First contact
A confidential call or message to understand urgency and next steps.
Educational overview. This is general information about how a Singapore criminal matter is handled, not legal advice, and it does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Every case is different — speak with a qualified criminal lawyer about your own situation.
The first conversation matters. Whether you are under investigation, have just been charged, or are worried about a call from the police, the earliest step is simply to understand where you stand and what needs to happen next.
What the first contact involves
We listen first. You share what has happened so far — an investigation, a charge, an upcoming court date, or a statement you have been asked to give — and we help you identify the immediate priorities. Often the most valuable thing at this stage is clarity: what the process looks like, what is urgent, and what can wait.
Confidential, and no obligation
An initial discussion is confidential, and it does not commit you to anything. The aim is to give you an honest, plain-English picture of the situation — not to pressure you into a decision. If your matter is urgent, for example because a statement is being taken imminently or a court date is near, say so, because timing can change what should happen first.
What to have ready
It helps to have to hand any documents you have received — a notice to attend, a charge sheet, bail papers, or correspondence from an agency — along with key dates and a straightforward account of events. You do not need to have everything organised; a clear summary of what has happened and what you have been asked to do is enough to begin.
Why acting early helps
Decisions taken early — particularly around statements and court deadlines — are often the ones that matter most later. Getting oriented before those moments, rather than after, keeps your options open and reduces the risk of an avoidable misstep. Acting early is not about panic; it is about making informed choices while there is still time to make them.
What happens next
From that first conversation, the next steps usually become clear: what to do before any statement or court date, what information to gather, and how representation would work. Our overviews of investigation support and scope and fees explain what follows.
Frequently asked questions
Is a first conversation confidential? Yes — an initial discussion is confidential and does not commit you to anything.
What should I have ready? Any documents you have received, the key dates, and a straightforward account of what has happened are enough to begin.