At Eugene Thuraisingam Asia, our criminal defence lawyers represent individuals and companies in matters involving criminal investigations, arrests, statements, criminal charges, trials and appeals.
We advise and represent clients throughout the criminal justice process, including investigations by the Singapore Police Force, the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), as well as proceedings before the Singapore Courts. We handle a wide range of matters, including voyeurism offences, drug trafficking, violent crimes and other serious criminal charges, providing strategic advice based on the circumstances of each case.
Ranked by Doyle’s Criminal Law, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific, Legal 500, Chambers Asia-Pacific, Best Lawyers, and the Straits Times Best Law Firms Survey, our team handles sensitive, complex and high-profile cases with skill, meticulous preparation and clear strategy.
We assist clients from the early stages of an investigation, including matters involving arrest, police interviews and statement recording. Where appropriate, we advise on the investigation process, communicate with the relevant authorities and assess the circumstances of the case before criminal charges are brought.
Obtaining legal advice early can help you understand the process, your legal position and the steps involved as the investigation progresses.
Where criminal charges proceed to sentencing, we advise and represent clients in relation to sentencing matters and prepare mitigation pleas addressing the circumstances relevant to the sentence. Each case is considered on its particular facts, including the nature of the offence, the circumstances of the accused and other relevant factors.
Trial lawyering is the heart of what we do. We have had conduct of numerous trials, both in the State Courts and the High Court. We are feared for our cross-examination, and have fought and won cases with meticulous preparation and fearless advocacy, regardless of how serious the offences.
We pursue criminal appeals before the High Court and Court of Appeal to overturn wrongful convictions or reduce excessive sentences. Our criminal lawyers meticulously review trial records, evidence and legal issues to determine the grounds of appeal and provide representation throughout the appeal process, with the aim of obtaining the best outcome for each of our clients.
Our criminal lawyers acted for Roszaidi bin Osman in his appeal against the death sentence imposed for drug trafficking. The case involved the application of diminished responsibility and psychiatric evidence. Read More
Successfully obtained the acquittal of a Nigerian man, Ilechukwu Uchechukwu Chukwudi, initially convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to death, represented by criminal lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam. For the first time in Singapore’s legal history, the Court of Appeal agreed to reopen an already concluded criminal appeal to correct a miscarriage of justice. Read More
Successfully obtained the acquittal of a prominent doctor accused of molest. Midway through the trial after cross-examining the complainant, the Prosecution applied to discontinue the case and granted the doctor a discharge of the charges amounting to an acquittal. Read More
Our criminal lawyers represented Dr Wee Teong Boo in his appeal against his convictions for outrage of modesty and sexual assault by digital penetration, ultimately securing his acquittal. Read More
Following a High Court trial, criminal lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam successfully defended the co-accused, Ridzuan Bin Mega Abdul Rahman, against a charge of murder. The High Court judge had found that the element of common intention was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced Ridzuan on reduced charges of voluntarily causing grievous hurt by a dangerous weapon or means.
Miya Manik faced a capital charge for murder. Criminal lawyer Eugene Thuraisingam successfully argued that the elements to prove the charge of murder under section 300(c) of the Penal Code were not made out. In particular, the High Court was persuaded that it was not sufficiently clear that only Manik inflicted the fatal injury, and that there was no common intention to inflict an injury sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death. Eugene Thuraisingam successfully defended Manik’s acquittal before the Court of Appeal in this criminal defence case. Read More
You should reach out to a criminal lawyer as early as possible, for example when you are arrested, when the police or any law enforcement agency contacts you, or when you think that you might be investigated. Early advice allows you to understand your rights and obligations before you give any statement to the authorities. Our criminal lawyers can help you understand the process, your legal position and the steps involved as the investigation progresses, and can also assist you in negotiating with the investigating authorities and, where appropriate, making written representations to the prosecution.
In Singapore, the decision whether to charge a person rests with the Attorney-General as the Public Prosecutor, acting through the Deputy Public Prosecutors of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (“AGC“). The prosecution has the discretion to institute, conduct or discontinue proceedings for any offence, including withdrawing charges that have already been filed. Our criminal lawyers can make written representations to the AGC on your behalf, requesting that the AGC withdraw the charge, reduce it to a lesser offence, or issue a conditional or stern warning instead of prosecution. That said, the ultimate decision on whether to prosecute rests with the prosecution, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.
Bail is a legal arrangement that allows an accused person to be released from custody on the condition that they attend investigations and court hearings as required, and comply with all other bail conditions imposed by the police or the court. If the offence is bailable, you will generally be released on bail as of right; if it is non-bailable, bail is at the discretion of the police or the court, and may be refused for certain serious offences. The process of applying for bail is not always straightforward, and our experienced criminal lawyers can advise and assist you in bail-related matters. For a detailed guide, read our article on the bail framework in Singapore: https://thuraisingam.com/the-bail-framework-in-singapore-criminal-law-will-i-be-granted-bail-and-on-what-terms/
Whether you can appeal against conviction depends on whether you had pleaded guilty to the charge. Under the Criminal Procedure Code 2010, if you pleaded guilty and were convicted on that plea, you may only appeal against your sentence, not against your conviction. If you instead claimed trial and were convicted, you may appeal against both conviction and sentence. However, the deadline is short: a notice of appeal must generally be filed within 14 days after the date of sentence. You should also note that the appellate court may reduce, or even increase, your sentence. Our experienced criminal lawyers can advise you on the viability of the appeal, provide a cost-benefit and risk assessment, and guide you through the complex appeal process.
Our experienced criminal lawyers act for individuals and companies in white-collar and regulatory matters, serious and violent crimes, drug-related and capital offences, sexual offences, traffic offences, and many other types of criminal offences. We can advise and represent you at all stages of a criminal matter, ranging from investigations and bail to pleading guilty, claiming trial, sentencing and appeals.
Disclaimer: The information in these FAQs is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Please contact us for advice on your specific situation.
