Questions Families Ask First

Clear answers to the questions that matter most in the first hours of a criminal case.

A family member has been detained — what should I do?

Stay calm and retain a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. During the investigation stage, generally only defense counsel may visit a detained person and learn the alleged charges and case status. The early days are the critical window — the sooner counsel is engaged, the better positioned you are on key decisions such as bail and arrest approval.

What is a "criminal-civil crossover" case?

It is a case where the same or related facts give rise to both criminal and civil issues — common in economic disputes, such as distinguishing contract fraud from civil deceit, or illegal fundraising from private lending. These cases involve sequencing choices ("criminal first" versus parallel proceedings) and coordination between asset recovery and civil compensation. Handled poorly, they affect both liberty and property — which is why dual expertise matters.

What can a lawyer actually do at each stage?

During investigation: client visits, legal advice, bail applications, and formal submissions. At prosecutorial review: reading the case file, testing the evidence, engaging the procuratorate, and pursuing non-prosecution or reduced charges. At trial: cross-examination and argument on the facts, evidence, procedure, and sentencing. Defense runs through the entire process — every stage holds ground worth fighting for.

How do I book a consultation, and what should I prepare?

Reach out by phone or email. Please describe the stage of the case (detention, arrest, prosecutorial review, or a scheduled trial date), the alleged offense, and the handling authority — and have documents such as the detention notice ready. This allows a rapid initial assessment and concrete next steps.

How long can criminal detention last, and when is arrest approved?

In general, the police must submit a request for arrest approval within 3 days of criminal detention, extendable by 1–4 days; for major suspects involved in roving, repeated, or gang offenses, this can extend to 30 days. The procuratorate then has 7 days to decide on arrest. So the window from detention to arrest approval can run up to roughly 37 days — the critical period for counsel to seek non-approval of arrest or release on bail.

How are fees charged, and can a lawyer guarantee a win?

Criminal defense is usually billed by stage (investigation, prosecutorial review, trial) or as a full engagement, set by negotiation based on complexity and workload, under a written retainer. Important: any promise to "guarantee a win," "guarantee non-prosecution," or "guarantee probation" violates professional rules and misreads how justice works. A responsible lawyer commits to diligence and to exhausting every lawful avenue of defense — never to a specific outcome.

※ The above is general legal information, not legal advice on any specific matter. Please contact the attorney regarding your individual case.