Criminal Law
Seoul Law Group represents foreign-national victims, suspects, defendants, and complainants in criminal cases before Korean police, prosecutors’ offices, and courts. Our attorneys accompany clients through investigations, visit detention facilities when necessary, prepare and submit defense opinions and supporting materials, negotiate settlements, and advise on the immigration consequences that can follow a criminal disposition. This includes representing U.S. service members, civilian employees, contractors, and their family members in SOFA-related criminal matters.
“A passion for justice, the experience to win.”
Assault
Assault under Korean law covers a range of conduct, from minor physical altercations to aggravated assault causing bodily harm. Penalties depend on the severity of the injury, whether a weapon was involved, and the relationship between the parties. Seoul Law Group reviews the specific facts of each case, advises clients on their legal options, and represents both those facing assault charges and victims seeking legal recourse.
Defamation
Defamation in Korea can be prosecuted as a criminal offense, even when the underlying statement is true, if it damages another person’s reputation. Online defamation – including posts, comments, and messages – is treated particularly seriously under Korean law. Seoul Law Group represents both individuals accused of defamation and those seeking to pursue a defamation claim.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence refers to an offense committed against someone with whom the perpetrator shares a close relationship – including physical abuse, sexual harassment, or other forms of abuse among family members. It can also involve current or former partners, and in some cases affects children or elderly family members. Seoul Law Group advises and represents both individuals facing domestic violence allegations and those seeking protection or legal recourse.
Drug-related crimes
Korea maintains strict regulations against drug-related crimes, including substances that are legal in some other countries, such as marijuana. Possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs can result in significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment. Seoul Law Group advises clients on their legal options and represents them throughout the criminal process.
Drunk driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs to a degree that affects the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Korean law and public attitudes toward drunk driving have both grown significantly stricter in recent years, and penalties can be severe even for first-time offenses. Seoul Law Group advises and represents clients facing DUI charges in Korea.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a financial crime involving a breach of trust – for example, when someone misuses company assets for personal benefit. Under Korean law, embezzlement can result in imprisonment and/or fines, with penalties increasing significantly for larger amounts involved. Seoul Law Group advises clients on their rights and obligations and represents them in embezzlement matters.
Fraud (Voice Phishing, etc.)
Fraud involves deceiving another person to obtain an illegal profit, whether for oneself or a third party. Because fraud cases typically involve complex financial records, transaction histories, and extensive documentation, handling them effectively requires broad experience with this type of evidence. Seoul Law Group has the knowledge and experience to manage fraud cases, including voice phishing and related financial crimes.
Juvenile crimes
Juvenile crime refers to unlawful conduct committed by a minor. In Korea, children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen may be subject to either the standard criminal justice system or a separate process under the Juvenile Act, depending on the nature of the offense. Which procedure applies can determine whether the case results in a formal criminal record. Seoul Law Group advises families on how the juvenile justice system may apply to their case.
Sexual offenses
Sexual offenses cover a range of conduct, including sexual interference, exploitation, prostitution-related offenses, and sexual assault. Penalties in Korea can be severe and depend on factors such as the nature of the charges, the complainant’s age, any position of authority held by the accused, and prior criminal history. Seoul Law Group advises and represents clients involved in sexual offense matters.
White-collar Crime
White-collar crime refers to financially motivated, nonviolent offenses typically committed by individuals in business or government positions. Korean law criminalizes certain business practices that may not be regulated the same way in other countries, which can sometimes result in foreign residents facing charges without having been aware the conduct was illegal in Korea. Seoul Law Group advises clients on Korean regulatory requirements and represents them in white-collar crime matters.
