Fees

Fees should be clear before any work begins. We explain the scope of representation, the likely stages of the matter, and how fees are structured, so that there are no surprises later. This page sets out how criminal defence fees generally work in Singapore; the specifics depend on your matter and are discussed with you directly.

How fees are usually structured

Depending on the matter, fees may be arranged as a fixed fee for a clearly defined scope of work, or by stage — for example, the investigation stage, representations to the prosecution, court mentions, and any trial or sentencing. Staged arrangements let you see the commitment at each step rather than paying for later work before it is clear that it will be needed. Whichever approach is used, what is included at each stage should be set out before you decide to proceed.

What affects the cost

The cost of a criminal matter depends on several things: the seriousness and complexity of the charge, the urgency, the volume of evidence to review, the number of court attendances required, and — most significantly — whether the matter is resolved by an early plea or proceeds to a contested trial. A straightforward, first-time matter resolved quickly involves far less work than a complex or contested case, and any fee should reflect that difference.

What a criminal matter can involve

Understanding what generates work helps explain how fees are built up. A matter may involve advice before and during police statements, preserving and reviewing evidence, engaging with the prosecution, attending one or more court mentions, preparing and delivering a plea in mitigation, or preparing for and conducting a trial and, sometimes, an appeal. Our overview of scope and fees and the stages of a case explain these steps in more detail.

Questions worth asking

Whoever you engage, it is reasonable to ask a few clear questions before you commit: exactly what work is covered by the fee; how and when you will be billed; what happens to the fee if the case resolves earlier or later than expected; and what is not included. Clear answers to these questions are a good sign, and they let you compare your options sensibly.

Talk to us first

Contact us for a confidential discussion about your matter and how fees would work. We will explain the likely scope and structure clearly, and we will not pressure you into a decision.

Frequently asked questions

Do you charge fixed fees or by stage? Both are common in criminal matters — a fixed fee suits a clearly defined piece of work, while a staged arrangement matches the fee to the case’s progress; the right approach depends on the matter and is explained before you commit.

Why can’t a price be quoted immediately? Because the cost depends on the charge, the evidence, and whether the matter is resolved by a plea or a trial — an indicative approach can be discussed once your situation is understood.