The questions this chamber is asked most often, answered plainly. Nothing here is advice on a specific case — for that, the first consultation is free.
Consultation and fees
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. The first conversation — on the phone, on WhatsApp or at chambers — costs nothing and carries no obligation. You will get a read on your position and an indication of cost before any engagement is discussed.
How much does a criminal lawyer charge in Delhi?
Fees depend on the stage, the forum and the complexity, and anyone quoting a single figure without knowing the case is guessing. What you should expect is a written quote, stage by stage, before drafting begins. An anticipatory bail application has a defined scope and can be priced clearly. A full trial cannot be priced honestly on day one.
Are court fees included?
No. Court fees, process fees and certified copy charges are actual expenses incurred on your behalf and are billed at cost, not as a margin.
Can you guarantee a result?
No, and neither can anyone else. Bail depends on the court. An acquittal depends on the evidence. A guaranteed result should make you walk away.
Arrest and bail
What are my rights if I am arrested?
To be told why you are being arrested; to have a relative or friend informed; to consult a lawyer of your choice; to an arrest memo signed and timed with a witness; to a medical examination; not to incriminate yourself; and to be produced before a Magistrate within 24 hours. Women may not ordinarily be arrested between sunset and sunrise.
How quickly can anticipatory bail be filed?
Where the papers are available and the facts are clear, the same working day before the Sessions Court. Weekend and holiday emergencies go through the duty magistrate arrangement.
What is default bail?
If the chargesheet is not filed within 60 or 90 days (depending on the offence) and the accused is in custody, default bail becomes an indefeasible right under Section 187 BNSS. But it must be claimed before the chargesheet is filed — once it lands, the right is gone.
Cyber and financial
My bank account has been frozen. What do I do first?
Ask your bank in writing for the freeze reference — the date, the police unit and the disputed amount. Nothing can move until you know which unit in which state is holding the money. Then assemble documents proving the credit was legitimate. See the frozen account page.
I lost money to online fraud. Can it be recovered?
Sometimes, and speed is the only variable you control. Call 1930 immediately and file at cybercrime.gov.in the same day. Write to your bank within three working days to protect your liability position. After weeks, recovery becomes much harder.
I received an ED summons. Do I have to go?
Yes — non-attendance is an offence. But attend prepared and with counsel engaged, because a Section 50 PMLA statement is recorded on oath and is admissible against you.
Matrimonial
A 498A FIR names my whole family. What happens now?
Anticipatory bail for everyone named is the first priority — the offence is non-bailable. Preserve all records. Do not contact the complainant. Then assess quashing person by person; omnibus allegations against relatives in other cities are the strongest candidates.
How long does a mutual consent divorce take?
Six to nine months typically, including the cooling-off period between first and second motion. The Supreme Court has held the six-month period can be waived where separation is long-standing and the settlement genuine.
Who gets custody of the children?
The court decides on the welfare of the child. For children of tender years there is a presumption in favour of the mother, but it is a presumption and not a rule. Continuity, the primary caregiver until now, and each parent's willingness to facilitate the other's relationship with the child all weigh heavily.
General
I live outside Delhi. Can you act for me?
Yes. Consultations by phone and video, documents by WhatsApp or email, and appearance on your behalf where personal presence is not legally required. Cyber and economic offence complaints are often registered in districts the client has never visited.
What is the difference between the IPC and the BNS?
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaced the Indian Penal Code from 1 July 2024, along with the BNSS replacing the CrPC and the BSA replacing the Evidence Act. Offences committed before that date continue under the old law; offences after it fall under the new. Section numbers have changed — 420 IPC is now 318 BNS, 498A is now 85 BNS, 438 CrPC is now 482 BNSS.
Your question not here? Call +91 82954 13475 — the first consultation is free.