Criminal law · Denmark
Your criminal lawyer in Denmark – clear, confidential defence support
Facing criminal charges or a police investigation in Denmark can be overwhelming. We match you with a Danish advokat who handles criminal defence, from the first questioning to court proceedings. Free, confidential and without obligation.
- Danish advokater experienced in criminal procedure
- Support at police questioning and in court
- Free matching in 24–48 hours
No fee for the matching service. You choose the lawyer.
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Criminal defence in Denmark
How a criminal lawyer in Denmark can help you
When you are suspected or charged with an offence in Denmark, the Danish Administration of Justice Act (Retsplejeloven) gives you specific procedural rights, including the right to a defence lawyer in many cases. A criminal lawyer in Denmark—called an advokat—can protect your interests during police questioning, pre-trial detention hearings and the main court proceedings. Danish criminal courts sit with professional judges and lay judges (lægdommere), and the rules on evidence, appeals and sentencing are strict. Acting early is important, because statements made without legal advice can affect the case. We match you with a vetted Danish advokat who handles criminal defence across Denmark. The matching service is free and confidential, and you are under no obligation to instruct the lawyer we introduce.
Local rules
Criminal proceedings in Denmark – key practical points
Denmark has a civil-law tradition with criminal cases heard by the district courts and appeals by the High Courts. The title ‘advokat’ is protected and guarantees professional qualification and disciplinary oversight. These verified points explain how criminal defence works in Denmark.
Court structure in criminal cases
Criminal cases are heard at first instance by one of the 24 district courts (byretter). Appeals are heard by the Eastern or Western High Court, and the Supreme Court in Copenhagen is the final instance, generally only for cases admitted by the Appeals Permission Board. Lay judges sit alongside professional judges in most cases where a prison sentence may be imposed.
Who may act as a defence lawyer in Denmark
Only a lawyer appointed (beskikket) by the Minister of Justice may use the title ‘advokat’ and appear as a defence lawyer. Appointment requires a Danish law degree, at least three years of practical legal work and completion of the mandatory advocate training and examination. Using the title without appointment is a criminal offence.
Right to a defence lawyer
In criminal cases where a custodial sentence is sought, the defendant is entitled to a defence lawyer. Assigned counsel is appointed and paid by the state. Parties may in principle appear in person, but in High Court and Supreme Court cases representation by an advokat is normally required.
Lay judges participate in criminal trials
Around 15,000 ordinary citizens serve as lay judges (lægdommere) in Danish criminal cases where a prison sentence may be imposed. A district court sits with two lay judges and one professional judge; a High Court with three of each. The Supreme Court decides points of law and sentencing only, without lay judges.
Digital case handling
Danish courts are among the most digitalised in Europe. Civil cases are conducted entirely online through minretssag.dk. For criminal matters, your advokat will handle the necessary filings and correspondence with the court, ensuring that all procedural steps are met.
These data come from official Danish sources (Danish courts, the Danish Bar and Law Society, Retsinformation, Borger.dk) and the European e-Justice Portal, retrieved in 2026.
Common situations
When you may need a criminal lawyer in Denmark
If any of these situations sounds familiar, getting local legal support early can make a real difference.
You have been called to a police interview
A police interview in Denmark can be used as evidence later. You have the right to have an advokat present in many situations, and speaking without one can harm your defence. We match you quickly with a criminal lawyer in Denmark.
You have been charged with an offence
A formal charge can lead to a court case with professional and lay judges. Understanding the procedure, the possible penalties and your rights is difficult alone. A Danish advokat can assess the evidence and advise you.
You are facing pre-trial detention
In Denmark, a judge must decide on pre-trial detention within a short time after arrest. You need an advokat to argue against detention or for less restrictive measures. We can match you with one promptly.
Why use European Lawyer Finder
Four reasons to get matched with a Danish advokat
Our service is designed to take the stress out of finding the right criminal defence support in Denmark.
Vetted Danish advokater
Every lawyer we match you with is a registered advokat, appointed by the Minister of Justice and a member of the Danish Bar and Law Society. This guarantees professional qualification and disciplinary oversight.
Free and confidential matching
Our service costs you nothing. You describe your situation, and we match you with a criminal lawyer in Denmark who handles your type of case, usually within 24–48 hours.
Clear explanation of Danish procedure
Your advokat explains how Danish criminal courts work, from the initial questioning and possible pre-trial detention to the district court, High Court and Supreme Court. You will know each step.
Support across Denmark
Whether your case is in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg or a smaller town, we can match you with a local advokat familiar with the relevant district court and its practices.
More countries
Find a criminal lawyer elsewhere
European Lawyer Finder also matches clients with specialised criminal defence professionals in other European jurisdictions.
Questions and answers
Criminal lawyer in Denmark – FAQs
What does a criminal lawyer in Denmark do?
A criminal lawyer in Denmark—an advokat—represents you during police questioning, pre-trial detention hearings and court proceedings. They examine the prosecution’s evidence, advise you on your rights under the Administration of Justice Act, and present your defence before the professional and lay judges.
Do I have the right to a defence lawyer in Denmark?
In criminal cases where a custodial sentence is sought, you are entitled to a defence lawyer. Assigned counsel is appointed and paid by the state. Even where assigned counsel is not automatic, you may instruct a private advokat for advice and representation.
How are criminal cases heard in Denmark?
Criminal cases start in one of the 24 district courts. Appeals go to the Eastern or Western High Court, and the Supreme Court is the final instance. In cases where a prison sentence may be imposed, lay judges sit alongside professional judges.
Who can appear as a defence lawyer in Denmark?
Only a lawyer appointed (beskikket) by the Minister of Justice may use the title ‘advokat’. Appointment requires a Danish law degree, at least three years of practical legal work and completion of the mandatory advocate training and examination. Others may not hold themselves out as advokater.
Is the matching service really free?
Yes. European Lawyer Finder does not charge you for the matching service. We introduce you to a vetted criminal lawyer in Denmark; any fees for legal services are agreed directly with the lawyer and you are under no obligation to instruct them.
What should I do if I am arrested in Denmark?
You have the right to remain silent and to contact a lawyer. Ask for an advokat immediately. The court must decide on pre-trial detention, and you have the right to be heard. A Danish criminal lawyer can protect your rights from the first hours.
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Need a criminal lawyer in Denmark?
Tell us briefly what has happened. We match you with a vetted Danish advokat who handles criminal defence, free of charge and without obligation.