Criminal Law · European Union
Find a Criminal Lawyer Who Defends You Across Europe
Being accused of a crime in a country whose language and procedures you may not know is disorienting and frightening. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted criminal lawyer who practises in the country concerned and handles cases like yours, from first contact with the police through charge, trial and any appeal.
- 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
Anyone suspected or accused of an offence deserves a lawyer who knows the local system
A criminal lawyer — in some countries called a defence solicitor, advocate or barrister — represents people who are suspected or accused of an offence, from the first contact with the police through investigation, charge, trial and any appeal. Their job is to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and make sure you understand every step before you act. Whether you have been arrested, questioned, summoned to court, or simply learned that you are under investigation, the decisions you make in the first hours and days can shape the entire case. Foreign nationals face an added layer of difficulty: unfamiliar rules, a different language and the risk of immigration consequences tied to the outcome. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted criminal lawyer who practises in the country concerned and handles matters like yours every day.
Why people get stuck
Criminal cases are lost in the first hours,
not just in the courtroom.
Unfamiliar procedures, a foreign language and the pressure of custody can lead you to make choices that damage your defence before you even speak to a lawyer.
You don’t know your rights
If you are arrested or questioned in a country you don’t know well, you may not realise you have the right to remain silent, to a lawyer, and to an interpreter. Acting without advice can create statements that are later used against you.
The first hours matter most
The earliest decisions — what you say in custody, whether you sign a statement, how you answer a summons — can shape the whole case. Most people have no idea how much is at stake until it is already too late.
Finding the right specialist
A general lawyer is not enough for a serious criminal matter. You need someone who knows the local courts, prosecutors and procedure, and who has handled offences like yours in the same jurisdiction.
What you get
A criminal lawyer who takes over your defence
We only match you with criminal lawyers who handle offences like yours regularly in the country where the case is running.
Full case assessment
Your lawyer reviews the accusation, the evidence and your situation, then explains honestly what you are facing, what your options are, and what the likely next steps and possible outcomes look like in that jurisdiction.
Rights protected from day one
You are advised on what to say and what not to say, whether to attend an interview, and how to respond to any contact from the police or prosecutors — before a mistake can be made.
Evidence challenged properly
Witness statements, expert reports and procedural mistakes are examined line by line, and weak or unlawfully obtained evidence is challenged through the correct local channels.
Local procedure handled
Court dates, bail or detention decisions, language and interpreter needs, and every deadline are managed by a lawyer who works with that country’s courts and prosecutors on a regular basis.
Coverage
Criminal lawyers across Europe
Criminal procedure is set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the country where the case is running and knows its courts, prosecutors and rules of evidence. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Criminal lawyers — common questions
What does a criminal lawyer actually do?
A criminal lawyer advises and represents you if you are suspected or accused of an offence. They protect your rights during questioning, review the evidence, advise on plea and bail decisions, and represent you in court and on any appeal.
When should I contact a criminal lawyer?
As early as possible — ideally before you answer questions or sign anything. The sooner a lawyer is involved, the better your rights are protected, and early advice can often prevent a situation from getting worse.
I don’t speak the local language. Can a lawyer still help?
Yes. Many criminal lawyers work with interpreters and are experienced in representing foreign nationals. You are typically entitled to an interpreter during questioning and proceedings, and your lawyer can arrange the support you need.
Can I get a lawyer if I have been arrested abroad?
Yes. If you are arrested in an EU or EEA country, you generally have the right to legal assistance and to have a consular or diplomatic representative informed. A local criminal lawyer can be instructed quickly to represent you.
Will my criminal case affect my immigration status?
It can, depending on the country and the outcome. Some convictions carry immigration consequences, such as affecting residency or removal decisions. A criminal lawyer can coordinate with an immigration specialist where needed.
How much does a criminal lawyer cost?
Fees vary widely by country, the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. We match you free of charge, and the lawyer will explain their fee structure clearly before you decide whether to instruct them — there is no obligation.
Free case review
Don’t face a criminal matter without a lawyer
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you with a criminal lawyer who handles cases like yours in the country concerned — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.