Crimes can include anything from minor offences such as certain Road Traffic Offences to more serious offences such as sexual offences, robbery, rioting, extortion, causing hurt or damage to public property, murder, and treason. White Collar crimes, on the other hand, could come in the form of fraud, criminal breach of trust, cheating and other property offences. Irrespective of the type of crime committed, it can be an emotionally and mentally taxing experience when you are charged with a criminal offence. It is therefore necessary to seek the expertise and services of a competent criminal lawyer in Singapore to manage your case and achieve the best possible verdict for you.
What is Considered a Criminal Offence in Singapore?
Any behaviour that has been identified as “criminal” by the legislation enacted by the Singapore parliament would qualify as crime may result in your being charged in Court. You are entitled to employ the services of a criminal defence lawyer to represent you. The Penal Code of Singapore outlines and explains what a crime is and the corresponding maximum punishment for each type of crime and whether you have a valid Defence to the offence you have been charged with.
Every crime is generally analysed from a three-fold perspective.
- Is the conduct or behaviour prohibited by law?
- What was the necessary mental state of the accused at the time of the offence?
- What defence(s) could be raised to free (acquit) the accused of criminal liability?
Types of Offences
Minor Offences
In Singapore, acts such as littering, urinating in public or in elevators, jaywalking, and even the sale of chewing gum, are all considered offences. This may result in a warning and/or a composition fine.
Serious Offences
Serious offences are considered registrable crimes, and these include but are not limited to extortion, murder, rape, secret society activity (gangs), arms offences, possession and misuse of drugs. These offences would go on record and are punishable with imprisonment, fines and/or caning as well as other forms of punishment.
Can I Get Arrested Without a Warrant?
The Police in certain cases as defined in the First Schedule the Criminal Procedure Code 2010 will require a Warrant to Arrest a person. Once a person is arrested he is required to post bail depending on the decision of the Police.
What Happens When Someone Commits a Punishable Crime in Singapore?
The general procedure would involve the following steps,
- Police investigation
- Public Prosecutor deciding on the Course of Action
- Being charged in Court and bail if offered (depending on whether the offence is a bailable one.)
Why Should You Hire a Criminal Lawyer in Singapore?
- To Represent You
An experienced criminal lawyer in Singapore will be well-versed in the law and, therefore, will be able to assess the evidence against you, accurately present your case and build a strong line of defence to safeguard you. It is absolutely necessary that you are properly represented by your lawyer throughout the hearing of your case. Alternatively, if you are guilty, you could engage the services of a lawyer to plead for a lesser punishment.
- To Ensure Your Rights are Protected
Every criminal suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty. A criminal lawyer could ensure that your rights are protected.
- To Conduct an Accurate Assessment of Your Case
Criminal defence requires serious preparation and is heavily time-consuming. Hiring the best criminal lawyer to represent your case can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble. They would essentially know how to carry out a multi-dimensional assessment of your case and thereby be able to collate favourable evidence and legal arguments in your defence. They are adept at making well-informed decisions.
- To Prepare You for the Trial
An experienced criminal lawyer can identify flaws and deficiencies in the prosecution’s case even before it goes to trial. During the trial preparation, the lawyer can uncover evidence that is inadmissible, which means that the prosecution will not be able to introduce such evidence during the trial.
Criminal Lawyers at Christopher Bridges
Our lawyers at Christopher Bridges Law Firm understand the enormous responsibility that comes with representing our clients facing criminal charges. We make sure that our clients are provided with sound legal representation and advice. We will prepare a strong defence strategy (where appropriate) and obtain the best possible outcome.
Are you being investigated by the police? Are you facing allegations and are at a loss as to what to do? If this is the case, please contact Christopher Bridges Law Corporation on +(65) 6323 2328 or send an email to seccbridges@cbridgeslaw.com. You’ll be glad you did so.
