Legal Information
- Legal Information
Legal Information
Introduction
As Defence lawyers, it is always our priority to defend and protect the interests of our Clients to our best abilities through providing efficient and effective solutions to our Clients.
We have represented and defended both local and overseas Clients (individuals and corporations) with criminal charges ranging from criminal, commercial, regulatory, white-collar, immigration, employment and even cyber crimes.
Irrespective of the complexity of the crime, our team of experienced lawyers are equipped to advise, assist and represent you in every step of the criminal process whether this be during initial investigations of the case, legal visits, bail, plea mitigation, trial and criminal appeals.
A few examples of law enforcement agencies which we have dealt with include but not limited to the Department of Justice (Prosecution Divisions), Hong Kong Police Force, Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Immigration Department, Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Customs and Excise Department.
Arrest
If you have been arrested, you should contact a lawyer so that they can advise you. If there is sufficient evidence, you may be charged immediately after the arrest. Thereafter, a police statement may be taken and it is advisable for a lawyer to be present during the statement taking.
Bail
If investigations are still being conducted by the police or you are not detained after being charged, you may be released on bail.
If bail is not granted and you are formally charged, you will be detained and brought before the Magistrate Court.
Attending Court (Mention)
At the first Court appearance, you will have the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty, or ask for the Court hearing to be pushed to a later date.
If you plead guilty at the first appearance, a plea-in mitigation will be made.
An adjournment can be sought where investigations are still taking place, or even when you have engaged new legal representatives.
Where the matter is adjourned or is scheduled for Trial, the Court may grant bail to the Defendant.
Plea & Mitigation
If you plead guilty, it is advisable to engage legal representatives to help you obtain a lighter sentence where possible. The Court considers the seriousness of the charges, the defendant's background, and factors like surrendering, admitting guilt, or cooperating with law enforcement.
Sentencing
The Court imposes a sentence for the Defendant after hearing the plea-in-mitigation