Vietnam is among the top 20 most populated countries in the world; as such, criminal offenses are also common here. In most cases, however, these crimes are minor. Even so, the support of our criminal lawyers in Vietnam can be crucial for a suitable approach, especially if you stand accused. Below, our Vietnamese lawyers present some of the most common crimes here and how they can help you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | 2015 Penal Code |
|
Representation services availability for natural persons (YES/NO) |
Yes, individuals can rely on our criminal lawyers in Vietnam. |
|
Representation services availability for corporate clients |
Yes, we are also at the service of corporate clients. |
| Parties we can represent | We represent offenders and victims. |
| Support in drug traffic offenses (YES/NO) |
Yes, our Vietnamese criminal lawyers can assist in traffic offense charges. |
| Representation in tourism-related crimes in Vietnam (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Legal assistance in corruption/bribery offenses (YES/NO) |
Yes, our lawyers in Vietnam offer support in such cases. |
| Representation in illegal immigration to Vietnam (YES/NO) |
Yes, we can also handle illegal immigration situations. |
| Assistance in trafficking cases (YES/NO) |
Yes, our criminal lawyers offer legal representation in human, arms, and drug trafficking. |
| Common types of financial crimes in Vietnam |
– tax fraud, – embezzlement, – money laundering, – Ponzi schemes |
| Assistance in financial crime cases |
Yes |
| Legal support in cybercrimes in Vietnam (YES/NO) |
Yes, we also offer representation in cybercrimes in Vietnam. |
| Police station representation availability (YES/NO) |
Yes, we are also at the service of clients held in police custody. |
| Assistance in violent crimes |
Yes, we offer legal guidance in violence-related offenses. |
| Legal support in misdemeanor crimes | Our lawyers can represent clients accused of traffic offenses, trespassing, shoplifting, and pickpocketing. |
Table of Contents
What are the most commonly met criminal offenses in Vietnam?
Like other countries, Vietnam also has its own specifics when it comes to criminal offenses, among which we mention the following:
- offenses committed against tourists, such as pickpocketing and theft;
- financial offenses, with a rise in cybercrimes, have been noted in the past few years;
- drug-related crimes, such as the sale of illegal substances;
- corruption and bribery are also criminal offenses that occur in Vietnam;
- prostitution and sex trafficking;
- illegal immigration to Vietnam (our specialists can help you apply for residency in Vietnam legally).
Our criminal lawyers in Vietnam assist both offenders and victims of such offenses.
Tourist-related crimes in Vietnam
Vietnam attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. This is why theft and pickpocketing are some of the most common criminal activities here. Our law firm in Vietnam is at the service of victims who want to press charges and need legal support, but most importantly, do not know the language and need to complete various formalities.
At the other end, we can also guide offenders so that they can obtain a minimum sentence if accused of such minor crimes.
Legal representation in financial crimes
Financial criminal activities have registered a surge in number after the pandemic, when people started relying more on banking applications and making online payments. This domain is quite complex, as these types of offenses are linked to cybercrimes, which can imply:
- phishing;
- SIM swapping;
- ATM scams;
- impersonating authority representatives.
Also, in most cases, cybercrimes extend well beyond the borders of Vietnam.
Apart from these, tax evasion, embezzlement, and Ponzi schemes are also on the list of financial offenses in which our criminal lawyers in Vietnam can offer assistance.
Our attorneys work together with our accountants in Vietnam to have a thorough understanding of the financial laws apart from the criminal ones for suitable representation. If you want a complex approach to your case, especially if you are accused of such a crime, you can rely on our lawyers, who can prepare a solid defense.
Support for drug-related offenses in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the countries with some of the hardest punishments when it comes to drug-related crimes.
Those accused of such crimes face various penalties, among which:
- fines;
- jailtime;
- extradition in the case of foreign citizens.
Drug trafficking can even lead to a death sentence. This is why our criminal lawyers in Vietnam take these cases very seriously when it comes tocollecting evidence that can help reduce any sentence.
Crime categories according to the Vietnamese Penal Code
The 2017 Criminal Code is the most recent law that provides for the categories of offenses one can be accused of in Vietnam. These are:
- personal crimes, which include assault, sexual offenses, and murder;
- property offenses, such as theft, robbery, and fraud;
- economic crimes, among which are tax evasion, embezzlement, and bribery;
- corruption, which implies abuse of power;
- offenses against national security, among which are terrorism, espionage, and undermining State security.
Criminal offenses are also categorized by their nature and gravity by the Code, as follows:
- there are less serious offenses, which do not pose an important danger to society, and which are punishable by community sentences or up to 3 years of imprisonment;
- serious crimes, which pose a significant danger to society, and which are punishable by 3 to 7 years of imprisonment;
- very serious offences, which have an important impact on society, and which could lead to 7 to 15 years in prison for people found guilty;
- extremely serious crimes, which are very dangerous to society, and are punishable with 15 to 20 years or life imprisonment.
The severity of the charges depends on whether the offense was deliberate or involuntary. Also, crimes committed under the influence of alcoholic drinks will also attract criminal liability.
It is also important to note that under the Criminal Code, liability begins at the age of 16. Exceptions apply to underage children who suffer from mental conditions. In such cases, reduced responsibility applies.
Feel free to request assistance from our criminal attorneys in Vietnam if you are accused of any crime in the categories above.
How are criminal cases handled in Vietnamese courts?
Criminal cases follow strict procedures once a person is accused of an offense. Court proceedings are established by the Criminal Procedure Code, which divides them into:
- the investigation phase;
- prosecution;
- trial.
The investigation is led by the police, who are in charge of collecting evidence to support the case. Then, the People’s Procuracy will present the evidence to the court and make the criminal charges. It will also represent the State during the trial. The last stage covers court proceedings where the case is heard by a judge panel. It is also possible for jury cases to be heard; however, the judge usually questions witnesses. It is also the judge or the panel who renders the sentence.
Decisions issued by lower criminal courts can be appealed. As such, you can rely on our Vietnamese lawyers should you need representation.
Vietnam in the Global Organized Crime Index
Unfortunately, Vietnam ranks quite high in the Global Organized Crime Index. According to the latest data available for 2023:
- Vietnam occupies the 30th position at the worldwide level out of the 193 countries gathered in the report;
- Among the 46 Asian states, Vietnam ranks 13th;
- In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is in 5th position out of the 11 countries in that zone.
If you are accused or a victim of a criminal offense, do not waste any more time and contact our criminal lawyers in Vietnam for a consultation on a suitable approach to your case!