
Legal Q&A
Q
Views3,717
I received a call from the police and have to undergo an investigation, but I have no idea at all how much the costs of criminal litigation come to. Since this is my first time experiencing this, I am also unsure whether I absolutely must retain a lawyer, and I would like to know whether there is a big difference in cost between a case that ends at the investigation stage and one that goes to trial. I would also like to know in what order I should prepare before the investigation and what responses I absolutely must make at this stage.
Costs of criminal litigation
Answer
Published:
Author : DongIl PARK
The costs of criminal litigation vary depending on the stage to which the case proceeds, and the cost structure is divided according to whether it is at the investigation stage or the trial stage.
Rather than being set as a lump sum from the outset, the costs of criminal litigation often arise in stages according to the progress of the case.
First, at the police investigation stage, organizing statements, responding to the investigation, and reviewing evidence are central, and the costs of criminal litigation at this stage consist of initial-response costs.
If the case is concluded at this stage, the overall cost burden can be relatively limited.
On the other hand, where the case is referred to the prosecution or is indicted and proceeds to trial, the costs of criminal litigation can increase as trial preparation, establishing a defense strategy, and responding to witness examination are added.
Therefore, it is realistic to understand that the costs of criminal litigation vary depending on how far the case proceeds.
As you asked, before the investigation it is important to respond in the following order.
1. Organizing the circumstances of the case
Organizing, in chronological order, when, where, and in what situation it occurred
2. Securing evidence
Checking objective materials such as messages, call records, and CCTV
3. Setting the direction of your statement
Checking in advance the parts that could be unfavorable or misunderstood
4. Preparing to respond to the investigation
Organizing answers to anticipated questions and reviewing the manner of response
Because in criminal cases the initial statement is often reflected as is in the subsequent investigation and trial, it is very important to organize the flow of the case and the direction of response before the investigation.
Ultimately, although the costs of criminal litigation vary depending on the stage of the case, what matters more than cost is the initial response, and the outcome of the case and the overall burden can vary greatly depending on whether you prepare before the investigation.

Daeryun's own AI·IT-driven litigation strategy
240+ key members
1,200+ client requests per month
* 2026년 1월 변호사협회 경유증표 발급 기준
In compliance with Article 4(1) of the Korean Bar Association Advertising Rules
Every consultation is reviewed by a specialist attorney first,
so consultations are conducted by appointment.
Phone
1800-7905
Available 24/7, 365 days a year


Online Consultation
Legal services
for our clients.

Chat
Get a quick consultation via chat.
Related Members
More
DongIl PARK
T. 070-5221-3616
Attorney Qualified as a Foreign Legal Consultant in Singapore · International Litigation/School Violence/Evidence Investigation Law Attorney

JinWon KIM
T. 070-7510-1046
Experience as Chief Prosecutor at the Changwon District Prosecutors' Office · Drug/Security/Digital Forensics/Evidence Investigation Law Attorney
All fields At a glance
1/0