A criminal allegation in Nepal moves fast — from FIR to remand to charge sheet in a matter of weeks. What you say in the first 24 hours, and whether an advocate is present when you say it, often shapes the entire case. Our defence practice covers the full life of a criminal matter: police investigation, remand and bail hearings, trial before the District Court, and appeals all the way to the Supreme Court.
We build defences on evidence, not assurances. That means independently verifying the prosecution's case — seizure memos (बरामदी मुचुल्का), witness statements, forensic and medical reports — and challenging every link that does not hold. Most criminal cases in Nepal are tried by the District Court at first instance, with the government attorney prosecuting and the accused defended by counsel of choice.
The Nepalese laws that govern this area — what each one does in your matter.
Defines substantive offences — homicide (Ch. 12), sexual offences (Ch. 18), fraud and forgery (Ch. 25), defamation — and grades punishments from fines to life imprisonment.
Fines → life imprisonment (25 yrs, or whole life for aggravated murder)
Governs investigation, remand, prosecution, trial, judgment and execution. Special laws override it only where they make separate procedural provision.
24-hr production · remand capped at 25 + 15 days
Guarantees the right to counsel, protection against self-incrimination, production before court within 24 hours, and the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Art. 133) and High Courts (Art. 144).
Habeas corpus & writ remedies against unlawful action
Controls what counts as proof — confessions to police are inadmissible unless corroborated, and illegally obtained evidence can be excluded.
Gives victims participatory rights in the trial, which a defence team must factor into plea and settlement strategy.
Interim compensation payable from the Victim Fund
First contact & custody visit
We reach the police station, confirm the allegation and FIR status, and ensure no statement is given without counsel present.
Remand & bail hearings
We oppose unnecessary detention and argue for release on bail, bond or recognizance at the earliest hearing.
Charge-sheet scrutiny
Once the government attorney files the charge sheet, we dissect every charge, witness and exhibit for legal holes.
Trial — examination & cross
We cross-examine prosecution witnesses, lead defence evidence, and argue the case on law and fact before the District Court.
Judgment, sentence & appeal
If convicted, we advise on appeal to the High Court and, where the law permits, to the Supreme Court — including revision and review.
Punishments at stake
Penalties under the Penal Code scale with gravity: fines and short terms for minor offences, multi-year terms for grave offences (over 3 up to 10 years), and life imprisonment — 25 years, or the whole of natural life for cruel or rape-murder — for heinous offences.
Can I get a lawyer at the police station?
Yes. The Constitution guarantees counsel of your choice from the moment of arrest. Ask for your advocate before answering any questions beyond identifying yourself.
Who prosecutes criminal cases in Nepal?
The government attorney (सरकारी वकिल) decides, after police investigation, whether a case proceeds to court and then prosecutes it. Private complaints in government-party cases still run through this office.
Which court will hear my case?
Almost all criminal cases start in the District Court. Appeals go to the High Court, and from there to the Supreme Court only where the law permits — for example, sentences of 10 years or more.
General legal information for public awareness — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an advocate →