Criminal Law · Malta
Get matched with Criminal Law lawyers in Malta
Facing criminal proceedings can be one of the most stressful moments of your life. We help you find a warranted Maltese advocate who understands the Criminal Court and Court of Criminal Appeal, so you can focus on your defence.
- Free, no-obligation matching
- Advocates across Valletta, Sliema, Birkirkara and Gozo
- First responses usually within 24–48 hours
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Why Malta matters
Local knowledge for criminal matters
Whether you have been summoned to appear before the Court of Magistrates, are facing a jury trial before the Criminal Court, or need to appeal a conviction, Criminal Law lawyers in Malta can help you understand the charges, prepare your defence and represent you at every hearing. Malta’s two-tier court system, adversarial procedure and bilingual legal environment make local knowledge essential. Our matching service connects you with a warranted advocate who handles criminal cases, including legal aid applications, bail hearings, pre-charge advice and appeals. You tell us a few details, and we match you with a lawyer who handles your type of matter. There is no cost to use the service and no obligation to instruct the lawyer you are matched with.
Malta’s legal landscape
How criminal law works in Malta
Malta is a hybrid jurisdiction where civil-law and common-law traditions meet. For criminal matters, the courts are the Court of Magistrates (inferior) and the Criminal Court (superior), with appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal. Representation before the superior courts requires a warranted advocate.
Criminal courts and procedure
Criminal cases start in the Court of Magistrates or, for serious offences, the Criminal Court. Serious criminal cases are tried by a jury of nine jurors. Appeals go to the Court of Criminal Appeal, which sits in a superior three-judge or inferior one-judge formation. We match you with a lawyer who handles these courts.
Unified legal profession
Malta has a single type of lawyer: the advocate. The terms ‘lawyer’ and ‘advocate’ are interchangeable, with no barrister/solicitor split. Advocates have rights of audience before all courts, so your criminal lawyer can represent you from the first hearing to the final appeal.
Legal aid in criminal cases
In criminal cases, all persons are eligible for legal aid and no means test is required by law. Eligible individuals are assigned a legal aid lawyer and a legal aid procurator by court decree. Our matching service can connect you with lawyers who handle legal aid cases.
Mixed jurisdiction
Malta is a recognised mixed jurisdiction. Substantive private law follows the continental civil-law tradition, while public, procedural, administrative, commercial and company law bear strong English common-law influence. This blend shapes criminal procedure and makes local legal advice essential.
Bilingual legal system
Maltese and English are both official languages. Legislation is enacted in both, with the Maltese text prevailing in case of conflict. Maltese has been the language of the courts since 1934, but legal education is in English. Your lawyer will explain proceedings in the language you understand.
Regulation and discipline
The profession is regulated by the Commission for the Administration of Justice. To practise, an advocate must hold a warrant from the President of the Republic and pass exams before two judges. The Chamber of Advocates is the recognised voluntary professional body.
Key time limit — Criminal Law
Tort / damages claims (not arising from a criminal offence) — 2 years. Article 2153 of the Civil Code: ‘Actions for damages not arising from a criminal offence are barred by the lapse of two years.’ Prescription runs from the day the action can be exercised, generally from when the damage manifests itself and becomes objectively perceivable.
Data sourced from official Maltese and EU official bodies (e-Justice, Legal Aid Malta, legislation.mt and Judiciary Malta) in June 2025.
Common challenges
Facing criminal proceedings in Malta
We understand what is at stake. Our role is to make it easier to find the right lawyer.
You are under investigation or charged
The Criminal Court and Court of Magistrates have specific procedures. We match you with a lawyer who handles criminal defence from the earliest stage, so you know your rights and options.
You are unsure about legal aid or costs
Legal aid in criminal cases is available without a means test. We match you with a lawyer who handles legal aid applications and can explain what is covered.
Language and procedure feel overwhelming
Maltese is the language of the courts, but English is widely used. We match you with a bilingual lawyer who handles criminal proceedings and explains every step clearly.
Why use our matching service
A simpler way to find criminal law lawyers in Malta
Free, fast and confidential. Here is what you get.
Free, no-obligation matching
Our platform matches you with specialised criminal law lawyers in Malta at no cost. You only pay legal fees if you choose to instruct the lawyer.
Verified local expertise
Every lawyer in our network holds a Maltese warrant and understands the Criminal Court, Court of Criminal Appeal and jury trials.
Fast first response
Most clients receive their first lawyer response within 24–48 hours, so you can act quickly on bail, appeals or pre-charge advice.
Confidential and secure
Your enquiry is private. You share only the details you are comfortable with, and you can compare lawyers before deciding.
Other European markets
Criminal law lawyers across Europe
If your matter involves another jurisdiction, we also match clients with criminal law lawyers in these countries.
Frequently asked questions
Criminal law in Malta – FAQs
How can Criminal Law lawyers in Malta help me if I am charged with an offence?
Criminal Law lawyers in Malta can advise you from the first police interview, represent you before the Court of Magistrates or Criminal Court, and handle appeals to the Court of Criminal Appeal. We match you with a lawyer who handles your specific type of criminal matter.
What is the court structure for criminal cases in Malta?
Malta has a two-tier court system. Criminal cases start in the Court of Magistrates or the Criminal Court. Serious criminal cases are tried by a jury of nine jurors. Appeals are heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal, which sits in superior or inferior jurisdiction.
Is legal aid available for criminal matters in Malta?
Yes. In criminal cases, all persons are eligible for legal aid and no means test is required by law. The court assigns a legal aid lawyer and a legal aid procurator by decree. Our matching service can connect you with lawyers who handle legal aid cases.
Do I need to speak Maltese to have a criminal lawyer in Malta?
Maltese is the official language of the courts, but English is also an official language and legal education is in English. Your lawyer will be able to explain proceedings and documents in English, so you can fully understand your case.
How are criminal lawyers in Malta regulated?
A criminal lawyer in Malta is a warranted advocate regulated by the Commission for the Administration of Justice. To practise, an advocate must hold a warrant from the President of the Republic and pass exams before two judges.
Can a foreigner get legal representation in Malta?
Yes. To practise in Malta, a lawyer must hold a warrant. EU citizens and persons with a legal right to work in Malta may qualify. We match you with a lawyer who handles criminal cases and can assist you regardless of nationality.
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