Criminal Law · European Union
Build a Strong Criminal Defence With the Right Lawyer
A criminal defence is built on strategy, evidence and timing — not on hope. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted defence lawyer who practises in the country where you are accused and knows how to protect your position from the very first contact with the authorities.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- 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
A criminal defence is your right — but it only works if it starts early and is built properly
Criminal defence is the legal work of protecting a person who is suspected or accused of an offence — challenging the prosecution’s case, testing the evidence, and ensuring the accused is treated fairly under the law. It begins long before a trial: in what you say during questioning, which documents you provide, how you respond to a summons, and how you handle bail or detention. Every jurisdiction across Europe runs its own criminal procedure, with different rights, deadlines and rules of evidence, and an effective defence depends on a lawyer who knows that system in detail. Foreign nationals face particular risk, because a conviction can also carry immigration consequences. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted defence lawyer who practises in the country where the case is running and who has defended cases like yours.
Why defences fail
A weak defence is usually a late defence.
The strongest cases start on day one.
The prosecution begins building its case immediately — every hour you wait to involve a defence lawyer can hand the other side an advantage.
Statements given without advice
What you say during police questioning or in writing can be used against you later. Once a statement is made, it is very hard to undo, and many people only realise this after the damage is done.
Evidence not challenged in time
Deadlines for requesting evidence, calling witnesses or challenging expert reports are strict in most countries. Missing them can mean losing the chance to contest the prosecution’s case at all.
Choosing the wrong strategy
Whether to cooperate, remain silent, negotiate or go to trial is a strategic decision that depends on the evidence and local practice. Guessing wrong can mean accepting an outcome that was never necessary.
What you get
A defence lawyer who builds your case properly
We only match you with defence lawyers who handle criminal cases regularly in the country where yours is running.
Early strategic advice
You are advised on what to say and what not to say, whether to attend interviews, and how to handle any request from the police or prosecution — before a decision is made that can’t be reversed.
Evidence reviewed in detail
Every witness statement, expert report and procedural step is examined, and weaknesses, inconsistencies and unlawfully obtained evidence are identified and challenged through the correct channels.
Negotiation and plea strategy
Where the local system allows it, your lawyer advises honestly on whether a negotiated resolution is in your interest, and what the realistic consequences of each option are.
Full trial representation
If the case goes to court, your lawyer prepares and presents your defence, cross-examines witnesses and argues on your behalf, with your rights protected at every stage.
Coverage
Criminal defence lawyers across Europe
Criminal procedure, rules of evidence and defence rights are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the country where the case is running. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Criminal defence — common questions
What is the difference between criminal defence and criminal law?
Criminal law is the broad area covering offences and penalties, while criminal defence is the specific work of representing and protecting someone who is accused. A defence lawyer’s role is to safeguard your rights and challenge the case against you.
Do I have a right to a defence lawyer?
In EU and EEA countries, anyone accused of a criminal offence generally has the right to legal assistance, including free legal aid in many cases. The exact scope and conditions vary by country and by the seriousness of the offence.
What should I do if I’m accused of a crime I didn’t commit?
Stay calm and contact a defence lawyer immediately. Avoid giving detailed statements before you have legal advice, and gather anything that could support your account. Your lawyer will advise on how best to demonstrate your innocence.
Can a defence lawyer get charges dropped?
It depends on the evidence and the jurisdiction. A lawyer can challenge weak or improperly obtained evidence, raise procedural errors and negotiate with prosecutors, which in some cases can lead to charges being reduced or dropped. No lawyer can guarantee an outcome.
How long will my case take?
Criminal cases can take anywhere from weeks to years, depending on the country, the seriousness of the offence and the complexity of the evidence. Your lawyer can give you a realistic sense of the likely timeline in your jurisdiction.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. Even with a guilty plea, a defence lawyer can negotiate the charge and the penalty, present mitigating circumstances and protect you from consequences you may not have anticipated — including immigration effects.
Free case review
Start your defence before it’s too late
Tell us what happened and we’ll connect you with a defence lawyer who handles cases like yours in the country concerned — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.