Criminal Defense
Investigation, detention, trial and appeals
Criminal Defense
A criminal case in Korea moves quickly. What you say at the first police interview shapes everything that follows, so getting an attorney involved before that interview matters more than anything else you can do.
Daehan Jungang Law Firm handles the whole process: responding to complaints, attending police and prosecutor questioning with you, challenging detention, applying for bail, negotiating settlements with the other side, and appeals.
What we handle
Responding to complaints and accusations
Attorney present at police and prosecutor questioning
Challenging arrest and detention
Bail applications
Settlements with the injured party (hapui)
Trial defense and acquittal strategy
Appeals (항소) and final appeals to the Supreme Court (상고)
What foreign nationals should know
If you do not speak Korean well, you can ask for an interpreter during questioning and at trial. Do not sign a statement you cannot read.
You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning and to remain silent. You may also ask that your embassy or consulate be told about your detention.
A conviction, and in some cases even a fine or a suspended sentence, can affect visa extensions, changes of status and re-entry to Korea. We plan the defense with your immigration status in mind.
In many Korean criminal cases a settlement with the injured party (hapui) strongly influences the outcome. We negotiate it for you and document it correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Do not attend alone. Contact an attorney before the appointment so the facts and your statement can be prepared, and so the attorney can attend the interview with you. Bring your passport and alien registration card.
It depends on the offense and the sentence. Serious offenses can lead to a deportation order (강제퇴거명령) and an entry ban, while lighter outcomes may still affect visa renewal. Tell us about your visa at the first meeting so the strategy accounts for it.
Yes. Korean courts are required to provide an interpreter for a defendant who does not understand Korean, and investigators arrange one for questioning. Meetings with us are held in English, and you may bring your own interpreter.
A police and prosecutor investigation typically takes a few weeks to several months, and a first-instance trial several more months. Detention shortens the timetable. We give you a realistic estimate once we know the charge.
This page provides general information about Korean law and is not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case. Consultations are paid and are held in English or with an interpreter.