Criminal Law
Facing legal challenges in a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to criminal matters. If you are a foreigner in Korea facing investigation, detention, or trial, Kang & Shin is here to help. As English speaking lawyers in Korea, we specialize in representing foreigners and expatriates. We are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, from initial police investigations to court trials. With a focus on strategic advocacy, our priority is to intervene early, protect your legal rights, and minimize the impact on your visa status.
Our criminal defense practice covers the full range of criminal charges, including assault, theft, fraud, drug offenses, defamation, sexual assault, and cybercrimes. We recognize the distinct challenges that foreigners encounter in the Korean legal system, including language barriers and cultural differences. Our role is to stand beside you and fight for the best possible outcome.
In addition to criminal defense, we also assist foreigners who have been victims of a crime in Korea. If you have experienced wrongdoing, we can file a criminal complaint on your behalf and initiate a formal investigation. Our attorneys communicate directly with the police and prosecutors to ensure your case is clearly presented, protecting your rights and making sure your voice is heard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to frequently asked questions.
For a personalized consultation regarding your specific case, please contact us.
1. What should I do if I am contacted by the Korean police as a suspect?
If you’re contacted by the police for questioning, it’s important not to panic, but also not to go alone. You have the right to legal representation, and we strongly recommend contacting an English speaking criminal defense lawyer as early as possible. At Kang & Shin, we attend interrogations with you to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Can I have a lawyer present during questioning ?
Yes, absolutely. Under Korean law, you have the right to be accompanied by a lawyer during police or prosecution questioning. This is especially important for foreign nationals, as it helps prevent misunderstandings due to language barriers and cultural differences. At Kang & Shin, our attorneys will be by your side, advocating on your behalf and working to prevent any disadvantage.
3. What types of criminal cases does your firm handle?
We handle the full spectrum of criminal offenses, including assault, theft, fraud, drug offenses, defamation, sexual assault, and cybercrimes. Whether you’re facing a minor offense or a serious charge, we provide a comprehensive defense tailored to the needs of foreign nationals in Korea.
4. Will a conviction affect my visa or immigration status in Korea?
Yes, it’s possible. Certain criminal charges or convictions can impact your visa or immigration status, potentially leading to visa cancellation, denial of extension, or even deportation. One of our priorities at Kang & Shin is minimizing immigration-related consequences by managing your criminal case strategically from the beginning.
5. I’m a foreigner and a victim of a crime in Korea. Can I file a criminal complaint?
Absolutely. Foreign nationals in Korea have the right to report crimes and seek justice. We assist non-Korean speakers in preparing and filing criminal complaints, ensuring that the report is clearly understood by the police and accurately reflects the harm you have suffered.
6. Can your law firm assist me even if I don’t speak Korean?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of our areas of expertise. We are fluent in English and highly experienced in representing foreigners and non-Korean speakers. All legal advice, strategies, and documents will be explained in plain English to ensure you clearly understand your legal position and proceed with confidence.
7. How do I schedule a consultation?
You can reach Kang & Shin through our website’s Contact page, email us directly, or call our office during business hours. Once we hear from you, we’ll arrange a consultation. We offer both online and in person consultations, whichever is most convenient for you.