Suspension of Indictment for Foreign Client in Four Consolidated Cosmetics Theft Cases

Taeshin Law Firm successfully represented a foreign client who was investigated for four separate cosmetics theft incidents at multiple stores in Korea. Although the value of the stolen items was relatively low, the incidents were reported separately by different stores and could have resulted in multiple criminal dispositions. The legal team accompanied the client during police questioning, helped reach settlements with all affected stores, compensated the victims, and submitted a detailed defense opinion emphasizing the client's lack of criminal history, remorse, minor damages, full settlements, and the victims' unwillingness to seek punishment. The separately registered cases were consolidated, and the prosecution ultimately issued a suspension of indictment.

Background / Issue

The client was a foreign national living overseas who visited Korea and was accused of stealing cosmetics and related items from several cosmetics stores over multiple days. Although the stolen items were relatively low in value, the conduct occurred four separate times at different stores. Because each store filed its own report, the incidents were initially registered as separate criminal cases. The client also needed to return to their home country during the investigation, creating additional urgency and practical difficulty.

Our Legal Approach

Taeshin Law Firm accompanied the client during the police investigation to ensure that the client could participate in questioning in a stable and properly supported environment. The legal team promptly assisted with compensation and settlement discussions with each affected store. Immediately after the police investigation, Taeshin Law Firm helped reach settlements with all victims so that the client could return to their home country during the investigation process. The team then prepared and submitted a detailed defense opinion to the prosecutor's office. The opinion emphasized that the client was a first-time offender with no criminal record, admitted all wrongdoing, sincerely reflected on the conduct, and had acted impulsively under extreme stress caused by family conflict. The defense also highlighted that the amount of damage was relatively minor, the client had reached settlement with all victims, the victims did not want the client to be punished, and the settlements compensated the victims beyond the actual amount of damage. Because the theft reports had been filed separately by each store, Taeshin Law Firm also submitted an additional opinion requesting that the separate cases be consolidated and resolved through one disposition.

Result / Outcome

The prosecution issued a non-indictment disposition with suspension of indictment. For foreign nationals in Korea, even relatively minor theft allegations can create serious criminal and immigration-related concerns, especially when multiple incidents are registered as separate cases. This case shows the importance of early legal support, victim settlement, case consolidation, and a carefully prepared defense opinion to achieve the most favorable prosecutorial outcome.