Johor Bahru
Criminal defence lawyers in Johor Bahru
How criminal matters for clients in Johor Bahru usually run, which courts hear them, and where to find our office.
Chris & Partners acts for clients in Johor Bahru on criminal matters. Dr Chee Hui Bing, who leads the firm, is an Advocate & Solicitor and a former medical doctor. We work in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese.
Courts that hear these matters
- Johor Bahru Magistrates' Court: civil claims up to RM100,000 and minor criminal matters
- Johor Bahru Sessions Court: civil claims from RM100,001 to RM1 million and intermediate criminal matters
- Johor Bahru High Court (Sultan Ismail Court Complex): civil claims above RM1 million, divorce petitions and serious criminal matters
How the process usually works
- After arrest, bail is the first concern; bail is governed mainly by sections 387 and 388 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- The charge decides the court: minor matters in the Magistrates' Court, intermediate matters in the Sessions Court, serious matters in the High Court.
- We review the charge and the evidence, and advise on representations to the prosecution or on trial.
- If convicted, an appeal may be filed within the time allowed.
Our office for Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru (Setia Tropika)
No. 8-01, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/29, Taman Setia Tropika, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Johor Bahru (Setia Tropika) · Google Maps · Waze
Common questions
What should I do if I am arrested?
Stay calm and ask to contact a lawyer. Under section 28A of the Criminal Procedure Code you may consult a lawyer, and you should not sign any statement, cautioned or otherwise, that you do not understand or have not had advice on. If possible, let your family know where you are being held so they can arrange help.
How does bail work in a Malaysian criminal case?
Bail is governed mainly by sections 387 and 388 of the Criminal Procedure Code. For bailable offences listed in the First Schedule, bail is a matter of right. For non-bailable offences, the court has discretion and considers the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the case, the risk of absconding or interfering with witnesses, previous record and ties to the community.
Is the death penalty still mandatory for drug trafficking?
No. The Abolition of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 made the death sentence discretionary for drug trafficking under section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The trial court can now impose either death or life imprisonment with whipping. Act 847 also allows prisoners previously under a mandatory death or life sentence to apply to the Federal Court for re-sentencing.
What is the difference between drug possession and trafficking?
Possession means having control over the drug. Trafficking means dealing with it, such as transporting or supplying it. Quantity is the key trigger: above the thresholds in section 37(da) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, possession alone raises a presumption of trafficking. The accused can rebut it by proving, on the balance of probabilities, that the drugs were not for trafficking.
Guides on this topic
- Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 — Prosecution Trends 2024-2025
- Syed Saddiq’s Final Acquittal: A 2-1 Federal Court Ruling on Proving Dishonesty
- Najib’s Conditional Pardon and House Arrest: What It Does and Does Not Do
- Real but Not Valid: The High Court on Najib’s Addendum Order and Article 42
- Medical Insanity v Legal Insanity: How Section 84 of the Penal Code Works
- A Second Look at Death Row: What Act 847 Resentencing Did, and Where It Stops
Every matter is different, and timelines depend on the court and the parties. This page is general information, not legal advice. Criminal defence
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