Criminal Lawyer in Korea for Foreigners

What counts as a criminal case for a foreigner in Korea?

Assault, fraud, threats, and “I only argued” files are all charged under the Korean Criminal Act once police open a case. The first statement often travels with the file to prosecutors.

This page is the procedure hub. Drug, DUI, and sex-crime files have their own desks because the statutes, tests, and visa consequences split there.

What happens in the 48 hours after arrest in Korea?

Police may apply for a detention warrant within 48 hours of arrest under the Criminal Procedure Act. After a warrant, the investigation-stage detention clock is counted in days, not “until we finish talking.”

Ask for an interpreter and consular access under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, art. 36. Do not waive either to “get this over with.”

What penalties can a criminal conviction carry?

Sentencing follows the charged article — for example Criminal Act assault and bodily-injury counts are not the same statutory range. Fines, suspended sentences, and prison are all on the table once prosecutors indict.

A prior record in Korea is visible on later visa and charging decisions. We map the count before anyone bargains on remorse language.

Will a criminal conviction affect my Korean visa?

A guilty finding can support refusal of stay extension and, in serious files, deportation under the Immigration Act. The visa team and the criminal desk have to read the same judgment.

Even a fine can show up when you next extend a work, study, or marriage stay. That risk is why the first interview cannot be treated as a private conversation.

What should I not do if Korean police call me?

Do not attend an interview alone, do not “just explain,” and do not sign a Korean statement you cannot read. You may remain silent, demand an interpreter, and request consular notice.

If you are already at a station, call 1600-9886 before you fill the next box. A short delay is cheaper than a sentence that cannot be walked back.

Have similar foreigner files been handled at this desk?

Mediation settled — Divorce mediation: fault proven; property division and custody kept

Near-minimum sentence — Unreported sheltering of a runaway youth under the Missing Children Act: leniency after indictment

Fine — Defamation by false statements on a livestream: fine