When a person is arrested in Hong Kong, they are protected by several fundamental legal rights designed to prevent the abuse of power. Most notably, individuals have a right to silence and are not obliged to answer any questions from the police, other than providing their name and address. At the time of arrest, an officer must inform the individual of the reason for their detention; failure to do so may render the arrest unlawful. Additionally, suspects have the right to seek legal representation and can apply for legal aid if they lack the financial means to hire a private lawyer. Once a case reaches the court, the defendant is entitled to a fair and open trial. During the "mention" hearing, the accused is asked to enter a plea. If they plead not guilty, the case proceeds to a trial where the defence has the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses and present their own evidence. Throughout this process, the court also considers the matter of bail.  Under Hong Kong law, bail is generally regarded as a right rather than a privilege, though it may be denied if there is a substantial risk the accused will abscond or interfere with witnesses.

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in Hong Kong. Accidents can occur not only while crossing roads but also on pavements due to careless driving, illegal parking, or poor road conditions. Even if a pedestrian was jaywalking, this does not automatically bar them from making a compensation claim.Hong Kong applies the principle of contributory negligence, meaning compensation may be reduced if the pedestrian is partly at fault, but not necessarily denied altogether. Drivers still owe a duty of care to keep a proper lookout and drive safely.If injured, pedestrians may claim damages for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Prompt medical attention, police reports, and witness evidence are key to protecting one’s legal rights.

The legal framework for divorce in Hong Kong is governed by the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, which establishes that the sole ground for divorce is the "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage. To prove this breakdown, the petitioner must provide evidence of one of five specific facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for at least one continuous year, or separation. If both parties consent to the divorce, they must have lived apart for at least one year before filing. However, if one party does not consent, the required period of separation increases to two years. It is also important to note the "one-year rule," which generally prevents couples from filing for divorce unless they have been married for at least one year, except in cases of exceptional hardship. Beyond proving the breakdown of the marriage, the court must also be satisfied with the arrangements made for any children of the family and the division of matrimonial assets. The process typically begins with a petition or a joint application filed at the Family Court. If the court is satisfied with the evidence and the proposed arrangements for the family’s future, it will issue a Decree Nisi, which is a provisional order. After a mandatory waiting period of six weeks, the petitioner can apply for a Decree Absolute, which legally terminates the marriage and allows both parties to remarry.

Consequences of Drink DrivingFines and Imprisonment: A maximum fine of HK$25,000 and up to 3 years of imprisonment.Driving Improvement Course: Mandatory to attend.Driving Offence Points: Incur 10 driving offence points.Driving Disqualification: Alcohol levels are divided into three tiers, each with corresponding disqualification periods.Tier 1: Alcohol levels exceed the legal limit but are below 35 micrograms/80 milligrams/107 milligrams per 100 mL of breath/blood/urine respectively. The disqualification period is 6 months for a first conviction and 2 years for a subsequent conviction.Tier 2: Alcohol levels exceed Tier 1 but are below 66 micrograms/150 milligrams/201 milligrams per 100 mL of breath/blood/urine respectively. The disqualification period is 1 year for a first conviction and 3 years for a subsequent conviction.Tier 3: Alcohol levels exceed Tier 2. The disqualification period is 2 years for a first conviction and 5 years for a subsequent conviction.Do not underestimate the legal consequences of drink driving, as it can significantly impact your life. If you are facing a drink driving charge, please seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our legal team can provide practical advice to help you find an appropriate solution.