CRIMINAL LITIGATION SERVICES IN VIETNAM
Criminal Defense – Protection of Human Rights – Legal Risk Prevention
Vietnam’s criminal justice system follows a strict procedural framework with multiple stages, where even minor mistakes can lead to serious legal consequences. A single unfavorable statement, a procedural violation, or an incorrect legal strategy may significantly affect the outcome of a criminal case.
At DAI & PARTNERS, our criminal litigation services are built on the principles of early intervention – comprehensive defense – strategic risk control, with the ultimate goal of protecting our clients’ lawful rights and long-term interests at every stage of criminal proceedings.
Are You Feeling Anxious or Uncertain?
You have been summoned, temporarily detained, or face the risk of criminal charges but do not fully understand your legal rights
You feel overwhelmed by investigation and prosecution procedures and do not know what to do next
You are unsure how to legally protect yourself or your family members
You fear wrongful prosecution, excessive punishment, or an unfair trial
If you are facing any of these situations, engaging a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible is critical.
How Can We Support You?
1. Legal Consultation Before Criminal Charges Are Filed
The pre-indictment stage is often underestimated, yet it is a decisive period for preventing unnecessary criminal liability and protecting your legal position.
Early Protection of Legal Rights
Clear explanation of your rights and obligations when working with investigation authorities
Minimizing the risk of coerced confessions or unfavorable statements
Monitoring investigative activities to ensure procedural compliance
Legal Analysis and Risk Assessment
Assessing whether the reported conduct constitutes a criminal offense
Evaluating the likelihood of criminal prosecution
Proposing appropriate legal strategies to mitigate potential consequences
Preparation of Documents and Evidence
Collecting and organizing exculpatory or mitigating evidence
Drafting legal explanations, petitions, complaints, or counter-accusations in cases of false reporting
Lawyer’s Participation in Investigative Meetings
Accompanying clients during working sessions with police or prosecutors
Protecting clients’ lawful interests throughout the verification process
Key Objective
Clarifying the true nature of the case
Preventing wrongful prosecution or incorrect criminal charges
2. Representation Throughout the Entire Criminal Process
From Investigation to Trial
Investigation Stage – Laying the Foundation
Supervising investigative procedures for legal compliance
Attending interrogations and statement-taking sessions
Collecting exculpatory evidence and requesting forensic examinations or asset revaluation
Filing complaints or petitions in cases of procedural violations
Prosecution Stage – Reviewing the Legitimacy of Charges
Comprehensive review of case files
Assessing the legality and reasoning of investigation conclusions
Petitioning for case dismissal or charge modification when evidence is insufficient
Submitting additional documents and evidence to clarify objective facts
Trial Stage – Direct Defense Before the Court
Presenting structured and persuasive defense arguments
Challenging prosecutorial allegations lacking sufficient evidence
Requesting acquittal, reduced penalties, suspended sentences, or exemption from criminal liability where applicable
Benefits of Continuous Legal Representation
Comprehensive protection of defendants’ rights
Reduced risk of wrongful conviction or disproportionate sentencing
Increased likelihood of mitigating circumstances being recognized
Greater psychological stability for defendants and their families
3. Drafting Legal Documents, Petitions, and Complaints
Accurate, persuasive, and procedurally compliant documentation plays a decisive role in criminal proceedings.
Petitions and Legal Requests
Requests for further investigation or clarification of facts
Applications for alternative preventive measures (e.g., bail instead of detention)
Requests for forensic examinations or asset revaluation
Petitions for witness summons or evidence collection
Complaints and Allegations of Procedural Violations
Complaints regarding illegal interrogation practices or procedural misconduct
Reports of abuse of authority or violations of defendants’ rights
Applications for Sentence Mitigation
Presentation of personal background and family circumstances
Requests for application of mitigating factors
Applications for suspended sentences, non-custodial reform, or exemption from liability
Written Defense Statements
Drafting written defense submissions for court proceedings
Preparing legal explanations analyzing alleged conduct and relevant evidence
Assisting clients in clearly and lawfully presenting their positions
Value of Professional Legal Drafting
Ensures procedural accuracy and legal validity
Enhances persuasive power before authorities
Prevents technical errors that may disadvantage the defendant
4. Representation Before Investigation Authorities, Prosecutors, and Courts
Before Investigation Authorities
Participation in interrogations and evidence-gathering sessions
Submitting legal opinions and requests for supplementary investigation
Monitoring compliance with criminal procedure laws
Before the Procuracy
Challenging investigation conclusions and prosecution decisions
Petitioning for dismissal or charge adjustment
Protecting clients’ legal positions during prosecutorial review
Before the Court
Acting as defense counsel at trial
Cross-examining and rebutting prosecution arguments
Requesting appropriate sentencing or acquittal based on legal grounds
Key Advantages of Legal Representation
Avoidance of harmful statements or procedural mistakes
Reduced psychological pressure on defendants and families
Enhanced objectivity and fairness throughout proceedings
5. Defense Representation at First-Instance and Appellate Trials
A criminal trial is the stage where a defendant’s legal fate is ultimately determined. The presence of a criminal defense lawyer at both first-instance and appellate hearings plays a decisive role, not only in clearly presenting the defendant’s position, but also in mitigating penalties, securing a suspended sentence, amending charges, or even obtaining an acquittal where exculpatory evidence exists.
