As reported by Channel News Asia on 22 February 2022, our client was charged with cheating and dishonestly inducing a delivery of property under Sec 420 of the Penal Code (Cap. 224, 2008 Rev Ed). He could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined.

Our client was relatively young and still studying. We candidly explained to the client that the offence was serious and he could be facing jail time. However we did extensive research and advised our client accordingly. We sent written representations to the Attorney General’s Chambers and persuaded them to reduce the charges.  We then highlighted to the court several mitigation factors to persuade the court to call for a probation report. Subsequently the court granted probation and our client was spared jail time.

What is a Probation Order? Will it leave a criminal record?

Probation under Section 5 of the Probation of Offenders Act 1951 is an order requiring the offender to be under the supervision of a probation officer or a volunteer probation officer for a period to be specified in the order of not less than 6 months nor more than 3 years.

It is wholly based on the court’s opinion and discretion, having regard to the circumstances, including the nature of the offence and the character of the offender, the court may, instead of sentencing the offender, make a probation order.

For more information, please contact our criminal lawyer in Singapore, Ray Louis at 90908288.