Criminal Lawyers in Singapore: 3 criminal lawyers · first consultation typically S$0–S$1,000 per meeting

Updated October 2026How we rank

If you are charged with a crime in Singapore, check that your lawyer holds a current practising certificate on MinLaw's LSRA search. Singapore citizens and PRs who cannot afford a lawyer can apply to the Public Defender's Office, set up in 2022. Foreigners may apply to Pro Bono SG's Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) for non-capital offences.

All 3 criminal lawyers in Singapore

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How much do criminal lawyers charge in Singapore?

Pleading guilty usually costs a fixed fee, while claiming trial costs far more because of preparation and hearing days. The court level and the seriousness of the charge also drive the price.

First consultation
S$0–S$1,000 per meeting
Some firms give 30 minutes free; others charge a few hundred dollars or more
Representations to the AGC
S$1,500–S$5,000 per matter
Asking the prosecution to reduce or withdraw a charge; complex cases can cost more
Guilty plea, Magistrate's Court
S$1,500–S$6,000 per case
Guilty plea, District Court
S$3,000–S$10,000 per case
One firm's estimate runs from $5,000 to $20,000+ for a plea with mitigation
Trial, District Court
S$15,000–S$70,000 per case
Estimates vary by firm and by number of trial days

Service	Typical price	What affects it
First consultationSome firms give 30 minutes free; others charge a few hundred dollars or more	S$0–S$1,000 per meeting	Some firms give 30 minutes free; others charge a few hundred dollars or more
Representations to the AGCAsking the prosecution to reduce or withdraw a charge; complex cases can cost more	S$1,500–S$5,000 per matter	Asking the prosecution to reduce or withdraw a charge; complex cases can cost more
Guilty plea, Magistrate's Court	S$1,500–S$6,000 per case
Guilty plea, District CourtOne firm's estimate runs from $5,000 to $20,000+ for a plea with mitigation	S$3,000–S$10,000 per case	One firm's estimate runs from $5,000 to $20,000+ for a plea with mitigation
Trial, District CourtEstimates vary by firm and by number of trial days	S$15,000–S$70,000 per case	Estimates vary by firm and by number of trial days

Sources: Tembusu Law: Criminal lawyer fees in Singapore (2026); Bonsai Law: Criminal defence fees; Ashvin Law: Criminal lawyer for a first-time offence. Prices in SGD, before GST unless stated.

What licence should a criminal lawyer have?

Practising certificate (Singapore solicitor)
Supreme Court of Singapore; law practices regulated by MinLaw's LSRA · Required by law
Only Singapore solicitors with a current practising certificate can represent you in criminal court for a fee.
Check the official register

How to choose a criminal lawyer

Pick a lawyer who regularly handles your type of charge (traffic, cheating, outrage of modesty, drugs) and appears in the State Courts.
Ask for a staged fee estimate covering mentions, plea, trial and appeal. Trial fees are much higher than plea fees.
Do not discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer, and bring the charge sheet, bail papers and any statements to the first meeting.
If money is tight, apply early to the Public Defender's Office (citizens and PRs) or CLAS (foreigners), as assignment can take time.
Ask about representations to the prosecution, which can sometimes lead to a reduced or withdrawn charge before trial.

Red flags

Guaranteeing an acquittal or a specific sentence.
Payment demanded in cash without receipts.
Not reviewing the charge sheet and statements before advising you to plead guilty.

Questions to ask before you book

How many cases like mine have you handled?
What are the likely outcomes and sentencing range?
What does each stage cost?
Should we make representations to the prosecution first?

Questions about criminal lawyers in Singapore

Can I get a free criminal lawyer in Singapore?

Singapore citizens and PRs charged with non-capital offences who cannot afford a lawyer can apply to the Public Defender's Office for criminal defence aid. Means and merits tests apply, and you may need to make a contribution. Foreigners can apply to Pro Bono SG's CLAS. Capital cases receive assigned counsel under a separate scheme.

What is CLAS?

The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, run by Pro Bono SG, provides volunteer lawyers to eligible accused persons facing non-capital charges, after means and merits tests. Since the Public Defender's Office opened, Singapore citizens and PRs apply to the PDO instead. Traffic summonses and regulatory offences are not covered.

Do I need a lawyer for a traffic offence?

Not always. Many minor traffic offences can be compounded by paying a fine. If you are charged in court, especially for drink driving, dangerous driving or offences that may lead to disqualification, a lawyer can advise on pleading, mitigation and the likely sentence.

How many criminal lawyers are there in Singapore?

Lookup lists 3 criminal lawyers in Singapore as of October 2026, with the largest concentration in Chinatown (2). Listings are compiled from government registers and open map data and refreshed regularly.