Criminal Law · Denmark
Criminal Law lawyers in Denmark
Facing criminal proceedings can be unsettling. We match you with a Danish advocate who understands local procedure, lay judges and appeals, so you know your next step.
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- Verified advocates in Denmark
- Response within 24–48 hours
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Why it matters
Criminal defence in Denmark
If you are involved in a criminal investigation or trial in Denmark, the structure of the courts and the role of the advokat are unlike common-law systems. Danish criminal cases are heard at first instance by district courts with professional and lay judges, and appeals go to one of two High Courts. The protected title ‘advokat’ guarantees that your representative has completed the mandatory Danish legal training and is a member of Advokatsamfundet. We help you find Criminal Law lawyers in Denmark who handle defence, appeals and procedural steps. Tell us about your situation, and we match you with a suitable lawyer — at no cost to you. The lawyer will then contact you directly.
Local specifics
Criminal procedure in Denmark
Denmark combines professional judges with lay judges in criminal cases. Below are the practical points that shape how a criminal matter proceeds, from first instance to appeal, and who may act for you.
Court structure for criminal cases
Criminal cases are first heard by one of the 24 district courts (byretter). A district court sits with one professional judge and two lay judges (lægdommere). Appeals are heard by the Eastern or Western High Court with three professional and three lay judges. The Supreme Court in Copenhagen is the final instance, but it decides points of law and sentencing only.
Lay judges participate equally
Around 15,000 ordinary citizens serve as lay judges in Danish criminal cases where a prison sentence may be imposed. Lay judges decide guilt and sentence on an equal footing with professional judges. In the most serious cases at district level, six lay judges may sit.
Right to a defence lawyer
In criminal cases where a custodial sentence is sought, the defendant is entitled to a defence lawyer. Assigned counsel is appointed and paid by the state. This ensures that even those without private means have a qualified advokat throughout the proceedings.
The protected title ‘advokat’
Only lawyers appointed by the Minister of Justice may call themselves ‘advokat’. Admission requires a Danish law degree, at least three years of practical legal work, and completion of the mandatory advocate training and examination. The title itself signals professional qualification and disciplinary oversight.
Legal fees and costs
Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed between client and lawyer; there are no binding official tariffs, although the Bar publishes guidelines. For assigned defence counsel, the state pays the lawyer, so you do not need to fund your defence if you qualify.
Data verified from official Danish sources and e-Justice as of 2026.
Common concerns
Worries you may have
Danish criminal procedure has specific rules. These are the concerns we help you address.
Uncertain about court procedure
Danish criminal procedure involves professional and lay judges, digital filings and strict appeal windows. Without local guidance, you risk missing a step that could affect your case.
Worried about appointing the right advocate
The title ‘advokat’ is protected, but finding one who handles criminal defence and speaks your language takes time. Our service shortens that search and gives you clear options.
Concerned about fees and legal aid
You may be entitled to state-assigned counsel if a custodial sentence is sought. We connect you with lawyers who can explain your legal aid options clearly and without obligation.
How we help
Benefits of our matching service
We make it easy to find a qualified advocate for your criminal matter in Denmark.
Free lawyer matching
Describe your case and receive a shortlist of Criminal Law lawyers in Denmark suited to your situation — at no cost and with no obligation to instruct anyone.
Verified Danish advocates
Everyone we introduce is a member of Advokatsamfundet and has passed the mandatory Danish advocate training and examination, so you can trust their professional standing.
Rapid first response
Typically, matched lawyers reply within 24–48 hours, so you can start discussing your next step without any unnecessary delay and with greater peace of mind.
Clear, local guidance
Our lawyers explain Danish criminal procedure, lay judges and appeal deadlines in plain English, so you can make informed decisions about your defence without confusion.
Compare with neighbours
Other jurisdictions we cover
If your case crosses borders, explore our lawyer matching in these nearby jurisdictions.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
How do I find Criminal Law lawyers in Denmark?
You can use our free matching service. Tell us briefly about your case, and we connect you with an advokat who handles criminal defence in Denmark. There is no charge to get matched, and the lawyer will contact you directly.
What is the role of lay judges in Danish criminal cases?
In cases where a prison sentence may be imposed, lay judges sit alongside professional judges. A district court uses one professional and two lay judges; a High Court uses three of each. They decide guilt and sentence on an equal footing.
Will I be assigned a defence lawyer if I cannot afford one?
In criminal cases where a custodial sentence is sought, the defendant is entitled to a defence lawyer. The state appoints and pays assigned counsel, so you do not need to cover the lawyer’s fee yourself.
Can any lawyer call themselves an ‘advokat’ in Denmark?
No. The title ‘advokat’ is protected. Only lawyers appointed by the Minister of Justice and admitted to Advokatsamfundet may use it, after completing a Danish law degree, three years of practical work and the mandatory advocate training.
What are the main courts that hear criminal cases in Denmark?
Criminal cases start in one of the 24 district courts. Appeals are heard by the Eastern or Western High Court, and the Supreme Court is the final instance for points of law and sentencing.
Are there deadlines I should know in Danish criminal proceedings?
The verified facts for this page do not include specific criminal limitation periods, so we cannot state them here. Your matched lawyer can advise on any procedural deadlines that apply to your case.
Take the next step
Connect with a Danish criminal defence lawyer
Tell us about your situation and get matched with an advocate who handles criminal law in Denmark. There is no cost to get matched.