Charged Under Computer Misuse Act — Client Avoids Jail and Criminal Record After Legal Representation
Our client was charged in court under Section 3(1) read with Section 12 of the Computer Misuse Act (Cap. 50A) and faced an additional charge under Section 417 read with Section 109 of the Penal Code (Cap. 224).These are serious offences. Under the Singapore Sentencing Guidelines, individuals convicted of unauthorised computer access or cheating-related offences typically face imprisonment and will have a criminal record. A conviction would have had lasting consequences on our client’s professional career, particularly in a regulated industry.
Swift Legal Action and Written Representations
After being charged, the client’s family engaged Ray Louis Law Corporation to mount a strong defence. Our criminal defence team immediately prepared comprehensive written representations to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and the Police, urging that prosecutorial discretion be exercised.
Our submissions focused on the client’s lack of prior convictions and good character, full cooperation during investigations and genuine remorse, the relatively low level of harm and absence of financial gain, and strong rehabilitative potential with stable family support. We also referenced the Sentencing Guidelines to demonstrate that the case fell within the lower-end culpability spectrum, where rehabilitation outweighed deterrence.
Outcome — Conditional Warning Issued Instead of Jail
After considering our submissions, the authorities exercised prosecutorial discretion to issue a conditional warning in lieu of prosecution. The charges were withdrawn and no conviction was recorded.
This spared the client from certain jail time and a permanent criminal record, allowing him to continue his professional career without disruption. The family expressed deep gratitude for the authorities’ fair and compassionate decision, and for our firm’s swift, strategic work that led to this outcome.
Why Early Legal Intervention Matters
Even after a person has been charged in court, a conviction is not inevitable. With timely, detailed legal representations and proactive engagement with the authorities, it may be possible to achieve a conditional warning or withdrawal of charges.
At Ray Louis Law Corporation, our lawyers have helped many clients avoid imprisonment through careful case analysis, mitigation, and persuasive submissions.We understand the immense stress such cases bring — and we act quickly to protect your record, reputation, and future.