# Criminal Lawyers in Singapore

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.

## Key facts
- Listings: 3
- Median years in business: 15

## Prices 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.

| Service | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |

## Licences
- **Practising certificate (Singapore solicitor)** (Supreme Court of Singapore; law practices regulated by MinLaw's LSRA, required): Only Singapore solicitors with a current practising certificate can represent you in criminal court for a fee. Check: https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/our-work/legal-services-regulatory-authority/

## How to choose
- 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- Ask about representations to the prosecution, which can sometimes lead to a reduced or withdrawn charge before trial.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.

## Listings (top 3)
- [Vaswani Law Chambers](https://lookup.sg/biz/vaswani-law-chambers), Chinatown · 1 Pickering Street, #08-01 Great Eastern Centre · 3 min walk from Dt18 MRT
- [Criminal Defence Lawyer](https://lookup.sg/biz/criminal-defence-lawyer), Chinatown · Havelock II, 2 Havelock Rd, #05-14 · 1 min walk from Clarke Quay MRT
- [Regent Law LLC](https://lookup.sg/biz/regent-law-llc), Clarke Quay · 111 N Bridge Rd, #10-01 Peninsula Plaza · 2 min walk from City Hall MRT · registered 2011

## By area
- Chinatown: 2
- Downtown Core: 2
- Clarke Quay: 1
- Singapore River: 1

## FAQs
### 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.

## Sources
- Public Defender's Office – Criminal defence aid: https://pdo.mlaw.gov.sg/criminal-defence-aid/
- Pro Bono SG – CLAS FAQs: https://www.probono.sg/get-legal-help/legal-representation/clas-frequently-asked-questions/
- Ministry of Law – Legal Services Regulatory Authority: https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/our-work/legal-services-regulatory-authority/
- Judiciary – Criminal case help: https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/legal-help-support/criminal-case

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Source: Lookup (https://lookup.sg) · Data as of October 2026 · Listings compiled from Singapore government open data (data.gov.sg), OneMap and Overture Maps places. Free listings never show contact details; featured listings are labelled.