Defense at the First-Instance Trial
At the first-instance court hearing, our criminal defense lawyers will:
Appear in court as the defendant’s lawful defense counsel
Present legal arguments and exculpatory evidence, highlighting unclear facts, insufficient grounds for conviction, or speculative accusations
Conduct legal rebuttals against the prosecution, identifying inconsistencies or weaknesses in the indictment and investigation conclusions
Request the application of mitigating circumstances, including good personal background, remorse, voluntary compensation, cooperation, or difficult family circumstances
Advocate for leniency measures such as suspended sentences, non-custodial penalties, or exemption from criminal liability where legally applicable
Defense at the Appellate Trial
When a first-instance judgment is legally or factually inappropriate, our lawyers continue to protect the client’s rights at the appellate level by:
Drafting appeal petitions that focus on key legal and procedural issues
Identifying errors in the first-instance proceedings, such as misapplication of the law, improper evaluation of evidence, or procedural violations
Presenting new legal arguments and additional evidence to provide the appellate court with a more comprehensive view of the case
Requesting the court to amend or annul the first-instance judgment where clear legal grounds exist
Benefits of Legal Representation at Trial
Enables defendants to present their case clearly, lawfully, and strategically
Enhances the likelihood of a fair and objective review of the case
Increases the chances of sentence reduction, charge modification, or acquittal
Safeguards human rights and the right to a fair trial
Defense representation at first-instance and appellate trials is the core of criminal defense practice. A lawyer’s presence is not merely procedural—it is fundamental to protecting truth, justice, and the defendant’s lawful rights.
6. Legal Support for Families of Defendants in Evidence Collection
In many criminal cases, defendants are detained or held in custody, which severely limits their ability to gather documents and evidence for their own defense. At this stage, family members often become a crucial source of support, yet they frequently lack legal knowledge and experience in handling evidentiary materials.
Our criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive guidance to ensure that evidence is collected and submitted lawfully, strategically, and effectively.
Guidance on Lawful Evidence Collection
Our lawyers assist families by:
Identifying relevant documents and materials, such as personal records, medical files, contracts, receipts, images, videos, and electronic data
Advising on lawful methods of evidence collection, avoiding violations of privacy, confidentiality, or evidentiary integrity
Identifying potential sources of evidence, including witnesses, CCTV footage, transaction records, messages, emails, and digital logs
Review and Processing of Submitted Documents
Our legal team will:
Examine the legality and admissibility of documents before they are used in the case
Organize and systematize evidence in line with the overall defense strategy
Submit or supplement evidence to competent authorities in accordance with criminal procedure laws
Representation in Communications with Authorities
Where necessary, our lawyers may:
Act on behalf of the family to submit petitions, requests, and additional evidence
Explain the procedural progress of the case and clarify the family’s rights and obligations
Serve as a communication bridge between the defendant and family members, helping maintain psychological stability and legal clarity
Benefits of Legal Support for Families
Enables families to participate properly and effectively in the defense process
Increases the likelihood of obtaining valuable exculpatory or mitigating evidence
Minimizes legal risks and procedural errors
Ensures close coordination between lawyer – defendant – family, improving overall defense quality
Legal support for families in evidence collection is an indispensable component of criminal defense services. With proper legal guidance, family members not only assist their loved ones but also become a vital part of the pursuit of justice.
Our Commitment in Criminal Defense Services
Maximum protection of clients’ lawful rights and interests
Strategic, practical, and evidence-based legal approaches
No unrealistic guarantees, but full dedication and professional responsibility
Comprehensive support not only legally, but also strategically and psychologically
In criminal proceedings, a lawyer is not merely a defender—but a safeguard of justice and human rights.