Criminal Defence
Criminal Defence Advocate in Ghaziabad.
Criminal defence covers representation for anyone accused of an offence, from the first FIR through bail, trial and appeal. Vijay Kumar Sahlot & Associates represents clients before the Sessions and Magistrate Courts in Ghaziabad, handling bail applications, criminal trials, FIR quashing and cheque bounce cases.
When named in a First Information Report (FIR) or facing an imminent risk of arrest, immediate legal intervention is important. Consulting an advocate before recording any statement with law enforcement is a vital safeguard that shapes your anticipatory or regular bail options and protects the long-term trajectory of your defence. For urgent criminal matters requiring immediate protection, contact our office directly.
What We Handle
What falls under criminal defence.
Criminal proceedings in India are now governed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which replaced the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act in 2024. Our practice covers:
Bail Applications
Regular bail, anticipatory bail and interim bail across bailable and non-bailable offences.
Criminal Trials
Defence representation from framing of charges through final judgment.
FIR Quashing
High Court petitions to quash frivolous, malicious or settled criminal cases.
Cheque Bounce Cases
Section 138 Negotiable Instruments Act matters, for both complainants and accused.
The Process
What happens after an FIR is filed.
The path depends on whether the offence is bailable, but this is the typical sequence.
FIR registration
The police register the First Information Report and begin investigation. You are entitled to a free copy of the FIR.
Anticipatory or regular bail (as applicable)
Where an arrest is apprehended in connection with a non-bailable offence, an application for anticipatory bail can be moved before any enforcement action, under Section 484 of the BNSS. If a person has already been taken into custody, the appropriate remedy is a regular bail application before the competent court to secure release.
Investigation and chargesheet
Police investigate and file a chargesheet, typically within 60 to 90 days depending on the offence, or seek an extension.
Framing of charges and trial
The court frames formal charges, followed by prosecution and defence evidence, cross-examination and final arguments.
Judgment
The court delivers its verdict. Either side can appeal to a higher court.
Facing a criminal matter?
For urgent matters, contact our office directly. Otherwise, describe your situation and we'll respond.
Common Questions
Criminal defence questions.
Consult a criminal defence advocate immediately, before speaking to the police in detail. Do not sign any document you have not read and understood. Check whether the offence is bailable or non-bailable, and avoid contacting the complainant directly, as this can complicate the case.
In a bailable offence, bail is a matter of right and can typically be granted at the police station or as a court formality. In a non-bailable offence, bail is discretionary, and the accused must file a bail application, regular bail after arrest or anticipatory bail before arrest, under the BNSS.
Typically a few days to a few weeks, depending on the court's caseload and the seriousness of the allegations. It is filed before arrest, under Section 482 BNSS, when a person has reasonable apprehension of arrest in a non-bailable case.
Yes, in specific circumstances. A High Court can quash an FIR or proceeding under its inherent powers if the allegations, even if true, don't disclose an offence, or if the case is frivolous, malicious, or has been genuinely settled in matters that are compoundable.
Cheque dishonour is an offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The payee must send a demand notice within 30 days of the bounce; the drawer then has 15 days to pay. If unpaid, a criminal complaint can be filed within 30 days after that, tried as a summons case before a Magistrate.