Regarding when you will be expected to pay your criminal lawyer fees in Singapore, it is usually customary for your attorney to require a deposit before they will accept your case.

Afterwards, fees are generally paid in nominal amounts that correspond with the stages in your case. The last payment is to be made before the date of your court appearance.

However, at Tembusu Law, we want to offer competitive rates without sacrificing quality or service. We are a team of lawyers with extensive experience. We are passionate about helping our clients get the best possible outcome and legal representation for their criminal cases, no matter the cash-flow constraints. Hence, we will be more than willing to work on a feasible payment plan with the client.

A criminal lawyer’s fees in Singapore can include: attending hearings; writing letters and submissions on matters such as sentence mitigation or a reduced charge; investigating witnesses, applying for legal aid, and preparing for an appeal against any conviction made by the lower courts.

Option A: Pleading Guilty (PG)

• Estimated Cost: $2,500 – $6,000 (Fixed Fee)
• The Process: Your lawyer’s primary role is negotiation and mitigation. They will analyse the evidence to spot weaknesses, write to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to request a reduction of charges, and present a mitigation plea to the judge to minimise your sentence.
• Why it is cheaper: It avoids the lengthy trial process. Most PG cases can be resolved in a few months with only a handful of Court mentions.

Option B: Claiming Trial (CT)

• Estimated Cost: $20,000 – $60,000+ (Often billed in stages)
• The Process: You are challenging the charge, meaning the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This requires cross-examining witnesses, challenging forensic evidence, and presenting a defence.
• Why is it expensive?
  • Preparation: A 3-day trial might require 10 days of preparation (reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and researching case law).
  • Refreshers: Trials involve “refresher fees,” which are daily charges for the lawyer’s attendance in Court. A single day in trial can cost $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the lawyer’s seniority.

* Expert Witnesses: If your defence relies on a psychiatric condition or financial forensics, you must hire experts. A psychiatric report alone can cost $800–$1,500, with additional fees of $600+ for the doctor to attend Court.

If you can’t afford to pay for a lawyer, there are three main options: engaging a Pro Bono Criminal Lawyer, applying for legal aid or Self Representation. Here are some things you should consider before making a decision.

Engage A Pro Bono Criminal Lawyer

In a legal context, pro bono means without charge. It refers to lawyers who volunteer their services to those who need them without receiving payment.In a legal context, pro bono means without charge. It refers to lawyers who volunteer their services to those who need them without receiving payment. In Singapore, giving free criminal assistance or pro-bono legal service is regulated by Section 2(1) of The Legal Profession (Pro Bono Services) Act 2007 (‘The Pro Bono Act’) and criminal defence under Chapter 81 of the Legal Profession Act.

The Pro Bono Act allows lawyers who provide free legal services to people accused of crimes to claim their fees from the state (Ministry of Law) later.

Apply For Legal Aid

You may choose to apply for criminal legal aid if you cannot pay your criminal lawyer fees in Singapore. The legal assistance is provided by the Law Society of Singapore (or in capital cases, by the Supreme Court).

There’s a rigorous means test if you’re applying for legal aid. It would be best if you showed that you’ve been gainfully employed for at least one year and don’t have any dependents.

But if you meet the qualifications, you usually won’t have to pay any more than a nominal contribution fee plus disbursements for legal services, even if it goes to Court.

Self Representation

Self-representation means defending yourself against the charges without an attorney’s help.

If you’re over 18, you may represent yourself in a criminal case. However, if you’re under 18, someone else must represent you on your behalf. If you take this approach, you will be held accountable to the same standards as lawyers.

You will be expected to:

• Comply with the relevant rules and procedures.
• Submit required documents on time and in the correct format.
• Attend all court hearings on time, in a professional manner, and without missing any deadlines.
• Get familiar with the laws and legal princi­ples that are relevant to your case.

It’s generally not advisable for an individual to represent themselves in court, given the complexity of the law and the potentially severe consequences of a poorly handled hearing.

However, we understand circumstances may be different for every individual seeking help on the legal matter regarding their unique criminal case. Our team of qualified lawyers will spend time understanding your needs & addressing your concerns beforehand.

Please get in contact with us today for a non-obligatory consultation!

When you receive a quote for criminal lawyer fees in Singapore, it is vital to distinguish between “Professional Fees” and “Disbursements”. Professional fees cover the lawyer’s time and expertise. Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the management of your case, which are billed separately.

Clients are often caught off guard because these costs are not always included in the initial fixed fee package. Common disbursements include:

• Court Filing Fees: Every document submitted to the Court (e.g., mitigation pleas, affidavits) incurs an administrative fee.
• Expert Witness Fees: If your defence relies on technical evidence, such as a psychiatrist to prove you were of unsound mind, or a forensic accountant for white-collar crimes, you must pay for their professional reports and their time attending Court. These can range from $1,500 to over $10,000.
• Transport and Printing: Taxis to visit prisons or the Court, and high-volume photocopying charges for trial bundles.
• GST: Never forget that the prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to all professional fees and most disbursements.

Note: Always ask for a “Nett” quote or a clear breakdown. Knowing the full extent of lawyer fees for criminal cases, including disbursements, ensures you can budget effectively without facing unexpected bills later.

Yes, the seniority of the lawyer is a major determinant of cost. Law firms in Singapore typically structure their teams into ranks: Junior Associates, Senior Associates, Partners, and Directors.

Choosing the right seniority depends on the complexity of your case. It is a balancing act between budget and necessary expertise.

• Junior Lawyers (1–5 Years Experience):
  • Best for: Straightforward mitigation pleas, simple theft, or first-time traffic offences where the facts are not in dispute.
  • Cost Impact: Hiring a junior lawyer keeps criminal case lawyer fees at the lower end of the spectrum (e.g., $2,500 – $4,000 for a PG).
• Senior Lawyers / Directors (10+ Years Experience):
  • Best for: Contested trials, capital offences, complex cheating cases, or situations where novel points of law are raised.
  • Cost Impact: Their rates are significantly higher due to their strategic experience and reputation in the Court. However, their ability to navigate complex cross-examinations can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.