Represent Yourself In A Criminal Trial - Singapore Courts

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Criminal
Charged with a crime

Represent yourself in a criminal trial

Find out what the steps in a criminal trial are and what you should prepare if you choose to conduct your case without a lawyer.

What is a trial

A trial is a process by which a judge will assess the evidence and decide whether you are guilty of an offence.

During the trial, the prosecution will produce evidence against you. You can also produce evidence in your defence.

At the end of the trial, the judge will decide whether to convict or acquit you on the charges. If you are convicted, the judge will proceed to sentence you. If you are acquitted, there will be no punishment.

If you claim trial

If you intend to plead not guilty at Mentions Court, this means you are claiming trial.

Claiming trial means you dispute the charges and would like a court hearing to defend yourself. You will be asked if you wish to engage a lawyer, if you are not represented.

If you wish to engage a lawyer, you will be given time to do so. Once the case is ready for trial, the court will schedule the case for trial.

Tip You may apply to change your trial dates via the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS) (for State Courts cases) or by sending an email to [email protected](for Supreme Court cases) if you have valid reasons for being unable to attend court on the scheduled dates.

Criminal trial step-by-step

Understand what is involved in the criminal trial process.

Before your case is fixed for trial

Preparing your case for trial

The judge may schedule a pre-trial conference (PTC) to prepare both sides for the trial. In specific types of cases, a criminal case disclosure conference (CCDC) may be scheduled, in which both you and the prosecution will state your positions and outline your evidence.

Pre-trial conference
Criminal case disclosure conference

After your case is fixed for trial

Attend your trial

Once the case is ready for trial, the matter will be fixed for hearing. You will be informed of the date, time and place of hearing.

Prepare for a criminal trial
At your criminal trial

2021/07/23

Need help?

The information here is for general guidance as the courts do not provide legal advice. If you need further help, you may seek independent legal advice or community resources.

Find out more

Resources

Guides

Refer to:

Guidebook for Accused in Person (English) (PDF, 1705 KB)
Guidebook for Accused in Person (Chinese) (PDF, 4852 KB)
Guidebook for Accused in Person (Malay) (PDF, 2638 KB)
Guidebook for Accused in Person (Tamil) (PDF, 2208 KB)

Relevant legislationLegislation associated with this topic includes:

Part XII (Section 229 to 235) of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The Evidence Act.

Practice directionsRefer to:

Part XIV of the Supreme Court Practice Directions for cases heard in the Supreme Court.
Part XVIII of the State Courts Practice Directions for cases heard in the State Courts.

Go to Step-by-step guide