The first 24 hours after an FIR is registered decide the shape of the entire prosecution. What is said, signed and conceded in that window is almost impossible to unwind at trial. This is a working note on what to do — and what not to do — before you have a lawyer at your side.
1. Do not give statements without counsel
You are not obliged to give a statement to the investigation officer before consulting counsel. Anything volunteered will be reduced to writing and used at trial. Ask, politely and clearly, for time to instruct a lawyer.
2. Move for pre-arrest bail
Where an FIR discloses a bailable or borderline offence, we typically move for pre-arrest bail — first transitory and then confirmation — in the Court of Sessions and, where required, the High Court of Sindh. The petition attaches the FIR, case diary and grounds showing the arrest is mala fide, unnecessary or an abuse of process.
3. If arrest has taken place: post-arrest bail
After arrest, the accused is produced before the Magistrate for remand. We contest excessive physical remand, secure copies of the case diary and move for post-arrest bail before the Sessions Court and, if declined, the High Court.
4. Sureties and bail bond
Bail is subject to sureties acceptable to the court, executed on a bail bond in the ordered amount. Arrange sureties (typically two solvent persons with CNIC and proof of means) in advance so bail is not defeated for procedural reasons.
5. Common mistakes
Waiting to see if the FIR is 'dropped' is the most common — and expensive — mistake. Once arrest and remand are on the record, bail becomes considerably harder. If your name has been mentioned in an FIR in Karachi, treat the matter as urgent from day one.
Every FIR is different. A senior criminal lawyer will review the case diary, assess the risk of arrest, and decide within hours whether the right move is pre-arrest bail, quashment under section 561-A Cr.P.C. or another route entirely.