Criminal Justice System - Lawyer Recommendations

[lschlagel]

Hi all,

I have been asked by a friend in the states to do some research for him. Without going into too many details, as there are privacy issues involved, a relative of his (farang) was murdered in Thailand last year, and another farang has been charged with the crime. He has been having great difficulty in actually getting any information about how the case is going, the American Embassy has not been particularly helpful and he is very unsure as to how much the Thai prosecutor actually cares about this case.

So here are my questions:

My understanding is that it is quite normal for a victim (or other aggrieved party) to hire a lawyer, who would be involved in prosecuting the case, and I think my friend should go down this path.

So I am also trying to find a lawyer to talk to, who speaks both Thai and English, and has experience in criminal cases, preferably on the prosecution side. Kanchanaburi province would be preferred (where the crime took place), but I have a feeling will have to look in Bangkok. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Andiamo]

Firstly, may I express my sincere condolences for the murder of your friend's family member.

Mmm you mentioned that the American Embassy had not been very helpful. However, could they provide you with a List of Lawyers?

If so, you can call some, explain your situation and get a feel for how they would deal with it and what their fees would be etc. (You may well need to give them a scenario, e.g. if this situation occurred and one wanted to ascertain the status of the case/find out where it is at, how would you approach this? Then listen to their response).

I would suggest you call a few until you find one who seems to understand your needs and who you think you can deal with (through what may turn out to be a relatively long and neverending, complicated process).

Obviously the more info you can give the appointed lawyer - in terms of names, nationalities, incident dates, arrest dates, court dates, Case file numbers and which court the defendant was brought to and charged at - would be VERY useful. Any Policemens names and contact telephone numbers who may have dealt with the murder/been investigating/arrested the perpetrator, may or may not also be useful to the lawyer etc.

It seems that although generally the Embassies in Thailand can't be seen to be recommending any particular Lawyers firm - some do provide a list, (who I presume their "citizens" have used and therefore appear to be reputable etc).

According to the British Embassy in Baagkok, this is the list they provide:- http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/F...d=1068717583046

You could also perhaps try to speak to the Consular Officer/s directly at your Embassy and ask them if there are any on their list they might recommend (or if they are unwilling to do that, if they could recommend any who they have 'heard through the grapevine' that the "clients" were particularly happy with the service they received etc...

Best of luck, I wish you success in your endeavours.

Andiamo

Edited February 17, 2008 by Andiamo

[Andiamo]

Also, if you google 'American Embassy, Bangkok, Lawyers', you get the link below and a list of Lawyers provided by the American Embassy.

http://www.afrims.org/media/admin-attorneys.pdf

[lschlagel]

Thanks Andiamo, for the info.

After making a few calls, I think we have found a firm that has American and Thai lawyers and seems to be quite familiar with the Thai criminal justice system.

It's been quite confusing, as we have to remember that this is Thailand and things are done a bit differently here, but hopefully this firm will be able to guide us through the process.

Thanks again.

[Andiamo]

Thanks Andiamo, for the info.

After making a few calls, I think we have found a firm that has American and Thai lawyers and seems to be quite familiar with the Thai criminal justice system.

It's been quite confusing, as we have to remember that this is Thailand and things are done a bit differently here, but hopefully this firm will be able to guide us through the process.

Thanks again.

No problem, Best of luck with everything.