Criminal Law
Criminal cases and criminal law constitute our primary area of practice and specialist expertise.
We accept appointments as public defenders, privately retained defense counsel, legal counsel, counsel for injured parties, and special representatives for children. We also undertake assignments for companies and organisations in need of criminal law advice.
Public Defender
As public defenders, we represent individuals who are suspected or accused of criminal offences.
If you are suspected of a crime, you have the right to request that a specific lawyer be appointed as your public defender. This is done by providing our name to the police or the district court.
The earlier you engage us, the greater our ability to safeguard your interests and secure the best possible outcome. A defence assignment should ideally commence even before the first police interview. This enables us to explain your rights, the nature of the suspicion, and to develop a sound defence strategy. Statements made during the initial police interview will form part of the entire criminal process and may be of significant importance at a later trial.
If the prosecutor requests that you be remanded in custody, we will represent you at the detention hearing and do our utmost to persuade the court that there are insufficient grounds for detention. Should you be detained, we assist with practical matters during the detention period to the extent possible, and we aim to visit our detained clients at least once a week.
During the preliminary investigation, we continuously monitor the progress of the case and keep you informed. We attend all subsequent interviews and other key investigative measures. If you are detained, we regularly assess the possibility of having the detention order lifted.
Once the preliminary investigation is completed, we review the material together with you and identify weaknesses in the evidence or circumstances in your favour. In some cases, we are able to persuade the prosecutor not to bring charges. Where additional investigative measures could benefit your case, we ensure that these are carried out, either by us or through the police.
If charges are brought, we prepare the case for trial together with you. Where necessary, we engage independent experts to provide second opinions on technical or medical conclusions forming the basis of the prosecution.
At trial, we work diligently to secure an acquittal or, alternatively, to ensure that the offence is correctly classified and that any sentence and potential damages are as lenient as possible.
Following the trial, we analyse the judgment and advise you on the possibility of an appeal.
A public defender is appointed by the district court. If you are convicted and have an income, you may, in certain cases, be required to reimburse all or part of the costs to the state.
Counsel for Injured Parties
As counsel for injured parties, we represent individuals who have been subjected to a crime.
Our role is to safeguard your rights throughout the legal process and provide the support you need.
We assist you, among other things, by:
- explaining the legal process and what happens at each stage
- attending police interviews and court proceedings
- pursuing your claim for damages (e.g. for violation of personal integrity, pain and suffering, permanent injury and disfigurement, as well as property damage and financial loss)
- providing advice and support throughout the process
Counsel for injured parties is appointed by the district court and is generally free of charge for you.
Our aim is for you to feel secure, well-informed, and properly represented—from the initial contact until the case is conclude
Special Representative for Children
When a child is suspected to have been subjected to a crime by a guardian or someone close to them, the court may appoint a special representative for the child.
In such cases, we assume the role of the guardian in order to safeguard the child’s rights.
Our assignment includes:
- representing the child in contact with the police, prosecutor, and courts
- consenting to and attending police interviews
- safeguarding the child’s right to compensation
- ensuring that the best interests of the child are protected throughout the process
We ensure that the child is treated with care, security, and legal certainty, and that the process takes place with due regard to the child’s needs.
We ensure that the child is treated with care, security, and legal certainty, and that the process takes place with due regard to the child’s needs.
