Criminal Law
Criminal defence lawyer in Chennai
MDR Law & Associates assists people who are facing a police complaint, an FIR, a notice to appear or an arrest, and complainants whose report the police will not register. We appear before the criminal courts in Chennai, the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court of India. An accusation is not proof, and the first steps taken are often the most important.
Matters we handle
- Advice on an FIR or police complaint filed against you
- Anticipatory bail before the Sessions Court and the High Court
- Regular bail and default bail
- Quashing of false or frivolous FIRs before the Madras High Court
- Response to police notices to appear
- Cheque bounce complaints under Section 138, for both sides
- Complaints where the police will not register an FIR
- Challenging unlawful search, seizure or detention
- Defending criminal complaints that arise from civil, family or business disputes
- Remedies against false complaints, including malicious prosecution
How a case usually proceeds
- 1
Get the FIR or notice and read it
Find out exactly what is alleged, by whom and under which sections, and whether the offence is bailable or non-bailable. This decides what protection is needed. FIR registered against you: the first 48 hours.
- 2
Respond to the police correctly
Do not ignore a notice. Comply with it, take advice before giving any statement, and do not sign papers you have not read. Police notice to appear: what to do.
- 3
Seek protection from arrest where it is needed
Where arrest in a non-bailable case is feared, anticipatory bail can be sought from the Sessions Court or the High Court. Anticipatory bail under Section 482 BNSS.
- 4
Consider quashing a baseless case
Where the allegations disclose no offence, or a civil dispute has been given a criminal colour, the High Court can be asked to quash the FIR. Quashing a false or frivolous FIR.
- 5
Defend the case through to its end
If the case proceeds, it is defended at trial on the evidence, and an appeal or revision is considered if the result requires it.
Common questions
Questions people ask us
An FIR has been registered against me. Will I be arrested?
Not automatically. An FIR is an allegation, not proof, and the police must still investigate. For many offences they are expected to send a notice to appear instead of arresting, and arrest depends on the offence and the facts. Get a copy of the FIR, understand the sections invoked, and speak to an advocate before giving any statement.
I received a police notice to appear. Do I have to go?
Yes, you should comply. A notice under Section 35 of the BNSS is an alternative to arrest, and if you appear and cooperate you should not be arrested for the offence in the notice unless the officer records reasons. Check whether you are called as an accused or as a witness, and consider taking an advocate's advice before you go.
What are my rights if I am arrested?
You must be told the grounds of arrest, a relative or friend can be informed, you must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours (excluding travel time), and you may consult an advocate and be medically examined. You cannot be compelled to give evidence against yourself. Ask for a copy of the arrest memo and do not sign anything you have not read.
What is anticipatory bail, and who can apply for it?
It is a direction from the Sessions Court or the High Court, given before arrest, that you be released on bail if arrested in a specified case. Under Section 482 of the BNSS, a person who fears arrest for a non-bailable offence can apply. It does not stop the investigation, and the court can impose conditions such as cooperating with the police.
What is default bail?
If the police do not file the charge sheet within the statutory time (60 days, or 90 days for offences punishable with death, life imprisonment or at least ten years), the accused is entitled to bail under Section 187 of the BNSS. The right has to be claimed by applying before the charge sheet is filed, so the dates should be checked early.
Guides you may find useful
FIR Registered Against You: What to Do in the First 48 Hours
Learning that an FIR has been registered against you is frightening, but an FIR is an allegation, not a finding. Here is a calm, practical sequence for the first two days: get the copy, understand the charge, protect your evidence and your liberty, and avoid mistakes that hurt your case.
Anticipatory Bail Under Section 482 BNSS: Who Can Apply and How It Works
If you fear arrest in a case where you may be falsely accused, anticipatory bail can protect your liberty before the police act. Learn what it is, who can seek it, how courts decide, what conditions apply and how long the protection lasts.
Arrested or Detained by Police: Your Rights and What Your Family Should Do
If you or someone close to you is taken into police custody, knowing the rights that apply can protect you. This guide explains the rights on arrest, the 24-hour rule, the safeguards on questioning, and a checklist for the family.
Police Notice to Appear (Section 35 BNSS): What It Means and What to Do
A police notice asking you to appear is not an arrest, and for many offences the police must use it before arresting you. Learn what a notice means, how it differs from a summons, why you should comply, and how to attend safely.
Bail in India: Bailable and Non-Bailable Offences, Default Bail and Undertrial Release
Bail is the right to be free while a case is pending. Learn the difference between bailable and non-bailable offences, how courts decide bail, when default bail arises if the police delay, and when undertrials must be released.
Quashing a False or Frivolous FIR: Section 528 BNSS and the High Court
When an FIR is false, exaggerated or a civil dispute in disguise, the High Court can quash it. Learn when quashing is possible, what the Supreme Court's guidelines say, how settlements fit in, and how a petition is made.
Our offices in Chennai
Litigation Office (Madras High Court)
I-L, Law Chamber, 2nd Floor
No. 103/50, Armenian Street
George Town, Parrys, Chennai - 600 001
Anna Nagar Office
No. 1/1, Fourth Floor, Fifth Square
10th Main Road Extension, TAS Enclave
Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar West, Chennai - 600 040
We appear before the Supreme Court of India, Madras High Court, Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
Discuss your matter
Call +91 86829 74777 or write to mdrlaw.associates@gmail.com. This page is general information and not legal advice.
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