Criminal law · Luxembourg
Your criminal lawyer in Luxembourg for clear, discreet defence
Facing a criminal investigation or charge can be overwhelming. Our matching service connects you with an English-speaking Luxembourg lawyer who understands local procedure and will protect your rights at every stage.
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- Clear guidance on procedure, language and legal aid
- Confidential, no-obligation introduction
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Why it matters
Criminal defence in Luxembourg: what you should know
Being questioned, charged or summoned before a Luxembourg criminal court is a serious matter. Criminal proceedings take place before the correctional and criminal chambers of the District Courts in Luxembourg City and Diekirch, with appeals to the Court of Appeal and cassation to the Court of Cassation. A criminal lawyer in Luxembourg can explain the charges, advise on the language of proceedings, and represent you at every hearing. Luxembourg has two independent Bars—the Barreau de Luxembourg and the Barreau de Diekirch—and only lawyers registered on their rolls may represent you. Because procedural documents are written in French, even if hearings may be held in Luxembourgish, German or French, having a lawyer who speaks your language is essential. Our free matching service connects you with a vetted specialist who handles criminal defence, without you having to compare options alone.
Local legal framework
How criminal matters work in Luxembourg
Luxembourg follows a continental civil-law system where criminal cases are heard by the correctional and criminal chambers of the District Courts. The procedure is shaped by a trilingual legal culture, strict professional rules for lawyers, and a system of legal aid that can help cover fees.
Criminal courts and appeals
Criminal cases are heard by the District Courts of Luxembourg and Diekirch acting as correctional or criminal chambers. Appeals go to the Court of Appeal, and cassation to the Court of Cassation, both within the Supreme Court of Justice. A lawyer can help you understand which court will hear your case and what the procedural steps involve.
Three languages, one procedure
All procedural documents must be drafted in French, but hearings may be conducted in French, German or Luxembourgish. Court-provided translation is paid for by the State. Your lawyer can explain what to expect and ensure you are not disadvantaged by language barriers.
Who may represent you
Only lawyers registered on the roll of the Barreau de Luxembourg or the Barreau de Diekirch may practise law and represent parties before the courts. They are bound by professional secrecy protected by criminal law. For criminal defence, choosing an avocat à la Cour ensures full representation rights in all courts.
Legal fees and legal aid
There is no binding official tariff for lawyers’ fees, which are freely agreed with the client. Legal aid may cover all or part of the lawyer’s fees (100%, 50% or 25%), and applications are decided by the Bâtonnier of the relevant Bar. A criminal lawyer can advise whether you may qualify.
The two Bars of Luxembourg
Luxembourg has two independent Bars: the Barreau de Luxembourg, the larger, and the Barreau de Diekirch for the northern judicial district. Both administer legal aid and discipline their members. Your matched lawyer will be registered with one of these Bars and subject to their rules.
The data on this page comes from official Luxembourg sources (government, e-Justice and Legilux) as of April 2025.
- National justice systems – Luxembourg
- Legal profession – Ministry of Justice Luxembourg
- Civil Code – Legilux
- Dismissal notice periods – ITM
- Residential lease termination – Guichet.lu
- Succession declaration – Guichet.lu
- Administrative appeals – Guichet.lu
- Succession rights – Justice.lu
- Lawyer fees and legal aid – Guichet.lu
- Access to justice – trilingual system
Common concerns
Worried about a criminal matter?
You are not alone. Here is how we help you face the situation with confidence.
Facing criminal proceedings alone
Being questioned by police or summoned to court without legal guidance is frightening. A criminal lawyer in Luxembourg will explain the charges, the procedure and your options, so you never have to make decisions in the dark.
Language barriers in court
Even if hearings may be held in Luxembourgish, German or French, all written procedural documents are in French. Without a lawyer who speaks your language and understands the system, important details can be missed.
Uncertainty about fees and legal aid
Many people worry about the cost of a defence. Luxembourg legal aid can cover part or all of a lawyer’s fees, and a matched criminal lawyer will explain clearly how fees work before you commit.
Why use our service
The easy way to find the right lawyer
We take the guesswork out of finding legal help in Luxembourg.
Vetted criminal defence specialists
We only match you with lawyers registered on the roll of the Barreau de Luxembourg or Barreau de Diekirch, who regularly handle criminal cases and know the local courts.
Fast, confidential introduction
Tell us briefly what happened, and we will send you the profile of a suitable criminal lawyer within 24 to 48 hours. Your information stays private.
Clear communication in your language
Our service helps you find an English-speaking lawyer who can explain French-language procedure and represent you effectively at hearings.
No cost to get matched
Our matching service is free and carries no obligation. You only discuss fees directly with the lawyer, and you can decide whether to proceed.
Where we match
Beyond Luxembourg
If you need a lawyer elsewhere in Europe, our network can help.
Common questions
Criminal lawyer in Luxembourg: FAQs
What does a criminal lawyer in Luxembourg do?
A criminal lawyer in Luxembourg advises and represents you at every stage of a criminal case, from police questioning and pre-trial investigation to hearings before the District Courts and appeals. They explain the charges, protect your rights, and speak on your behalf in court, where procedural documents are in French.
Do I need a lawyer if I am only being questioned by the police?
Even at the questioning stage, having a lawyer is strongly advisable. A lawyer can be present during interviews, ensure you understand your rights, and prevent you from making statements that could harm your defence later. You have the right to remain silent.
Can I get legal aid for a criminal case in Luxembourg?
Yes. Legal aid (assistance judiciaire) is available to persons of insufficient means and may cover all or part of the lawyer’s fees—100%, 50% or 25%. Applications are decided by the Bâtonnier of the Bar where you reside, or the Barreau de Luxembourg for non-residents.
In which language will my criminal case be conducted?
Written procedural documents are always in French, but hearings may be held in French, German or Luxembourgish. Court-provided interpretation is paid for by the State, so you can follow the proceedings in a language you understand, with your lawyer’s assistance.
How do I choose the right criminal lawyer in Luxembourg?
Focus on experience in criminal defence, registration with one of the two Luxembourg Bars, and clear communication. Our matching service introduces you to a vetted specialist who handles criminal cases and will explain your situation in plain English before you decide.
What should I do if I am arrested in Luxembourg?
Remain calm and politely state that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer. Do not sign any document you do not fully understand. Contact us or a criminal lawyer as soon as possible so that they can advise you from the outset.
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Describe your situation briefly, and we will send you the profile of a specialised lawyer who handles criminal cases in Luxembourg—free of charge and in complete confidence.