CRIMINAL SECTION

Brunei Darussalam has criminal laws set in place to prohibit certain types of conduct. It aims to protect harm against people, property, health, safety and the moral welfare of the nation.
Anyone who breaks the law can be charged in court and punished for their crime if they are found guilty.
Charges are decided and brought to court by the Public Prosecutor.

Magistrates hear criminal cases in the Magistrate’s Court.
They can hear criminal cases involving offences that carry a maximum penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment or a total fine of $10,000.
There are also special offences that carry a penalty that exceeds the above limit which is permitted by law for a magistrate to hear.
If the offence carries a higher maximum penalty that a magistrate cannot hear, the magistrate can transfer the criminal case to the Intermediate Court or the High Court.
Magistrates can record plea, hear evidence and make determination on facts and legal issues in court.
Magistrates can also hold preliminary inquiries into any criminal offence to make sure that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case before the High Court.

GETTING CHARGED	COURT BAIL	TRIAL PROCESS
Arrest First Mention Plead Guilty Plead Not Guilty Conviction and Sentence	What is Court Bail? Additional Conditions Who can be a Bailor? Responsibilities of a Bailor? What happens if a Defendant breaches the Court Bail? Can a Bailor be discharged? Can bail conditions be varied?	Case Management and Pre-Trial Conferences Preosecution’s Case Defence’s Case Submissions Verdict

TRIAL PREPARATION	APPEALS	GUIDE FOR WITNESSES
What should a Defendant inform the Court? How can a Defendant prepare for trial? Defence of Alibi and Notice of Alibi Applying for Witness Summons	What can be appealed? How to appeal against decisions?	What to expect? What happens if unable to attend? Who qualifies as Vulnerable Witness? In-camera proceedings