Navigating the Legal System with the 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Vietnam
Getting a call that a loved one or, worse, you yourself are in trouble with the law in Vietnam is a stomach-churning experience.
The legal system here is swift, often confusing for foreigners, and certainly does not run like an episode of Law & Order.
You need a legal partner who knows the law, understands the culture, and navigates the “unwritten” rules of the local police station.
We’ve combed through the noise to find legal teams that actually pick up the phone when it matters. To help you protect your interests, we compiled this guide to the best criminal defense lawyers in Vietnam.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Vietnam?
Criminal defense fees in Vietnam depend heavily on the case’s complexity and the law firm’s location, rather than on when you hire them.
You will typically encounter three main fee structures.
First, hourly rates for consultations and legal research often fall between $150 and $400 USD, particularly with international or top-tier local firms.
Second, for specific stages like investigation or trial defense, lawyers frequently propose a lump-sum fee. These fixed amounts provide budget certainty, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the severity of the charges.
Finally, some defense attorneys may discuss success-related bonuses for favorable outcomes, though these arrangements vary by firm.
If you are hiring counsel in major economic hubs like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, expect to pay a premium compared to smaller provinces.
Always request a clearly itemized fee agreement in writing before transferring any funds.
1. Le & Tran (Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi City)
Website: https://letranlaw.com/
Address: Le & Tran Building (Headquarters): Area No. 284 (Bld 9), Nguyen Trong Tuyen Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 28 3622 7729
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Le & Tran operates with the intensity of a high-stakes litigation powerhouse. Their team defines itself by an aggressive, no-nonsense approach to litigation.
While many local firms prefer a passive, “wait-and-see” strategy, this team prepares every case as if it is definitely going to trial. This proactive mindset is crucial if you face serious allegations like white-collar crime or complex fraud, where the prosecution often relies on intimidation.
Their leader, Stephen Le, applies high emotional intelligence to conflict resolution. He reads the room, knowing exactly when to push the authorities and when to negotiate a deal.
You get the sense that they prioritize winning over making friends with the opposition.
However, that intensity can be a double-edged sword.
Their boutique nature means they are highly selective with their client list. If your case is small or simple, you might find their premium service model out of reach compared to a generalist firm.
Customer Reviews:
We have no regrets
Managed to achieve the desired outcome from the case. Big thanks and appreciation to Stephen and team for their commitment, knowledge and total transparency throughout the proceedings. This was our first time hiring a lawyer and we have no regrets.
- Zemina Muminovic | Google Reviews
Exceptional legal assistance
I want to express my deepest appreciation to Stephen’s team at Le & Tran for their exceptional legal assistance. Their expertise played a crucial role in achieving my desired outcome. Their professionalism and commitment exceeded my expectations, not only ensuring I received the necessary documents but also going the extra mile to provide outstanding service.
- Karan Tiwari | Google Reviews
2. LTS LAW
Website: https://lts.com.vn/
Address: Floor 6, 520 Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nhieu Loc Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 09 0279 8066
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
LTS LAW delivers incredibly thorough, “end-to-end” case management. Their key strength lies in navigating the procedural nightmares that often trip up foreigners unaccustomed to the Vietnamese system.
Their docket focuses heavily on white-collar crime and complex corporate investigations, where a single missing document can ruin a defense. They manage the entire lifecycle of the crisis, ensuring your business or personal reputation survives the ordeal.
I actually sat down with one of their associates regarding a compliance matter last year, and their patience struck me. They took the time to explain the “why” behind the law, not just the “what,” which helped clear up a lot of confusion.
This approach instills confidence in their ability to handle confused clients who are panicking. They project a modern, accessible vibe that feels less intimidating than traditional firms.
The downside is that they handle a massive volume of corporate work. You might feel like a smaller fish if you come in with a minor personal criminal issue rather than a large company dispute.
Customer Reviews:
Highly efficient, responsive, and clear at every step of the process
I had a great experience working with LTS law firm to establish my company in Ho Chi Minh City. The team was highly efficient, responsive, and clear at every step of the process. I especially appreciated their transparency in communication and fees, which gave me a strong sense of trust and confidence. They made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless. Highly recommend to anyone looking for professional legal support in Vietnam.
- Chiao | Google Review
Reliable legal support
I am extremely satisfied with the service from LTS LAW. They handled my copyright infringement case with professionalism and expertise, delivering fast and effective results. Special thanks to Lawyer Dora Tran and her team for their dedication and clear communication throughout the process.
I highly recommend LTS LAW for anyone seeking reliable legal support.
RR Haywood
- RR Haywood | Google Review
3. ANT Lawyers (Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City)
Website: https://antlawyers.vn/
Address:
- Hanoi Office: 5th Floor, Leadvisors Place Building, 41A Ly Thai To Str., Hoan Kiem Dist.
