Criminal Law · European Union
Protect Yourself During a Criminal Investigation
You don’t have to be charged to need a lawyer. If the police or prosecutors are investigating you, every answer you give and every document you provide can shape what happens next. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who guides you through an investigation in the country concerned.
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Who this is for
An investigation is the quiet stage of a criminal case — and the one where the outcome is often decided
A criminal investigation is the phase before any formal charge, when the police or a prosecutor gathers evidence to decide whether an offence has been committed and who may be responsible. You can be under investigation without ever being told — through interviews, searches, requests for documents, or simply a letter or a call asking you to come in for a chat. Because there is often no charge yet, many people assume there is nothing to worry about, and they answer questions or hand over material without legal advice. That is exactly when mistakes are made. Every statement, document and decision in this phase becomes part of the record and can determine whether a case proceeds at all. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who understands how investigations are run in the country concerned and who protects your position from the outset.
Why investigations go wrong
You rarely know you’re under investigation
until the damage is already done.
There is usually no charge and no formal notice at this stage — just requests, interviews and searches that quietly build a case against you.
You don’t know you’re a suspect
The authorities may treat you as a witness while actually gathering evidence against you. Without a lawyer, you may not recognise the moment the conversation turns from a chat into an interrogation.
You hand over too much, too soon
Documents, emails, devices and passwords shared voluntarily can be used against you. Once material is provided, it is very hard to take back, and it may not even be needed for the case to proceed.
No one explains the process
Searches, seizures, interviews and summonses follow strict local rules, and you may not know what is lawful, what you must comply with, and what you are entitled to refuse.
What you get
A lawyer who steers you through the investigation
We only match you with lawyers who handle criminal investigations regularly in the country where yours is taking place.
Early intervention
Your lawyer establishes contact with the authorities early, understands the scope of the investigation and advises you on how to respond — before you answer a single question or hand over anything.
Interview preparation
You are prepared for any interview or summons, advised on what to say and what not to say, and accompanied where possible, so your rights are protected throughout.
Searches and seizures reviewed
If your home or premises are searched or property is seized, your lawyer checks that the correct procedure was followed and challenges any irregularity through the proper channels.
A strategy for what comes next
Whether the aim is to stop the investigation, limit its scope or prepare for a possible charge, your lawyer builds a plan and keeps you informed at every stage.
Coverage
Criminal investigation lawyers across Europe
Investigation powers and procedures are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who knows how the police and prosecutors in the relevant country actually operate. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Criminal investigations — common questions
How do I know if I’m under criminal investigation?
You may not always be told, especially at an early stage. Signs include being asked to attend an interview, receiving a request for documents, or learning that your home or workplace has been searched. A lawyer can often find out the true position.
Do I have to answer police questions during an investigation?
In most European countries you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal advice. The exact rules vary by jurisdiction, so you should speak to a lawyer before deciding whether to answer any questions.
What happens during a search or seizure?
The authorities may search premises and seize items if the correct legal procedure is followed. You generally have rights regarding how the search is conducted, and a lawyer can check that those rules were respected and challenge any breach.
Can an investigation be stopped before I’m charged?
In some cases, yes. If the evidence is weak, obtained improperly or fails to establish an offence, a lawyer can make representations to the prosecutor or challenge the basis of the investigation. Outcomes vary by country and case.
Will I be arrested during the investigation?
Not necessarily. Many investigations are conducted without arrest. Whether you are detained depends on the seriousness of the matter and the jurisdiction’s rules. A lawyer can advise on your risk and how to respond.
Should I hand over documents or devices if asked?
Not without legal advice. What you are required to provide, and what you may lawfully decline, depends on the country and the circumstances. Providing material voluntarily can affect your position, so consult a lawyer first.
Free case review
Get ahead of the investigation before it’s too late
Tell us what you’ve been contacted about and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who handles criminal investigations in the country concerned — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.