EP renewal - police investigation

[PNGMK]

I would have thought so too, but the money was paid back 6 months ago

Just heard back that the police want to charge me next week and then want me in court the following morning. I need a Singaporean bailor too.

Can anyone please recommend:
1) a good criminal lawyer;
2) usual course of proceedings here. Will I be given a sentence at court straight away? Or is there a trial period? I’ve already admitted to everything and so have nothing more to defend, apart from any sentence.

1. Ring the law society and ask for referrals. You've left this awfully late.
2. If this is a hearing in front of a magistrate then it's likely to be a trial and you will be sentenced and imprisoned on the same day if that is the sentence.

What section of the code are you being charged under.

[PNGMK]

I would have thought so too, but the money was paid back 6 months ago

Just heard back that the police want to charge me next week and then want me in court the following morning. I need a Singaporean bailor too.

Can anyone please recommend:
1) a good criminal lawyer;
2) usual course of proceedings here. Will I be given a sentence at court straight away? Or is there a trial period? I’ve already admitted to everything and so have nothing more to defend, apart from any sentence.

Just for a delayed payment it is really hard to imagine any criminal charges indeed. But it would be a different story if:
- this is a fraud (e.g.: taking money with no intention to pay them back).
- falsification of the documents (forgery) - if based on such documents you got the money
or both.

In such cases paying back will help but may not stop the charges.

I agree there must be an element of criminality (theft, fraud, forgery). It would make no sense otherwise. Very unfortunate but we have seen in this forum before that the SPF rarely give out free passes on charges around theft like activities. I can understand OP wanting to be a bit obtuse on the matter however.

[Warrup]

Thank you all
I haven’t been told the exact charges, will find out next week.
Have found a lawyer, but it’s not looking good. Wife is pregnant and I also have another young child. I’m hoping I have enough mitigating factors to escape a sentence but unlikely.
Biggest problem is I need a Singaporean bailor but don’t know anybody willing to do so.

[Warrup]

Not theft, but perhaps they will try pursue fraud, forgery or cheating

[PNGMK]

Thank you all
I haven’t been told the exact charges, will find out next week.
Have found a lawyer, but it’s not looking good. Wife is pregnant and I also have another young child. I’m hoping I have enough mitigating factors to escape a sentence but unlikely.
Biggest problem is I need a Singaporean bailor but don’t know anybody willing to do so.

You might need to ask around at work or you social haunts / church. It's not a big deal for the bailor but if you don't get one you will end up in jail on remand pending matters. I'd offer but I'm only an SPR and I think you need an SC.

How much the amount involved? That does have an impact along with how you committed the crime (i.e how premature the intent was, whether is involved force or intimidation etc).

[Warrup]

Thank you sir.
They said either SPR or SC but the lawyer said it would be better to go with SC otherwise you risk the judge not accepting.

[PNGMK]

OK, you don't need that aggravation. If you're a member of a church, temple, society or similar ask around there. Also consider asking your employer (my employer bailed me back in the 80's over a traffic accident I was arrested for - as he was a well known member of the community in high standing it was a help).