Criminal Law · European Union
Facing a Cross-Border Case? Get an International Criminal Law Lawyer On Your Side
When an allegation crosses national borders — two jurisdictions, a foreign authority, an investigation that spans countries — the rules are no longer familiar. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles international criminal law matters in Europe every day, so you understand what is happening and what your options really are.
- Lawyers experienced in cross-border cases
- Guidance across multiple jurisdictions
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For anyone caught between legal systems, and unsure which one applies
International criminal law deals with offences that involve more than one country, or with conduct that states have agreed to treat as crimes across borders. It covers the treaties and frameworks that allow countries to cooperate — through extradition, mutual legal assistance, and bodies such as Eurojust or the International Criminal Court — as well as serious offences like terrorism, human trafficking, money laundering and organised crime that are prosecuted under international standards. If you, a family member or a business associate are the subject of an investigation, an arrest warrant, or a request that touches a second jurisdiction, the situation quickly becomes hard to read. Which country’s law governs? Which authority will act first? What are your rights if you are questioned abroad? A lawyer who works in this area can explain the framework, coordinate across the countries involved and make sure your position is protected.
Why these cases feel impossible
Cross-border cases are hard because the answers
sit in more than one legal system
A single case can involve two sets of criminal rules, two authorities and two timelines — and neither side may explain the other.
You don’t know which law applies
When conduct touches two countries, determining which state has jurisdiction — and whose rules, penalties and procedures control the case — is often the first and hardest question, and getting it wrong early can be costly.
Authorities move without warning
A foreign authority may freeze accounts, issue a warrant or request your arrest through channels you never saw coming, leaving you to react to decisions already made rather than act with information.
Two systems, no single contact
Each country involved runs its own process, its own language and its own timelines, so a request made in one state can trigger consequences in another that no single official will explain to you clearly.
What you get
A lawyer who can read the whole picture, not just one jurisdiction
We match you with criminal lawyers who regularly handle matters involving more than one country.
Jurisdiction analysis
Your lawyer assesses which country can lawfully act, what authority is most likely to move first, and what that means for your rights and exposure before you commit to any response.
Cross-border coordination
When authorities in two states are involved, your lawyer works across both, advising on requests, notifications and procedures so that decisions made in one country don’t quietly undermine your position in the other.
Defence of your rights
You keep the fundamental protections of the country concerned — the right to a lawyer, to an interpreter and to challenge detention — and your lawyer ensures they are actually respected at every stage.
Strategic case management
From the first contact from any authority through questioning, requests and any proceedings, your lawyer plans each step so you respond from a position of understanding rather than surprise.
Coverage
International criminal lawyers across Europe
Cross-border matters are governed by treaties and national laws, and the right lawyer is one who knows how the countries involved actually cooperate. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
International criminal law — common questions
What is international criminal law?
It covers two related areas: serious offences states have agreed to treat as crimes across borders, such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the cross-border cooperation frameworks — extradition, mutual legal assistance and shared investigation tools — that let countries act together. The rules vary by jurisdiction.
What should I do if I am investigated in another country?
Act early and get a lawyer in the country concerned as soon as you learn of the investigation. Contacting a specialist before speaking to any authority is typically the safest step, because statements made abroad can have consequences in your home country that are hard to undo.
Does an accusation abroad affect me in my home country?
It can. Depending on the countries and the offence, a foreign investigation, charge or conviction may be shared with your home authorities or affect your travel and status. A lawyer can explain how the two jurisdictions are likely to interact in your specific situation.
What is the difference between international and domestic criminal law?
Domestic criminal law is set and enforced by one state. International criminal law involves conduct across borders or offences defined by international treaties, and it depends on cooperation between states. Many cases sit between the two, and the applicable framework depends on the facts.
Can a lawyer represent me in more than one country?
A single lawyer is typically authorised to act in one jurisdiction, but an experienced international criminal lawyer coordinates with trusted colleagues in the other country or countries involved, so your position is handled consistently across every relevant system.
What rights do I have if I am arrested abroad?
You generally have the right to a lawyer, to be told why you are held, and to contact your consulate, and in many cases to an interpreter and to challenge detention. The exact protections vary by country, which is why contacting a local specialist quickly matters.
Free case review
Get clarity on a cross-border case before you act
Tell us what has happened and where, and we’ll connect you with a criminal lawyer who handles international matters across Europe — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.