Pureun “Ian” Hong
MP ian@decentlaw.ioIan served as criminal law expert at YK Lawfirm, handling various corporate litigations including private fund investments, STOs, and capital markets.
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BlogsAttorney Accompaniment to Police Investigation — Not Mere Presence, but Strategy
The Police Stage Is Not “Procedure Confirmation,” but “Evidence Production” Receiving a summons means the case has entered, or is about to enter, the investigative stage. It may still be at the preliminary inquiry phase before formal booking, or you may be questioned as a suspect or witness. What remains from this stage are written statements, submitted materials, and the context of questions and answers. Initial statements are directly linked to the prosecutor’s decision on referral and disposition. Once a statement is recorded, it becomes the standard for credibility assessment — “Didn’t you say that at the time?” — and later retractions are rarely persuasive. The Criminal Procedure Act explicitly guarantees a suspect’s right to remain silent (Article 244-3(1)1) and the right to assistance of counsel (Article 243-2). Investigative authorities must inform the suspect of these rights prior to questioning. However, in actual investigations, it can be difficult to determine when and how to exercise these rights. Under psychological pressure, individuals often hesitate. This is where attorney accompaniment to a police investigation becomes critical. The outcome can change depending on how far you answer, how you phrase uncertain memories, and how you respond to disadvantageous questions. Attorney Accompaniment Is Not “Attendance,” but “Statement Design” Attorney accompaniment is not merely sitting beside you in the same room. It is about reading the issues, organizing the facts, and preventing dangerous wording from entering the record. In practice, the difference appears in three stages: Pre-investigation preparation Reviewing the complaint, evidence flow, and key issues Structuring the framework of responses Preventing unnecessary admissions, exaggerated explanations, or statements that inadvertently expand liability Assistance during questioning Objecting to improper leading questions or repetitive pressure that infringes upon the suspect’s rights Ensuring that the written statement accurately reflects the intended meaning Requesting corrections where necessary Post-investigation strategy Organizing additional submissions Drafting written opinions Designing restitution and settlement strategies Even with identical facts, well-structured early response can secure a more favorable position at the crossroads between non-referral, non-indictment, and formal prosecution. Ultimately, attorney accompaniment is not about “getting through questioning smoothly,” but about preventing the investigative frame from being fixed against you. “Won’t Bringing a Lawyer Make Me Look More Suspicious?” This is the most common question. The answer is clear. A lawyer’s participation in suspect questioning is a statutory right under Article 243-2 of the Criminal Procedure Act and a concrete implementation of the constitutional right to counsel under Article 12(4) of the Constitution. Investigative authorities may not restrict a lawyer’s participation without just cause, nor may they impose disadvantageous treatment solely because counsel was present (see Supreme Court Decision 2003Mo402, Nov. 11, 2003). The issue is not attorney accompaniment. The real risk is attending without preparation. Emotional reactions, speculative statements presented as facts, or minimizing/exaggerating circumstances can bind you later. The mere fact that “it is recorded in the statement” can undermine the entire defense structure. Decent Law Firm’s Approach to Police Investigation Accompaniment The Criminal Defense Team at Decent Law Firm approaches police-stage cases with precision, aiming to maximize the possibility of favorable closure. Our system includes: Case-type specific issue analysis Statement rehearsal and wording review On-site accompaniment and statement verification Post-investigation closure strategy Criminal cases do not begin at trial. In many instances, the direction is determined at the first police interview. If you have received a summons, it is safer to review your initial statements with professional assistance rather than facing the process alone. Attorney accompaniment to a police investigation is not optional — it is a practical defense tool to protect your rights within the criminal procedure. Before it is too late, consult directly with a professional and establish your strategy.
2026-02-19 -
Blogs
Guide to Handling DUI Non-Indictment (Prosecutorial Suspension) and Repeat Offenses
DUI Penalties – More Serious Than You Think Driving under the influence (DUI) is classified as a violation of the Road Traffic Act. Under Article 148-2(3) of the Road Traffic Act, statutory penalties vary depending on blood alcohol concentration (BAC). ▷ First offense BAC between 0.03% and 0.08%: Up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of up to KRW 5 million BAC between 0.08% and 0.2%: 1 to 2 years of imprisonment or a fine between KRW 5 million and KRW 10 million BAC of 0.2% or higher: 2 to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine between KRW 10 million and KRW 20 million ▷ Repeat offense (reoffending within 10 years from the date a prior fine or heavier sentence became final) BAC between 0.03% and 0.2%: 1 to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine between KRW 5 million and KRW 20 million BAC of 0.2% or higher: 2 to 6 years of imprisonment or a fine between KRW 10 million and KRW 30 million ▷ Refusal to take a breathalyzer test 1 to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine between KRW 5 million and KRW 20 million In repeat cases, statutory penalties increase, and the likelihood of actual imprisonment rises significantly. DUI is not merely a minor administrative issue. It can result in a criminal record, license revocation, employment restrictions, and long-term disadvantages. What Is a DUI Non-Indictment (Prosecutorial Suspension)? A non-indictment decision (commonly referred to as “prosecutorial suspension”) means that although criminal suspicion is recognized, the prosecutor decides not to bring formal charges after considering various circumstances (Article 247 of the Criminal Procedure Act). Because the case is not referred to trial, no criminal sentence is imposed. However, investigative records remain, and it is distinct from a full acquittal or dismissal due to lack of suspicion. Importantly, even if a person receives a non-indictment decision, a subsequent DUI within 10 years may still be treated as a repeat offense subject to enhanced punishment. Therefore, a prior non-indictment can function as a prior record for aggravation purposes in future cases. When deciding on non-indictment, prosecutors generally consider: Whether it is a first offense The BAC level Whether an accident occurred Existence of victims and settlement status A sincere attitude of remorse Impact on occupation and livelihood However, meeting these factors does not guarantee non-indictment. The decision