Criminal Law Areas We Help With
Bail & Anticipatory Bail
Arrested under BNS? Get an expert criminal lawyer to apply for bail immediately under BNSS provisions.
FIR Quashing
Challenge a false FIR under BNS sections before the High Court with experienced advocates.
Cheating & Fraud (BNS 318)
Cases under BNS Section 318 (formerly IPC 420). Defend or file cheating complaints with experts.
Cognizable Offences Defence
Murder (BNS 103), Rape (BNS 64), Robbery (BNS 309) — serious offences need immediate expert help.
Cyber Crime (BNS 316)
Online fraud, digital harassment and IT Act violations under the new criminal law framework.
Family & Matrimonial Law
Cruelty (BNS 86), maintenance disputes, and domestic violence cases handled sensitively.
Why a Lawyer — Beyond Our Converter?
- Our converter maps sections — lawyers fight for you in court.
- Bar Council registered advocates across India.
- Criminal law specialists with BNS & BNSS expertise.
- Consult from home — phone, video or in-person.
- Powered by VakilSearch, an established Indian legal platform.
Not sure which BNS section applies to your case?
Use our free IPC to BNS converter first to understand the new law, then consult a specialist lawyer with the right section number.
A Citizen's Guide to Consulting a Criminal Lawyer Under the BNS
India's criminal law changed on 1 July 2024, when the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the CrPC, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Evidence Act. The section numbers are different, but your fundamental rights — to legal representation, to bail in appropriate cases, and to a fair investigation — remain fully intact. This guide explains when to involve a lawyer, what to bring, and how fees usually work.
When timing matters most
The single biggest mistake people make is waiting too long. If you receive a notice to appear under Section 35 BNSS (the provision that replaced Section 41A CrPC), or you learn an FIR has been registered, that is the moment to consult an advocate — not after arrest. Early advice opens options that later disappear: applying for anticipatory bail under Section 482 BNSS, seeking quashing of a false FIR before the High Court, or correcting the sections invoked before a charge-sheet is filed.
What to prepare
- A copy of the FIR, complaint, or any police notice you received
- A short written timeline of what happened, with dates
- Supporting evidence — messages, emails, bank statements, medical or property records
- Identity documents and contact details of any witnesses
How fees usually work
There is no government-fixed fee for advocates. Criminal lawyers typically charge either per appearance (per hearing) or a consolidated fee per stage — for example, one fee to draft and argue a bail application. Rates vary by city, seniority and the seriousness of the offence. Always confirm the fee structure in writing and ask whether court fees and incidental costs are separate before you engage.
Tip: Use our free IPC ⇄ BNS converter and bailability checker first, so you can tell the advocate exactly which BNS section and which bail category your matter falls under. An informed client saves consultation time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I actually need a criminal lawyer?+
You should consult a criminal advocate the moment you (or a family member) are named in an FIR, receive a notice under Section 35 BNSS (formerly Section 41A CrPC), are summoned by the police, fear arrest, or wish to file a complaint for a cognizable offence such as cheating, assault or criminal intimidation. Early advice often decides whether you get anticipatory bail, whether a false FIR can be quashed, and how the investigation proceeds.
What should I prepare before the first consultation?+
Carry every document connected to the matter — a copy of the FIR or complaint, any police notice, WhatsApp or email evidence, bank statements (in fraud cases), medical records (in assault cases), and a short written timeline of events. The clearer your facts, the more accurately the advocate can map the correct BNS sections and advise on bail or defence strategy.
How do criminal lawyer fees work in India?+
There is no fixed statutory fee. Most criminal advocates charge either per appearance (per hearing) or a consolidated fee for a stage — for example, a single fee for drafting and arguing a bail application. Fees vary widely by city, seniority and the gravity of the offence. Always ask for the fee structure in writing before engaging, and clarify whether court fees and miscellaneous expenses are separate.
Is an online or phone consultation legally valid?+
Yes. An initial consultation by phone or video is a normal, accepted way to get legal advice and review your documents. The advocate can guide you, draft applications and prepare your case remotely. Physical presence is generally required only for court appearances, and even then the advocate (not you) appears on your behalf in most criminal proceedings.
Does using your converter replace a lawyer?+
No. Our IPC-to-BNS converter and section pages help you understand which new BNS provision corresponds to an old IPC section, so you walk into the consultation informed. But applying the law to your specific facts, drafting petitions and arguing in court is work only a qualified advocate can do for you.
Disclosure: IPC 2 BNS earns a referral fee when you consult via VakilSearch at no extra cost to you. This page does not constitute legal advice.