刑事訴訟

Being arrested, charged, or investigated for a criminal offence is one of the most terrifying experiences a person can face. The police have extensive powers. The prosecution has vast resources. And the criminal justice system moves quickly—often too quickly for an unprepared individual to protect their rights.

At Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary, we are your shield. We provide fearless, strategic, and responsive criminal defence representation at every stage of the criminal process—from the moment of arrest, through police interviews and bail applications, to plea negotiations, trial, and sentencing.

We do not judge. We do not assume guilt. We do one thing: we defend your rights, your liberty, and your future with every legal tool available.

Individuals Under Investigation

Arrested, detained, or invited for police interviews. We attend with you and protect your rights from the very first question.

Tourists & Visitors

Charged with offences while visiting Hong Kong. We navigate the foreign legal system on your behalf and secure your release where possible.

Professionals & Executives

Facing white-collar charges, regulatory offences, or allegations that threaten your career and reputation.

Business Owners & Directors

Responding to corporate criminal investigations, fraud allegations, or Companies Registry offences.

Young Offenders & Students

Facing youth court proceedings. We advocate for rehabilitation-focused outcomes and diversionary options.

Families of Detained Persons

Seeking urgent legal access to a loved one in police custody, immigration detention, or correctional facilities.

1. Initial Advice, Police Interviews & Legal Visits

The moment you are arrested or invited for a police interview, you are at your most vulnerable. The police are trained to extract information. You are stressed, scared, and likely unaware of your rights.

Our solicitors provide:

Immediate legal advice over the phone or in person, 24/7.

Attendance at police stations for interviews under caution. We advise you before, during, and after every question.

Advising on your right to silence and when to exercise it.

Reviewing evidence disclosed by the police and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Legal visits to correctional facilities if you are detained, ensuring your welfare and advising on next steps.

2. Bail Applications (Police Bail & Court Bail)

Being remanded in custody—even for a few days—can have catastrophic consequences for your job, your family, and your mental health. Securing bail is often the single most urgent priority in a criminal case.

We handle:

Police station bail applications at the time of arrest.

Urgent court bail applications if the police refuse bail and you are detained for a court hearing.

Bail variation applications to modify conditions (such as travel restrictions or reporting requirements).

Appeals against refusal of bail to a Judge in chambers.

We present compelling evidence—including character references, employment records, and family ties—to persuade the court that you are not a flight risk and will not re-offend. We push for bail at every available opportunity.

3. Pleas, Mitigation & Sentencing Hearings

If the evidence against you is strong, a guilty plea at the right time can significantly reduce your sentence. Hong Kong courts allow a discount of up to one-third for an early guilty plea. But pleading guilty is a serious decision—one that must be made with full knowledge of the consequences.

We advise you on:

Whether to plead guilty or not guilty, based on a frank assessment of the evidence.

The timing of your plea—an early plea is often the most beneficial for sentencing.

Preparing compelling mitigation submissions—telling your story in a way that humanizes you and persuades the court to be lenient.

Character references, medical reports, and letters of apology that support your plea.

Sentencing hearings—advocating for the lowest possible penalty, including fines, community service, probation, or conditional discharge.

We have deep experience in sentencing advocacy. We know the sentencing guidelines and benchmarks for almost every criminal offence in Hong Kong and use that knowledge to argue for the most favourable outcome.

4. Trial Defence (Magistrates' Court, District Court & High Court)

We are seasoned trial advocates with experience across all three tiers of Hong Kong's criminal courts:

Magistrates' Court – Summary offences, less serious charges.

District Court – Indictable offences (excluding the most serious).

Court of First Instance (High Court) – Very serious offences, including murder, serious drug trafficking, and complex fraud. Trials are heard before a Judge and jury.

At trial, we:

Test the prosecution's evidence through rigorous cross-examination of their witnesses.

Call defence witnesses, including expert witnesses where necessary.

Challenge the admissibility of improperly obtained evidence (such as coerced confessions, unlawful searches, or admissions obtained in breach of your rights).

Present compelling closing submissions that undermine the prosecution's case and raise reasonable doubt.

5. Appeals (Conviction & Sentence)

If you have been convicted and you believe the court made an error—whether on the facts, the law, or the severity of the sentence—we advise on and pursue appeals.

We handle:

Appeals against conviction to the Court of Appeal.

Appeals against sentence to the Court of Appeal.

Final appeals to the Court of Final Appeal (leave required).

Appeals are subject to strict time limits. If you have been convicted, you must act quickly.

Every moment matters. The police are already building their case against you. Do not speak to them alone. Do not assume you can "explain your way out of it." You need a lawyer—and you need one now.

Contact Jal N. Karbhari, Solicitors & Notary today for urgent, confidential criminal defence advice.

Call us: +(852) 2367 7577
Email us: inquiries@karbharilaw.com

Visit us

Rooms 703-705, 7/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building, No. 25 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong