LegalCops Lawyer Directory · Criminal Law
Criminal Lawyers in India
Whether you are accused, a complainant or a witness, a criminal lawyer protects your rights from the FIR stage to trial and appeal. Find criminal advocates by city and court.
Criminal law in India after 1 July 2024
Since 1 July 2024, offences committed on or after that date are governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), procedure by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and evidence by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA). These replaced the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act. Older cases may still run under the earlier laws.
Early legal advice matters in criminal cases. Decisions taken at the FIR, arrest or bail stage can affect the entire case.
Matters a criminal lawyer commonly handles
Bail and anticipatory bail
Regular bail after arrest and anticipatory bail where arrest is apprehended.
FIR and police complaints
Help to register an FIR, complaints to senior police officers or a Magistrate when police do not act.
Quashing proceedings
Petitions before the High Court to quash an FIR or proceedings in suitable cases.
Cheque bounce
Notices and complaints under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and defence of such cases.
Fraud, cheating and cybercrime
Financial fraud, online cheating, identity misuse and related offences.
Trial and appeals
Defence or prosecution assistance at trial and appeals or revisions against orders and judgments.
How the process usually works
- Understand the allegation. The lawyer studies the FIR, complaint or notice and the sections invoked.
- Protect liberty. Where needed, the lawyer applies for anticipatory bail or bail and advises on police notices and questioning.
- Investigation stage. Representations, documents and evidence are placed before the investigating officer.
- Charge sheet and trial. After the police report, the court frames charges; evidence and cross-examination follow.
- Judgment and remedies. Appeal, revision or other remedies against the outcome are considered within limitation.
Laws that commonly apply
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) — defines offences and punishments.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) — arrest, bail, investigation and trial procedure.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA) — rules of evidence, including electronic records.
- Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 — cheque dishonour (Section 138).
- Information Technology Act, 2000 — certain cyber offences.
- Article 21 of the Constitution — protection of life and personal liberty.
Which law applies depends on your facts, your religion or marriage law where relevant, and the State. Read the official text on India Code or ask an advocate.
Documents to keep ready
- Copy of the FIR or complaint (FIRs are generally available online or from the police station)
- Any police notice or summons received
- Your written account of events with dates
- Messages, emails, bank statements or other evidence
- Identity and address proof
- Earlier court orders, if any
Choosing the right criminal lawyer
- Look for an advocate who regularly practises in the court where the case is pending — Magistrate, Sessions Court or High Court.
- For anticipatory bail or quashing, experience before the High Court of your State is useful.
- Confirm the advocate’s enrolment with a State Bar Council and ask about experience in the specific court where your matter is (or will be) filed.
- Ask for a written estimate of fees and likely expenses (court fees, stamp duty, travel) before you engage the lawyer.
Browse criminal lawyers by specialisation
You can also narrow results by city, court, language and years of experience on the Find a Lawyer page.
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Frequently asked questions
What is anticipatory bail?
It is a direction by a Sessions Court or High Court that a person be released on bail if arrested in a case. Under the BNSS it is provided in Section 482 (earlier Section 438 CrPC). Courts decide each application on its facts.
Which law applies to my case — IPC or BNS?
Generally, offences committed before 1 July 2024 continue under the IPC and CrPC, while those committed on or after that date fall under the BNS and BNSS. Your lawyer will confirm for your case.
Can a cheque bounce complaint be filed immediately?
No. The payee must send a written demand notice within 30 days of learning of the dishonour, and the drawer gets 15 days to pay. A complaint can then be filed within the time allowed by law.
Can the police refuse to register an FIR?
For cognizable offences police are required to register information. If they do not, you may approach the Superintendent of Police and, after that, the Magistrate. A lawyer can guide you on the correct steps.
Speak to a criminal lawyer
Search lawyer listings by city and court, or ask LegalCops to help you connect with an advocate.
Disclaimer: This page gives general legal information about Indian law for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. LegalCops is a legal-information and lawyer-discovery platform, not a law firm, and does not recommend or guarantee the services or results of any lawyer. Laws and procedures change and depend on facts and on the State concerned; please consult an advocate about your own matter. Lawyer profiles are published on the information supplied by the lawyers themselves; LegalCops does not solicit work for any advocate.