Criminal Records in Korea: Police Investigations, Non-Referral, and Prosecution
Criminal Records in Korea: Police Investigations, Non-Referral, and Prosecution Foreign nationals involved in a criminal case in Korea often have one important concern: What happens to my criminal record after a police investigation? Many people assume that simply being investigated by the police means that they now have a criminal record. That is not necessarily the case. In Korea, the result of a criminal case can be very different depending on whether the police refer the case to the prosecution, whether the prosecutor brings charges, and whether the person is ultimately convicted by a court. Understanding these differences is important for anyone involved in a criminal investigation in Korea. 1. A Police Investigation Does Not Automatically Mean a Criminal Record Being investigated by the police does not mean that you have been convicted of a crime. A police investigation is part of the process of determining whether there is sufficient evidence to establish criminal responsibility...
