Your right to a lawyer
Having a lawyer in criminal proceedings is a right. There are options even without money.
The options
- Court-appointed lawyer — the state pays. Appointed in certain situations (detention, minors, disability, poverty). Say "I want a court-appointed lawyer."
- Korea Legal Aid Corporation (132) — free legal advice, and representation if you qualify.
- Privately appointed lawyer — one you engage yourself.
- Through support organisations — support centres for foreign workers and migrant rights groups can connect you to a lawyer.
Steps
- Request one at the questioning or arrest stage. Delay works against you.
- Say "I want to call a lawyer." Questioning can then be postponed.
- Call 132 for advice. Ask about interpretation support too.
- Do not rush your statement before the lawyer arrives.
- Tell your lawyer the truth. What you tell them is confidential.
What you need
- ID
- Case documents, if any
- Income documents (to check eligibility for free support)
Where to go
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation · www.klac.or.kr
- Request a court-appointed lawyer at the investigating body
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
- Your country's embassy (for a list of lawyers)
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
Are court-appointed lawyers any good? They are qualified lawyers. Only the payment differs.
Should I tell my lawyer everything? Your lawyer is on your side and is bound to confidentiality. Hiding facts makes defending you harder.
Does it cover civil matters (wages, deposits)? 132 advises on civil matters too, and supports litigation if you qualify.
I don't speak Korean. You can request interpretation for lawyer consultations too. Ask a support centre to accompany you.
Take care
Do not agree to "let's just finish this without a lawyer". A criminal record also affects your immigration status. One call to 132 before questioning already changes things.
Related
arrest-rights · detained-by-police · interpreter-right-police · embassy-help-arrest
Source
Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr / As of 2026-08