Your rights as an accused

You have the right to obtain legal advice, seek legal assistance or engage a lawyer to represent you in court at your criminal proceedings.

You may wish to find out:

• (If you are representing yourself in court) Your rights and responsibilities.

• What is a criminal case.

The courts are not able to provide legal advice. Legal advice is when you are provided specific information about your legal matter and guidance on the legal options available to you.

You can obtain legal advice through several available options:

(A) Engage a lawyer: The Law Society of Singapore has an online directory listing the names, addresses and other useful information of all practising lawyers in Singapore.

(B) The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS): CLAS is a programme offered by Pro Bono SG for accused persons who cannot afford legal representation facing criminal charges for non-death penalty offences under statutes covered by CLAS. Eligible accused persons will receive legal assistance from a volunteer lawyer if they meet specific criteria. Please refer to Pro Bono SG’s website (https://www.probono.sg/) for the necessary criteria to be fulfilled.

(C) Public Defender’s Office (PDO): If you are Singaporean or Permanent Resident, and unable to afford a lawyer, you may also seek legal assistance from the PDO. Similar to CLAS, you will need to satisfy PDO’s specific criteria and face offences covered under the Public Defender’s Office Act. You may find more information on PDO from their website or contact them by phone or visiting them at their office.

(D) Remand Clinic: If the accused is currently remanded in prison because of not being able to post bail, he/she may attend the Remand Clinic to obtain free legal advice from a volunteer lawyer. More information can be obtained through the officers in the Singapore Prisons Service. Please note that the lawyer that the remandee sees will not be able to represent him/her in Court.

Note: The courts are not in a position to recommend lawyers for your case. Contact a law firm or organisation of your choice directly to understand their fees and the services they provide.