Below is a general guide to how fees are typically structured based on the path your case takes in Court. Speak to a Criminal Defence lawyer in Singapore about your case.
Know Your Criminal Defence Lawyer Fees in Singapore Upfront
Worried about the cost of hiring a Criminal Defence lawyer in Singapore? We break down exactly what Criminal Defence cases cost, from pleading guilty to claiming trial, so you can make informed decisions without the stress of financial uncertainty.
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Overview
Know What Your Defence Will Cost, Upfront
If you are facing a Criminal charge in Singapore, knowing your Criminal Defence lawyer costs upfront helps you regain control.
Criminal Defence lawyer costs in Singapore vary with the seriousness of the charge and how far the matter runs, from early representations and a plea through to a contested trial or appeal.
Rather than leave you guessing, we set a fixed fee in writing before we start, structured around the path your case takes in Court. You deal directly with Principal Lawyer Jonathan Wong, and you know the cost before you commit.
Pleading Guilty (PG)
$2,500 to $6,000
Initial case consultations, letters of representation to the authorities, preparing your mitigation plea, and standing with you at the final sentencing hearing.
Claiming Trial
$15,000 to $50,000+
In-depth legal research, reviewing the Prosecution’s evidence, preparing witnesses, and multiple days of representation across pre-trial conferences and the trial itself.
Several elements will influence the total cost of your legal defence. Understanding these helps you plan your family finances more effectively.
Complexity of Evidence
Cases involving digital forensics, complex financial trails, or many witnesses need more preparation time before Court.Number of Charges
Facing multiple charges increases the workload as each charge requires a specific legal strategy and response.Seniority of Legal Team
More experienced lawyers understand Court strategy and procedure more deeply, which can justify the higher fees.Duration of the Matter
The longer a case stays in the Court system, the more administrative and strategic work is required to manage it.
We always try to work within a budget that’s comfortable and fair for everyone. This generally depends on the scope and amount of work involved. We can discuss and agree on this when we talk to you about your case to understand the current situation, and then work out a feasible budget together, including via instalment payments if necessary, to assist you.
Most cases follow one of two main pathways.
|
Feature |
Pathway 1: Pleading Guilty |
Pathway 2: Claiming Trial |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Objective |
Reducing the final sentence |
Proving innocence or getting an acquittal |
|
Typical Timeline |
2 to 6 months |
9 to 24 months |
|
Payment Model |
Usually, a fixed price |
Based on stages or hourly work |
|
Cost Estimate |
$2,500 to $6,000 |
$20,000 to $60,000 or more |
Option APleading Guilty, The More Affordable Path
For many facing charges in Singapore, pleading guilty is the most practical and cost-effective route. Your legal team focuses on negotiation, examining the evidence for gaps, and writing to the authorities to seek reduced charges. It avoids the long trial process.
What a Fixed Fee for Pleading Guilty Covers
A fixed fee for a Pleading Guilty (PG) case gives you financial certainty. It typically covers:
- Initial Strategy Sessions
Meeting with your lawyers to discuss the facts and the best way to move forward. - Letters of Representation
Drafting professional letters to the authorities to seek a withdrawal of charges or a more lenient outcome. - Sentencing Preparation
Gathering character references and preparing the mitigation plea to be presented in Court. - Court Representation
Having your lawyer stand with you during the hearing to ensure your voice is heard by the Judge.
Option BClaiming Trial, What It Really Costs to Fight Your Charges
This path involves challenging the accusations against you in Court and pushing for an acquittal. It is a more significant financial commitment because of the intense work involved, such as:
- Extensive Preparation Work
A short trial often requires many days of behind-the-scenes work, including reviewing video footage, speaking with witnesses, and researching legal precedents. - Daily Attendance Charges
Trials often include daily fees for your lawyer to be present in Court. Depending on the seniority of your legal team, these daily charges can add up quickly over a multi-day trial. - Expert Testimony Costs
If your case requires specialised help, such as a medical report or a financial expert, you will need to pay for these professional services separately. These experts also charge fees to attend Court and explain their findings. - Multiple Court Hearings
A contested case runs through several pre-trial conferences and mentions before the trial itself, each one requiring your lawyer’s preparation and attendance, which adds to the overall cost.
Managing the costs of a legal case is a significant part of your financial planning. In Singapore, most law firms follow a standard schedule for when payments are due to ensure that your defence is properly funded and prepared at every stage of the Court process.
- The Initial Deposit or Retainer
Before any work begins, you will typically be asked to pay an upfront deposit. This amount is held to cover the initial hours of work, such as reviewing your documents and having the first few strategy meetings. - Milestone Payments
As your case moves forward, additional payments may be required at key points. For example, a payment might be due once the letters of representation are sent or when a Court date is officially scheduled. - Trial Fees
If your case proceeds to a trial, you will usually need to pay for the trial days in advance. This covers the intensive preparation and the lawyer’s dedicated time spent representing you in Court. - Final Billing
Once your matter is concluded in Court, a final statement closes off any remaining administrative costs or miscellaneous expenses, so there are no surprises later and nothing is left outstanding after your case ends.
Client Advantages
Why Clients Trust Tembusu Law for Transparent, Fixed-Fee Criminal Defence
When Criminal Defence lawyer fees in Singapore feel uncertain, clients trust us for fixed fees agreed upfront in writing, with no hourly billing and no surprise invoices.
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Singapore’s most-reviewed law firm on Google. Real feedback from real clients who have faced what you are facing now.
Fixed Fees Agreed Upfront
Transparent fixed fees with the full quote in writing before you commit. No hourly billing and no surprise invoices.
Handled by the Principal Lawyer
Your case is handled directly by Jonathan Wong from the first call through to the final outcome, with no hand-offs to junior associates.
20+ Years of Experience
More than two decades defending clients in Criminal Defence matters across the State Courts and the High Court.
Direct WhatsApp Access
Message your lawyer on WhatsApp the same day. Fast responses with coordinated team support, so urgent questions never sit in an inbox for days.
1,000+ Legal Videos
Legal Tings on TikTok, followed by thousands of people learning about Singapore law. Learn how it works before you ever hire us.
Who You’ll Work With
Jonathan Wong20+ Years Experience
Founder & Principal Lawyer
With more than 20 years of experience in Criminal Defence and Divorce matters, Jonathan also founded LawGuide Singapore, a public legal information platform created to help people better understand their legal rights and options.
His work has focused not only on legal representation, but on improving public access to legal information, and has been recognised by national media and the legal community.
Message Jonathan on WhatsAppLegal Process
How We Work
1
Case Review
We gather the key facts, documents, and background of your case.
2
Legal Assessment
A detailed review of the facts, the evidence, and the legal issues at stake.
3
Strategy & Planning
We build a clear legal strategy aligned with your goals and priorities.
4
Representation
Negotiation, mediation, or representation in Court on your behalf at every stage.
5
Case Management
Ongoing updates and proactive handling of filings, deadlines, and logistics.
Engagement Process
How To Get Started
A simple three-step process to get started quickly.
1
Free 10-Minute Call
A quick call to understand your situation and see how we can help.
2
Strategy Session (Optional)
We review your situation, explain your options, and outline the best strategy.
3
Fixed-Fee Engagement
Clear pricing agreed upfront. Your case handled directly by Principal Lawyer.
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