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5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Hong Kong for Tough Cases
I’ve hired a great HK DUI lawyer before, so I know how quickly one bad night can turn into a proper legal headache.
When the stakes are higher, finding the best criminal defense lawyer in Hong Kong matters even more. You want someone who can handle everything from police interviews to fraud allegations without making the whole ordeal feel even more intimidating.
We looked at local firms that can step in when things get seriously messy and help you understand what comes next. These are the ones you can trust to be on your side.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Hong Kong?
Private criminal defense lawyers may charge around 2,000 to 12,000+ per hour. Fees depend on seniority and case complexity.
Trainee solicitors may charge about 1,400 to 3,500 per hour. Junior solicitors or barristers may cost around 2,000 to 3,000 per hour.
Senior partners or Senior Counsel may charge 5,000 to 12,000+ per hour. An initial consultation or police station attendance may start at around 8,000 as a fixed fee.
All costs are in Hong Kong dollars.
1. Chaudhry Solicitors
Address: 212, 2/f, Hankow Centre, 5-15 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: +852 2555 7676 | Fax: +852 2555 7638 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM – 6 PM
What stood out to me about Chaudhry Solicitors is how far they can stay with a case. They handle matters from police investigations right through to the High Court, which is handy when things get complicated fast.
Their criminal work covers serious allegations such as fraud, drug trafficking, assault, and extradition.
They’re also experienced with investigations involving bodies like the Independent Commission Against Corruption, so this isn’t a team that only handles minor scrapes.
I like that the firm keeps an after-hours contact available too. If you’re dealing with an arrest or urgent police matter, that extra access can make a very stressful situation feel a bit less chaotic.
The main drawback is that Chaudhry Solicitors was only established in 2017. That gives the firm a shorter track record than some of Hong Kong’s longer-standing criminal practices, even though the principal solicitor brings more than a decade of experience.
Exceptional and Diligent Legal Representation
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional representation provided by CHAUDHRY SOLICITORS/JOHN, M.Safdar. From the initial consultation, they demonstrated deep expertise in immigration law and criminal law. They explained complex legal processes in clear terms, were consistently responsive to my questions, and fought diligently for my best interests. The outcome was better than I had hoped for. I felt supported and confident throughout a very stressful time. I highly recommend!
- Ryan Dassanayaka | Google Reviews
Professional Service and Smooth Results
Chaudhry Solicitors provided me with exceptional service, showing professionalism and expertise in handling my criminal case. I would especially like to thank Mr Ahmed Ashfaq for his efficient instruction-taking and communication skills, which made the whole process smooth and resulted in my acquittal. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
- iftikhar malik awan | Google Reviews
2. Morley Chow Seto
Address: Room 2107, Tower Two, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway
Contact: +852 3905 1333 | +852 5308 8883 (24 hours) | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Morley Chow Seto caught my eye for its solid criminal litigation experience and broad courtroom exposure.
The team has handled everything from drug and deception cases to appeals, so they’re used to matters that can get serious quickly.
I especially like that there’s an after-hours contact number available. When police interviews or arrests happen at inconvenient times, that extra access can be reassuring.
The firm’s criminal practice sits alongside areas such as commercial, employment, family, and immigration law. That wider scope can be useful when a case overlaps with other legal issues.
The trade-off is that Morley Chow Seto isn’t a criminal-only boutique. If you specifically want a firm devoted almost entirely to criminal defense, you may want to compare a few more specialized practices first.
Successful Defense and Case Dismissal
I am thrilled to share that Morley Chow Seto successfully helped to resolve a criminal case and had the charge completely dismissed. The MCS team worked relentlessly to build my defense strategy, and throughout the entire process they demonstrated exceptional professionalism and genuine empathy. I am truly fortunate to have had the MCS team on my side during the entire ordeal. I wholeheartedly recommend MCS to anyone in need of a criminal defense lawyer!
- W S | Google Reviews
3. Haldanes
Address: 7th Floor, Ruttonjee House, 11 Duddell Street, Central
Contact: (852) 2868 1234 | Fax: (852) 2845 1637 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 7 PM
Haldanes stood out to me for sheer staying power, with around 50 years of criminal-law experience behind them. That kind of courtroom mileage is reassuring when a case starts getting serious fast.
Their criminal team includes two solicitor advocates with higher rights of audience, so some High Court matters can be handled in-house.
I like that the firm can step in from arrest through trial or appeal, with 24-hour telephone support for urgent situations.
They’re particularly strong on complex work involving extradition, cross-border investigations, and overseas evidence. Their rankings from major legal directories add another layer of credibility.
The main drawback is that Haldanes has only two in-house solicitor advocates with higher rights of audience. That means some cases may still require external barristers, depending on the matter and availability.
4. Tang & Ku
Address: Room 2804, 28/F, Tower One, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway
Contact: +852 3583 5200 | +852 9191 9159 (24/7) | [email protected]
Hours: Phone support available 24/7
Tang & Ku stood out to me for its practical approach to criminal defence.
The firm handles serious matters, including white-collar crime and Independent Commission Against Corruption cases, without making the process sound more mysterious than it needs to be.
I like that there’s a 24/7 emergency hotline for urgent legal trouble. That’s useful when police investigations decide to ruin your evening rather than politely wait for office hours.
The firm keeps a relatively lean team, which can make the experience feel more direct and personal. Its broader practice areas are handy too if a criminal matter overlaps with employment, commercial, or civil issues.
The main drawback is size. With a smaller team than some major Hong Kong firms, clients with especially large or complex cases may want to compare capacity before hiring.
Responsive and Knowledgeable Legal Counsel
I highly recommend Tang & Ku for their exceptional expertise in criminal law. Both Eric and Yvonne demonstrate deep knowledge and professionalism. They are responsive, responsible and experienced. Their attention to detail and strategic approach gave me confidence during a stressful time. They truly care about my case, and I definitely rely on Tang & Ku.
- Angel Chau | Google Reviews
5. Lee Law Firm
Address: Room 2005-11, 20th Floor, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point
Contact: (852) 3198 0600 | Fax: (852) 3585 2670 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Lee Law Firm caught my attention for its broad criminal defense work, covering everything from fraud and corruption to drug and driving offenses.
Its North Point office is also conveniently close to the Independent Commission Against Corruption and other enforcement bodies.
I like that the team emphasizes tailored advice rather than a one-size-fits-all defense. They also maintain connections with criminal barristers in Hong Kong and overseas, which can be useful when a case needs specialist courtroom support.
Confidentiality is another clear priority, especially for sensitive investigations. The firm’s wider commercial and litigation experience may help when criminal issues overlap with business matters.
The drawback is that Lee Law Firm isn’t a criminal-only boutique. Its regular office hours are weekdays too, so weekend availability isn’t as clearly advertised as some firms with dedicated 24-hour hotlines.
Efficient Assistance Secured High Court Bail
I reached out to the firm for help with a criminal case, and I was assisted by Ms Aman Pannu. The firm secured High Court Bail for me. Their professionalism and efficiency truly impressed me throughout the process. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need!
- 2x Fitness Hong Kong | Google Reviews
Successful Acquittal Protects Immigration Status
I was dealing with a charge for having someone else’s ID without reasonable excuse, and it was a big deal for me since it could have messed up my immigration status if I got convicted. Mr Kim Minju and Ms Aman Pannu took care of my case, and I ended up being acquitted with costs granted. I’d totally recommend this firm for any criminal cases. They were really upfront and clear about everything, plus their fees were very reasonable… 🙏🙏
- Rukhsar Ahmed | Google Reviews
