Instructions
1.Please fill out this form for applications related to criminal legal aid under the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme ("CLAS").
2. With effect from 01 December 2022, all Singaporean/Permanent Residents ("SGPR") applying for criminal legal aid may do so through the Public Defender's Office ("PDO"). For more information on the PDO, please call 1800-225-5529, visit http://go.gov.sg/contactminlaw or submit an application viahttp://go.gov.sg/applypdo.
3. CLAS will no longer accept any new applications for criminal legal aid from all SG/PR applicants. However, CLAS will continue to accept new applications for criminal legal aid from Foreign Applicants (based in Singapore) who are unable to afford a lawyer and are facing charges in court for non-death penalty offences under statutes covered by CLAS. You can find more information on our website here.
4. SG/PR applicants who have been rejected by PDO and wish to seek assistance may fill out this application form but must provide a copy of the rejection email/letter from PDO. Requests will only be considered on an exceptional basis.
5. After your application has been submitted, CLAS will review your application and conduct a preliminary Means Test assessment based on the information you have provided. If you qualify, we will email you with instructions on the next steps and the submission of documents within 3 working days (Mondays to Fridays), excluding Public Holidays. If you do not qualify for the preliminary Means Test, we will inform you accordingly.
6. Please be informed that submitting the CLAS application form does not guarantee that your application for CLAS will be successful.
7. Applicants are advised not to provide any misleading or false information during the application process..
8. If the applicant is found to have provided misleading or false information, CLAS will reject or withdraw the application for legal aid, even if a lawyer has already been assigned. Such conduct will be reported to the relevant authorities, and criminal proceedings may also be initiated against the applicant.