- Ha Dong District Office: 5th Floor, HM01A-2, Hoang Thanh Villa Area, Mulberry Lane, Mo Lao Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi City
- Danang Office: 3rd Floor, Riverside Tower, 74 Bach Dang Str., Hai Chau Dist., Ho Chi Minh City Office: 7th Floor, Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke Str., Dist. 1.
Contact: 24 7308 6529
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
ANT Lawyers is the firm you call when you need to reach across the entire country. Their major advantage is their physical presence in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City, combined with their membership in the global Prae Legal network. This international connection is huge if your case involves cross-border elements, such as extradition issues or money laundering charges that span multiple countries.
You aren’t just hiring a local lawyer. You are tapping into a global support system.
They bridge the cultural gap for foreigners who are completely baffled by Vietnamese bureaucracy.
The team focuses heavily on negotiation and dispute resolution before things even get to a trial, which can save you months of stress. They prefer to settle matters quietly and efficiently, often the best outcome in a foreign legal system.
However, because they are a full-service firm covering trade, family law, and criminal defense, you might find they lack the hyper-specialized “criminal defense only” focus. They are broad experts who can handle almost anything, rather than niche specialists dedicated to one single crime type.
Customer Reviews:
Fast service
Fast service and great that they have offices in Danang, HCMC and Hanoi.
- Santiago Velasquez | Google Review
An exclusive Vietnam law firm
ANT Lawyers is an exclusive Vietnam law firm member of Prae Legal, a global law firm network spanning 5 continents and 150 countries.
- Dam David | Google Review
4. An Law Vietnam (Head Office and Vung Tau Branch)
Website: https://anlawvietnam.com/en/
Address:
- Head Office: Room 903, Floor 9th, Diamond Plaza Building, 34 Le Duan Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Vung Tau Branch: 101/4 Vo Thi Sau, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact: 09 8699 5543
Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
An Law Vietnam prioritizes empathy and accessibility. Personalized moral support sits alongside their legal advice, making them unique in this list.
Dealing with the police can be terrifying, and having a lawyer who acts as a source of emotional stability is invaluable. They see the person behind the case, understanding you are going through perhaps the worst moment of your life.
This human-centric approach is rare in a field that can often feel cold and transactional.
Located right in Diamond Plaza in District 1, they are incredibly easy to find for anyone stuck in the city center.
The firm has built a strong practice serving the expat community, often fixing issues that other lawyers gave up on because they were “too difficult.”
A potential downside is that their online presence and resources seem smaller than the big corporate firms. If you need a massive team of paralegals to drown the prosecution in paperwork, they might not be the biggest army you can hire, but they will likely be the most dedicated to you personally.
Customer Reviews:
Gives very accurate advice!
This law firm’s office is in District 1, HCMC, right in the center, so it will be easy to find. The lawyer is good and listens to the problem and gives very accurate advice.
Thank you Lawyer ms Dong
- Nghia Do | Google Review
Two thumbs up!
Ms Dong helped me greatly, is professional, extremely efficient, and got the job done where others could not. She is empathetic to her clients’ tough situations and was a great source of moral boost through some dark times. Thank you Ms Dong. I appreciate you very much.
Two thumbs up!
- Samuel | Google Review
5. Phong & Partners
Website: https://phong-partners.com/en
Address: 6th Floor, Thanh Loi Building, 249 Nguyen Van Linh, Danang City
Contact: 23 6382 2678
Schedule:
- Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Sat 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
For legal trouble in Central Vietnam, Phong & Partners is the local heavyweight you want. They operate on a deep-rooted philosophy of being a “second family” to their clients.
This isn’t just marketing fluff.
Their deep dedication and enthusiastic approach define their work. They treat your legal problem as if it were affecting one of their own family members, driving them to work late hours and go the extra mile to find a solution.
They dominate the Danang legal scene and focus on “win-win” solutions. They try to resolve conflicts with goodwill before they turn into nasty court battles, often using their deep local connections to smooth things over.
This works well for civil disputes, but for criminal defense, some might view this “reconciliation” focus as a con.
Clients seeking a lawyer to go on the offensive and destroy the opposition might find this gentle, relationship-preserving style too soft, even though it is often effective in the local context.
Customer Reviews:
I feel assured
Quality services; lawyers and legal specialists are very dedicated, enthusiastic and professional.
I feel assured when using the legal services of Phong & Partners.
- Loan Nguyen | Google Review
I will continue to support them in the future
I am extremely pleased with the services provided by Phong & Partner Law Firm. They consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of the law, respond promptly to my needs, and make me feel valued as a client. I will continue to support them in the future. Highly recommended!
- Huỳnh Sĩ | Google Review