Criminal lawyer in Bangalore

When the police are involved, time matters

A phone call from the police station, a notice to appear, or a relative picked up late in the evening. Criminal matters do not wait for office hours, and the first 24 hours often decide how the rest of the case goes. Call us as early as you can, even if you are not sure yet whether you need a lawyer.

Since 1 July 2024, criminal cases are governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, which replaced the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. Cases registered before that date still run under the old laws. We work with both.

Bail and anticipatory bail

• Anticipatory bail under Section 482 BNSS (old Section 438 CrPC), when you fear arrest in a case that has been or may be filed. The application goes to the Sessions Court or the High Court of Karnataka.
• Regular bail after arrest, before the magistrate (Section 480 BNSS) or the Sessions Court and High Court (Section 483 BNSS)
• Default bail when the police do not file the chargesheet in time
• Help with a notice to appear under Section 35 BNSS (old 41A CrPC), which in many cases means the police should not arrest at all if you cooperate

Our article on anticipatory bail in Bangalore covers the process and what the court looks at.

Bail applications for Bengaluru Urban cases are heard here and at the High Court.

FIR, complaints and quashing

• Getting an FIR registered when the police station refuses, through a complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police or a private complaint before the magistrate
• Drafting a complaint that states the facts and the offence clearly, so it is not sent back
• Petitions before the High Court to quash an FIR or proceedings that are false or purely civil in nature (Section 528 BNSS, old Section 482 CrPC)

Cybercrime

Online fraud, UPI and card fraud, fake investment apps, sextortion, morphed photos and impersonation. Bengaluru has CEN (Cyber, Economic and Narcotics) police stations that handle these cases. If money has just left your account, call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in first. Then talk to us about the FIR and getting funds frozen or returned.

NDPS and other serious cases

Cases under the NDPS Act carry strict bail conditions, especially for commercial quantities, and need careful handling from day one. We also defend cases involving cheating, criminal breach of trust, dowry harassment, assault and economic offences, from the bail stage through the trial.

Questions people ask

Can I get anticipatory bail before an FIR is filed?

Yes, if you have a real and specific reason to believe you may be arrested. A general fear is not enough. The court will want to see what the threat or the complaint is.

What should I do if the police call me to the station?

Ask whether it is a formal notice. Do not ignore it. Take a copy of any notice, call your lawyer before you go, and do not sign a statement you have not read.

How much does a criminal lawyer charge in Bangalore?

Bail applications are usually quoted as a fixed fee per court. A trial is quoted per stage or per hearing. See lawyer fees in Bangalore for how this usually works.

Will my case details be kept private?

Yes. Everything you tell your advocate is privileged and confidential.