ultimately lies within prosecutorial discretion. Given the recent trend toward stricter DUI enforcement, cases involving BAC of 0.08% or higher or accidents may face difficulty obtaining non-indictment. Non-Indictment Does Not Happen Automatically There is a common misconception that “first offenses automatically result in non-indictment.” In reality, leniency is not guaranteed simply because it is the first detection. Consistency in early statements, the specificity of apology letters and petitions, completion of educational programs, preventive plans, and objective documentation of occupational disadvantages must be systematically prepared. Particularly in cases involving high BAC levels, traffic accidents, or unfavorable circumstances during enforcement, cautious and strategic response is essential. Statements and strategy during the initial investigation stage may significantly influence the final disposition. Under Article 12 of the Constitution, a suspect has the right to assistance of counsel during criminal investigations. It is advisable to receive legal assistance from the investigation stage to ensure proper response. How Decent Law Firm Assists The Criminal Defense Team at Decent Law Firm designs strategies centered on maximizing the possibility of non-indictment, including: Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop and enforcement procedures Conducting precise legal analysis of BAC results Structuring favorable sentencing factors Systematically preparing materials to demonstrate prevention of reoffending Objectively explaining occupational and livelihood impact Organizing persuasive legal arguments for non-indictment Non-indictment in DUI cases is not a matter of luck—it is a matter of strategy. Criminal liability arising from DUI goes beyond fines. It may affect one’s criminal record, social reputation, and professional career. Its weight should never be underestimated. If you are considering the possibility of non-indictment, a precise strategy must be established from the earliest stage of investigation. That decision becomes the starting point for changing the outcome.
2026-02-18 -
Blogs
Pre-Trial Detention Hearing in Drug Cases
Why Arrest Warrants Are Frequently Requested in Drug Cases Unlike many other criminal cases, drug offenses often involve the early request of an arrest warrant during the investigation stage. Investigative authorities tend to assess the necessity of detention more strictly due to the particular nature of drug crimes. A drug case does not end with the simple question of “whether there was use.” The core of the investigation lies in identifying distribution channels and accomplice relationships. If authorities believe a suspect may contact related parties to align statements or destroy evidence, the necessity of detention may be recognized. Even where only evidence of personal use exists, investigators frequently trace how the substance was obtained. In doing so, they may examine potential involvement in transportation, storage, or distribution. Even first-time offenders may face detention if they are interpreted as a link within a broader distribution structure. Assuming that “it was only personal use, so it will be fine” can be extremely risky. Three Legal Criteria That Determine Detention Under Article 70 of the Korean Criminal Procedure Act, a judge determines whether detention is necessary. In drug cases, these standards are often applied more rigorously. 1. Establishment of Probable Cause The court examines whether the alleged crime is sufficiently supported by objective evidence, such as positive forensic drug test results, seized materials, and consistency in statements. 2. Risk of Evidence Destruction The possibility of contacting accomplices or transaction counterparts, or deleting digital evidence (e.g., mobile phone data), is a key factor. 3. Risk of Flight The court evaluates whether the suspect has a stable residence, employment, and meaningful social ties, which reduce the likelihood of evading investigation or trial. Defense counsel’s role is to analyze the structure of the prosecution’s detention arguments, identify logical gaps or excessive inferences, and reorganize the narrative persuasively. Statements such as “I do not remember” must be carefully contextualized so they are not misinterpreted as intentional concealment. What Must Be Prepared Before the Detention Hearing The time between a warrant request and the court hearing is extremely limited. The ability to secure objective supporting materials during this window can significantly influence the outcome. 1. Clarification of the Facts It is essential to clearly define the scope of conduct — whether limited to personal use or extending to distribution, brokerage, or sales. Overbroad investigative assumptions should not go unchallenged. 2. Documentation of Social Ties Resident registration records, employment certificates, and letters of support from family members can help demonstrate the absence of flight risk. 3. Demonstration of Rehabilitation Intent Courts carefully consider the risk of reoffending in drug cases. Counseling records, medical appointments, and structured rehabilitation plans may meaningfully reduce concerns about recidivism. Decent Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team Strategy Decent Law Firm’s dedicated criminal defense team focuses on minimizing detention risk through a structured and strategic approach during urgent warrant proceedings. 1. Detailed Case Record Review We conduct a comprehensive review of available evidence, prior statements, and alleged accomplice relationships to assess realistic detention risk and determine a strategic direction. 2. Structured Analysis of Detention Elements We reorganize the investigation record under the three detention criteria—probable cause, risk of flight, and risk of evidence destruction—to identify and address the court’s primary concerns. 3. Statement Strategy Design We ensure consistency with prior statements while carefully refining wording that could otherwise be misinterpreted. Clear boundaries are established regarding the suspect’s role to prevent expansion of alleged distribution involvement. 4. Collection and Structuring of Supporting Materials Objective documentation relating to residence, employment, family relationships, rehabilitation plans, and the current evidentiary status is gathered and structured into persuasive written submissions. 5. Hearing Preparation We prepare the suspect for likely judicial questions, focusing on concise and consistent responses that align with the record while reducing perceived detention necessity. Early Response Determines the Outcome A warrant request marks a critical turning point in a criminal case. The response at this stage can significantly affect whether the investigation proceeds without detention, as well as future trial strategy and sentencing considerations. If you have been notified of a warrant request or have a detention hearing scheduled, time is extremely limited. Early action determines the result. Decent Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team provides 24-hour emergency response support for urgent detention matters.
2026-02-17
