Criminal Law · Greece
Criminal Law lawyers in Greece who handle your defence from day one
If you are investigated or charged with a criminal offence in Greece, you need a lawyer who understands the Greek penal procedure and your rights. Our service matches you with a vetted criminal law lawyer near you, at no cost, usually within 24–48 hours.
- Free lawyer matching — no hidden charges
- Lawyers barred in Greece and bound by professional secrecy
- First response within 24–48 hours
No obligation. Your enquiry is confidential.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Why it matters
Criminal proceedings in Greece move quickly
If you are involved in criminal proceedings in Greece, whether as a suspect, accused, victim or witness, the choices you make in the first hours can have lasting consequences. Greece follows a continental (civil law) model with codified rules and a separate criminal court hierarchy; the Areios Pagos reviews only the legal correctness of decisions, not the facts. Criminal Law lawyers in Greece are members of a Bar Association and act as public functionaries bound by professional secrecy, so they can explain the likely steps and represent you before the authorities. We do not provide legal advice, but we match you free of charge with a lawyer who handles criminal cases in your city. The first response usually arrives within 24–48 hours, so you can act quickly.
Greece in focus
How criminal law works in Greece
The Greek criminal justice system is part of the continental legal tradition, rooted in codified statutes and the Constitution. Criminal cases are heard in the ordinary court hierarchy, with the Court of Cassation (Areios Pagos) exercising final review on legal grounds only. The rules below are based on verified official sources.
Criminal court structure
Criminal justice in Greece is one of three jurisdictions, alongside civil and administrative. Ordinary criminal cases begin in the Magistrates’ Courts or Courts of First Instance, with appeals heard by the Courts of Appeal. The Areios Pagos has dedicated penal chambers and reviews only legal correctness, not the facts.
Who may represent you
Only lawyers who are members of a Greek Bar Association may practise. Under the Code of Lawyers, a lawyer becomes a public functionary upon passing bar exams, taking the oath and being enrolled in a local Bar Association. The Athens Bar Association alone has around 22,000 members.
Professional standards
Greek criminal defence lawyers are bound by legal professional secrecy and must defend the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. Disciplinary control rests with the Bar Associations, and legal fees are set by written agreement or statutory scale, subject to VAT.
Legal aid and costs
Criminal-procedure costs are set by the Code of Criminal Procedure and related decisions. Low-income residents and some EU/third-country nationals may qualify for free legal aid under Law 3226/2004; persons with a disability of 67% or more qualify regardless of income.
Civil law model
Greece follows the continental (civil law) model based on comprehensive codified statutes rooted in Roman-Byzantine tradition. Statutory law and the Constitution are the primary sources; court decisions are not formally binding precedent, but the Areios Pagos ensures uniform interpretation.
The data in this section comes from official Greek sources, the European e-Justice portal and CEPEJ, as of the date of publication.
Common concerns
What clients worry about
Criminal proceedings in Greece can feel unpredictable. Here is how a lawyer helps you regain control.
Uncertainty and urgency
Being summoned or arrested in Greece can feel overwhelming. You may not know whether to speak, what documents to sign or which court will hear your case. A criminal lawyer can clarify your position before you act.
Language and procedure barriers
If you are not fluent in Greek, following proceedings is difficult. Court documents and hearings are in Greek, and procedural mistakes can harm your defence. A lawyer explains each step in your language.
Consequences beyond the courtroom
A criminal record or travel restriction can affect your job, residence status or family life. Early legal advice helps you understand the possible collateral consequences and how to respond proportionately.
Why choose us
A calmer path through Greek criminal proceedings
Our matching service is built around speed, confidentiality and bar-regulated expertise.
Free and confidential matching
Our service costs you nothing. We only match you with a lawyer who handles criminal cases in Greece, and your enquiry stays confidential until you agree to proceed.
Bar-regulated lawyers
Every lawyer we match is a member of a Greek Bar Association, bound by professional secrecy and disciplinary rules. You are not dealing with unregulated intermediaries.
Fast first response
Most clients receive a shortlist within 24–48 hours. In urgent criminal matters, acting early can preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Local knowledge, national coverage
We cover Athens, Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Patras, Heraklion and other Greek cities, so you can find a lawyer near the court handling your case.
Where we match
Focused on Greece, connected across Europe
We primarily match clients with criminal law lawyers in Greece. If your case has a cross-border element, we can also connect you with vetted lawyers in these countries.
Questions clients ask
Criminal law in Greece: what you need to know
How do I find trustworthy Criminal Law lawyers in Greece?
Use a matching service that works only with bar-registered Greek lawyers. We match you free of charge with a lawyer who handles criminal cases, based on your location and the nature of the matter, and you receive a shortlist within 24–48 hours.
Do I have the right to remain silent in Greece?
Yes. Greek criminal procedure respects the right to silence and the presumption of innocence. A lawyer can explain when and how to exercise these rights during questioning or pre-trial proceedings.
What is the role of a lawyer in Greek criminal proceedings?
A Greek criminal lawyer represents you before courts and authorities, advises on procedure, and is bound by professional secrecy. Under the Code of Lawyers, the lawyer is a public functionary co-operating with the administration of justice.
Can I get free legal aid for a criminal case in Greece?
Free legal aid is available to low-income residents and, in some cases, EU citizens and third-country nationals lawfully resident in the EU. Persons with a disability of 67% or more qualify regardless of income under Law 3226/2004.
Which court will hear my criminal case?
Criminal cases are heard in the ordinary court hierarchy: Magistrates’ Courts or Courts of First Instance at first instance, with appeals to the Courts of Appeal. The Areios Pagos reviews only legal correctness, not facts.
What should I do if I am arrested in Greece?
Ask to contact a lawyer immediately. Do not sign documents you do not understand. A criminal lawyer can advise you before any statement is made and ensure your rights are respected from the first moment.
Ready to act?
Get matched with a criminal law lawyer in Greece today
Tell us about your situation. We will match you free of charge with a vetted criminal law lawyer near you, usually within 24–48 hours. No obligation, fully confidential.