Draft for review. Fees and some details on this page are still being finalised.
Facing a police investigation or a criminal charge?
We help everyday people and their families through every stage of a criminal case, from the first call from the police to the final hearing. Talk to us early. It often makes a difference.
Fixed fees, quoted upfront. You'll know the full cost before we start.
[Call us] · [WhatsApp us] · [See our fees ↓]
First consultation fee: $X.
Where are you now?
Every case is different, but most fall into one of these stages. Find yours to see what happens next and how we can help.
1. The police have contacted me
You may have been asked to attend an interview, had your phone seized, or been released on police bail. What you say and do now can shape the rest of the case.
How we help: We explain your rights and obligations before you go in, deal with the investigating officer on your behalf where appropriate, and advise on bail conditions.
2. I've been charged
You've received a charge sheet or a summons to attend court. The first mention is usually administrative, and nothing is decided against you that day.
How we help: We review the charge and the evidence disclosed, attend court with you, and advise on your options before you commit to a plea.
3. I want to plead guilty
Pleading guilty does not mean accepting whatever sentence comes. A well-prepared mitigation plea can significantly affect the outcome.
How we help: We prepare and present your mitigation plea, gathering the right supporting documents and testimonials, and argue for the most appropriate sentence.
4. I want to ask for a lighter charge or a withdrawal
The prosecution can be asked, in writing, to reduce, amend or withdraw charges, or to deal with the matter another way.
How we help: We prepare written representations to the Attorney-General's Chambers setting out the facts and reasons in your favour.
Why Kalco for criminal defence
Kalco has served the community since 1979. We believe good criminal defence shouldn't depend on which lawyer you happen to get, or on how much you can afford. So we've built our practice around a few simple commitments.
You'll know the cost before we start
Our criminal defence fees are fixed and published on this page. We'll tell you which fee applies to your case at the first consultation, and put it in writing. No surprise bills.
Every case gets the same careful process
Each matter follows a structured review: the charge, the evidence, the sentencing position and your options. Key documents such as representations and mitigation pleas are reviewed by a second lawyer before they're filed.
You won't be left wondering
We update you after every court date and at set points in between, in plain language, by WhatsApp, email or phone.
We work for you and your family
Criminal cases affect whole families. With your permission, we keep the people supporting you informed, and we take time to explain what's happening.
A firm, not just one lawyer
Your case is handled by a team working to the same standards, so your case keeps moving even if one lawyer is in another court that day.
How it works
- Get in touch. Call, WhatsApp or send an enquiry. We'll arrange a first consultation, usually within [X] working days.
- First consultation. We listen, look at your documents, explain where you stand and set out your options. Fee: $X.
- Fixed-fee quote. We tell you which stage and complexity level apply, and confirm the fee in writing before any further work begins.
- We get to work. Depending on your case: advising you through investigations, writing to the prosecution, preparing your mitigation plea or your defence.
- Through to the end. We represent you in court and keep you updated until your case is concluded.
Our fees
Our fees are fixed by stage of the case and by how complex it is. At your first consultation, we'll tell you exactly which fee applies and confirm it in writing. All fees are before GST and disbursements.
Fees by stage
Stage | Low complexity | Medium complexity | High complexity |
First consultation | $X | $X | $X |
Investigation stage | $X | $X | $X |
Representations to the prosecution | $X | $X | $X |
Plea of guilty and mitigation | $X | $X | $X |
Trial: preparation and pre-trial | $X | $X | $X |
Trial: each day of hearing | $X | $X | $X |
Appeal (Magistrate's Appeal) | $X | $X | $X |
How we decide complexity
Factor | Low | Medium | High |
Number of charges (including those taken into consideration) | 1–2 | 3–5 | 6 or more |
Volume of evidence | A few documents or statements | Moderate (e.g. CCTV, phone records) | Extensive (e.g. financial records, forensic reports) |
Co-accused | None | — | One or more |
Type of offence | [list] | [list] | [list] |
Expert evidence (e.g. psychiatric report) | Not needed | — | Needed |
What's included
- Included: taking instructions, reviewing evidence disclosed, letters to the prosecution, court attendances for that stage (up to [X] mentions or pre-trial conferences), and keeping you updated.
- Not included: GST, court and filing fees, costs of reports (e.g. medical or psychiatric reports), translation and interpreter fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses. We'll tell you about these before they are incurred.
- If your case moves to another stage (for example, from representations to a plea of guilty), the fee for the new stage applies.
Examples
- First-time shop theft, one charge, pleading guilty: low complexity. Consultation $X + plea and mitigation $X = $X total before GST and disbursements.
- Voluntarily causing hurt, one charge, representations then plea of guilty: low to medium complexity. Consultation $X + representations $X + plea and mitigation $X = $X total.
- Cheating, five charges, claiming trial over 3 days: high complexity. Consultation $X + trial preparation $X + 3 trial days × $X = $X total.
Matters we commonly handle
We act in a wide range of criminal matters in the State Courts, including:
- Theft and shop theft
- Voluntarily causing hurt and other violence-related offences
- Outrage of modesty and other sexual offences
- Cheating, criminal breach of trust and other financial offences
- Drug offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Drink driving and other serious traffic offences
- Harassment and offences under the Protection from Harassment Act
- Vandalism and mischief
- Youth offences and matters involving young persons
Don't see your situation here? Contact us anyway. If it's not something we handle, we'll tell you so.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer if I'm only being investigated?
You're not required to have one, but early advice can help you understand your rights, avoid mistakes in your statements and prepare for what comes next.
Can a lawyer sit in on my police interview?
In Singapore, lawyers are generally not present during police interviews. That's why it helps to speak to a lawyer before the interview, so you know what to expect.
Do I have to answer the police's questions?
Generally, you must answer truthfully, but you may decline to say things that could expose you to a criminal charge. Different rules apply when a cautioned statement is recorded. We can explain how this applies to you.
Will I be granted bail?
Most offences are bailable, though the amount and conditions depend on the offence and your circumstances. We can advise and make representations on bail for you.
What are representations?
They are written submissions to the prosecution asking it to reduce, amend or withdraw a charge, or to deal with the matter in another way. They're usually made before you decide how to plead.
Will I have a criminal record?
A conviction is generally recorded. Some records may later be treated as spent after a crime-free period, subject to conditions. Outcomes such as a warning do not result in a conviction.
How much will my case cost?
See our fixed fees above. We'll confirm the exact fee in writing after your first consultation.
Can my family contact you on my behalf?
Yes. Many of our first enquiries come from family members. We'll need your consent before discussing the details of your case with them.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Please speak to a lawyer about your specific situation.
Talk to us before you decide your next step.
Whether you've just been contacted by the police or your court date is coming up, we'll explain where you stand, what your options are, and what it will cost.
[Call us] · [WhatsApp us] · [Send an enquiry]
What to bring to your first consultation
- Your NRIC or other identification
- Any charge sheet, summons, bail bond or police letter you've received
- A copy of any statement you've given, if you have one
- Names of anyone involved and a rough timeline of what happened
- Any documents that may help, such as medical reports or messages
Here for the community. Here for you.