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Practice Area

Criminal Law — Immediate Response & Senior Defence

Blackthorn Law Offices · Delhi High Court

Bail applications, cheque dishonour matters, economic offences, FIR quashing and representation before Magistrate Courts and Delhi High Court. Immediate response. Senior-level defence from the first appearance.

The Legal Framework

What the Law Says

Criminal law in India has been overhauled with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replacing the IPC, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replacing the CrPC, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replacing the Evidence Act — effective 1 July 2024.

For economic offences — cheating, criminal breach of trust, money laundering — both criminal courts and specialised tribunals (PMLA courts, SFIO) have jurisdiction. The intersection of civil and criminal remedies requires careful strategic planning to achieve the best outcome.

Our Services

What We Do

  • Bail Applications — Regular bail, anticipatory bail, bail under PMLA and other special laws; emergency applications on the day of arrest
  • Section 138 / Cheque Dishonour — Complainant and accused representation in NI Act proceedings; settlement negotiation
  • FIR Registration & Quashing — Assisting victims in getting FIRs registered; quashing petitions before Delhi High Court for frivolous or settled matters
  • Economic Offences — Cheating (BNS), criminal breach of trust, fraud, PMLA defence, SFIO investigation response
  • White Collar Crime Defence — ED raids, CBI investigations, Enforcement Directorate summons response
  • Trial Representation — Full representation through trial, examination and cross-examination, final arguments
  • Revision & Appeal — Criminal revisions and appeals before Sessions Court and Delhi High Court
Transparency

Fee Guide

Blackthorn operates on a transparent, upfront fee structure. Every engagement begins with a clear fee estimate — no surprises, no hidden charges. The ranges below are indicative; your specific matter will be quoted precisely after the initial consultation.

ServiceIndicative Fee Range
Bail Application — Sessions Court₹15,000 – ₹40,000
Anticipatory Bail — Sessions/HC₹25,000 – ₹75,000
Section 138 — Per Hearing₹3,000 – ₹8,000
Section 138 — Full Trial Retainer₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000
FIR Quashing — Delhi High Court₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000
ED/CBI Summons Appearance₹25,000 – ₹75,000 per appearance
Full Criminal Trial Retainer₹75,000 – ₹3,00,000 p.a.
Urgent Same-Day Representation₹20,000 – ₹50,000

* All fees are exclusive of applicable GST. Court filing fees, stamp duty and other statutory charges are billed at actuals.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been served an ED summons. What should I do?+
Do not ignore it — non-appearance is a criminal offence under PMLA. Do not appear without a lawyer. Statements made to ED officers are admissible as evidence against you, unlike police statements under BNSS. Engage criminal counsel experienced in PMLA immediately. Review all documents related to the transactions under scrutiny before appearing. Preparation is everything.
A cheque I issued has bounced and I received a legal notice. What should I do?+
You have 15 days from receipt of the notice to make payment. If you pay within this window, no criminal case can be filed. Section 138 carries imprisonment up to 2 years and/or a fine up to twice the cheque amount. Defences include: the cheque was given as security (not for a legally enforceable debt), the signature is forged, or the notice was not properly served. Act within 15 days if at all possible.
Can an FIR be quashed?+
Yes. Under Section 528 BNSS, the High Court can quash an FIR where the allegations don't disclose a cognisable offence, the FIR is manifestly frivolous, the matter is purely civil, or the parties have settled (for compoundable offences). Quashing petitions in Delhi High Court take 6–18 months, but an interim stay of arrest can usually be obtained much sooner.
What is anticipatory bail and when should I apply?+
Anticipatory bail under Section 482 BNSS protects you from arrest before or immediately after an FIR is filed. If you have reason to fear arrest, apply immediately — the application must show you are not a flight risk, will cooperate with investigation and will not tamper with evidence. Apply before arrest, not after. Once granted, it remains in force unless specifically limited by the court.

Other Practice Areas

Blackthorn offers integrated counsel across nine interlocking practice areas.

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