In Korea, the 48 hours after an arrest and the first round of questioning often shape the rest of the case.
Investigators seize your phone and belongings and usually take urine and hair samples.
You are questioned as a suspect about use, the source of the drugs and people involved.
A warrant must be requested within 48 hours of arrest, and a judge decides on detention shortly after a hearing.
The prosecutor decides between a suspended indictment (sometimes conditional on treatment), a summary fine or indictment.
The court decides the sentence and may add treatment or education orders and forfeiture.
If you do not understand Korean well, you can ask for an interpreter during police and prosecution questioning and at trial. Do not sign a statement you have not fully understood.
If you are arrested, you can ask the police to notify your embassy or consulate. Consular staff can help contact family, but they cannot act as your lawyer.
A drug case can affect your stay. Depending on the outcome, deportation, an entry ban or refusal to extend a visa may follow, so the criminal defense and your immigration status should be planned together.
Investigators may stop you from leaving Korea while the case is open. Tell your lawyer early about travel plans, work contracts or visa expiry dates.
Because foreign nationals may be seen as a flight risk, arrest warrants can be requested more readily. Proof of residence, work and family ties in Korea matters.
DRUG CRIME DEFENSE · KOREA