Lost Property Embezzlement – Foreign Student (D-4 Visa) Avoided Conviction and Maintained Visa Status with Non-Prosecution Decision

Lost Property Embezzlement – Foreign Student (D-4 Visa) Avoided Conviction and Maintained Visa Status with Non-Prosecution Decision

Law Firm Dongju 법무법인 동주 

A D-4 visa holder from Vietnam studying in Korea was investigated for lost property embezzlement (점유이탈물횡령) after picking up a smartphone left in a self-service café and resetting it for personal use.

Although the client had no malicious intent and was unaware that keeping a found item could be a criminal offense under Korean law, the act was discovered after the phone’s owner filed a police report.

Dongju Law Firm’s defense strategy included:

• Explaining the circumstances and intent behind the act, emphasizing cultural misunderstanding rather than criminal motive.

• Submitting a reflection letter, showing sincere remorse and cooperation during the investigation.

• Demonstrating that the client was a student with strong academic goals, not someone likely to reoffend.

• Returning the phone to its owner and achieving a peaceful settlement through compensation and apology.

✅ The result?
The prosecution granted a suspension of indictment (기소유예) considering the client’s cooperation, remorse, and lack of criminal intent. The client successfully maintained visa status and continued studies in Korea without interruption.

Full story of success stories / 성공사례 전문 

점유이탈물횡령은 사소한 실수처럼 보일 수 있지만, 외국인에게는 비자 취소나 강제퇴거로 이어질 수 있는 사안입니다.

비슷한 상황이라면 전문가의 도움을 받아 기소유예 등 선처를 이끌어내고, 안전하게 체류를 이어가시길 바랍니다.

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