw.com
Calvin is the Director of Operations at Tembusu Law. He is also an Accredited Civil / Commercial mediator, recognised by both the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI) and the International Mediation Institute (IMI).
Simranjit Kaur
Principal Case Manager
+65 8043 8472
simranjit.kaur@tembusulaw.com
Simran was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 2020 and currently serves as a Principal Case Manager at Tembusu Law LLC. She supports a wide range of legal matters, with a primary focus on family and matrimonial disputes.
Dale Toloza
Manager, Process Innovation
+65 8886 0278
dale.toloza@tembusulaw.com
Dale Toloza serves as the Manager of Process Innovation at Tembusu Law, where he leads the firm’s efforts in adopting cutting-edge solutions and refining internal processes. Since joining in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in analyzing existing workflows, identifying opportunities for automation, and implementing innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, to optimize legal service delivery.
What Our Clients Say: Real Experiences With Tembusu Law's Criminal Defence Team
We Have Been Recognised For Our Dedication To Justice And Excellence
5 Tips To Get The Best Case Outcome Using The "Tembusu" Framework
Strategic Negotiation Techniques
Master your skills in negotiating plea agreements and settlements to secure the most favourable outcome while safeguarding your rights.
Steering Clear of Legal Pitfalls
Recognise potential risks and traps that could jeopardise your defence and learn effective strategies to avoid them.
Clarifying Your Legal Standing from the Beginning
Understand your rights and what to realistically expect throughout the criminal proceedings, equipping yourself to navigate the process confidently.
Building a Strong Evidential Base Early On
Gathering and preserving key evidence from the outset can be pivotal to your case. This includes securing witness statements, digital records, and any materials that support your narrative, ensuring your defence is grounded in verifiable facts.
Engaging Proactive Legal Representation
Choosing a lawyer who not only understands the law but actively strategises with foresight can make all the difference. A proactive defence counsel will anticipate prosecution tactics, advise you with clarity, and act decisively at each phase to protect your interests.
Fill out the form below to download your free checklist.
SPEAK WITH THE BEST CRIMINAL LAWYERS IN SINGAPORE TODAY
Our team of famous Criminal Defence Lawyers in Singapore is experienced in a wide range of legal matters – from handling plea negotiations and plea guilty mentions to mitigation pleas and conducting Criminal trials.
We recognise the challenges and emotional difficulties present in criminal legal matters.
Our Criminal lawyers in Singapore will guide you through the process and be with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Lawyers in Singapore
Can You Contact Your Criminal Defence Attorney or Lawyer In Singapore After Your Arrest?
You can only speak to your Criminal Defence Lawyers in Singapore after a reasonable time has passed for the Police to conduct their investigations, which is usually after the Police have already interviewed you and recorded a written statement from you. The exact time period will depend on the facts of each case and may be longer if the Police can prove that allowing you to speak to your lawyer will obstruct their investigations.
Can You Choose To Remain Silent When You’re Being Charged With A Criminal Offence?
If you’re being interviewed by the Police and accused of committing a criminal offence, it’s your legal right not to incriminate yourself. You can choose to remain silent and not say anything that would suggest that you committed the offence.
What’s The Purpose Of A Letter Of Representation?
Your Criminal Defence lawyer in Singapore may send a Letter of Representation during the plea bargaining or plea negotiation process to appeal to the Prosecution to take a more lenient view and approach for your case.
What Should Your Criminal Defence Lawyer Do During The Initial Court Hearing In Singapore?
When you first attend Court to answer the charge, the charge will be read and explained to you in Court. Your Criminal Defence lawyer in Singapore will inform the Court of the course of action you wish to take, e.g. you intend to plead guilty, you intend to claim trial, or you’re still deciding and need more time to consider.
He can ask the Court to adjourn the case if he needs more time to prepare or study the case before you decide on your next course of action. Your Criminal Defence Lawyers can also submit a Letter of Representation and appeal to the Prosecution to ask them to consider taking a more lenient view and approach to your case. Contact us to find out more.
What’s The Purpose Of A Mitigation Plea?
When your Criminal Defence lawyer in Singapore presents a Mitigation Plea, the aim is to convince the Court to impose a lighter type and amount of punishment for the offence. Your Criminal Defence Lawyers’ Mitigation Plea should typically cover information regarding your personal profile and circumstances (e.g., family background, education, and employment track record, and medical conditions).
How Does The Court Decide On The Sentence To Impose?
When the Court decides on the type and amount of punishment to impose, it will consider and balance the sentencing principles of Retribution, Deterrence, Prevention, and Rehabilitation.
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TEMBUSU LAW LLC
(UEN: 201910057N)
Office Address:
11 Keng Cheow St,
#02-05 The Riverside Piazza,
Singapore 059608
Telephone: +65 6974 0068
Fax: +65 6974 0069
Email: info@tembusulaw.com
Hotline: +65 8886 0278
*We do not accept service of Court documents by fax.
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