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Our lawyers work in these areas of criminal law:
All you need to know about embezzlement with your criminal lawyer
Business criminal law lawyer
Employment law lawyer
European arrest warrant: an update from your criminal lawyer
Personal data theft: contact your lawyer!
Press law lawyer
Road traffic lawyer
Self-defence: definition and advice
Your extradition lawyer – Goldwin Avocats in Paris
What is criminal law?
Criminal law is one of the foundations of law. It is defined by the Criminal Code.
It punishes various crimes and related offences, within the framework of the competent jurisdictions. Criminal law sets the rules for all behaviour contrary to social order or offences. It determines the penalties to be imposed on the perpetrators of crimes or offences. The objective here is to eradicate dangerous behaviour within society, or at least to limit it as much as possible.
Generally speaking, criminal law concerns the relationship between society and the individual. This branch is distinct from civil law. Civil law focuses on relationships between individuals and/or legal entities. Criminal law, on the other hand, confronts the accused with society. Criminal law aims to preserve public order, as well as the safety of people and their property.
There are specific branches of criminal law, including business criminal law and tax criminal law.
Support in criminal proceedings
The Goldwin Law Firm is at your side at every stage of the criminal proceedings. Whether you are required to appear immediately before the judge or are the subject of a police or gendarmerie investigation, our competent lawyers are at your disposal.
A criminal procedure takes place as follows:
- Investigation: depending on the case – free hearing, police custody , provisional detention or correctional or criminal indictment.
- Judgment: appearance before the court competent to process your case.
- Execution of sentence.
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a crime, our lawyers help you understand the issues related to your case. We assist you at all stages of the procedure and we develop a strategy that guarantees your interests.
The investigation phase
The investigation phase begins with police custody and a free hearing. You can ask to call on a criminal lawyer from this moment.
It continues with the investigation (correctional indictment or criminal indictment).
Finally, the accused person goes into pretrial detention litigation.
The judgment phase
The judgment phase takes place either:
- Appearing before the Police Court ;
- Appearing before the Juvenile Courts;
- Appearing before the Criminal Court and the Court of Appeal ;
- Appearing before the Assize Court.
Regardless of the court concerned, your lawyer will accompany you and defend you before the investigating judge .
The execution phase of the sentence
Your lawyer can also advise and defend you in disputes relating to detention (disciplinary committees, transfers, etc.) and in disputes relating to the application of sentences. Generally, the objective here is to obtain a reduction in sentence.
Trial
Our victories in criminal law
Our dedicated team of lawyers work tirelessly to defend your interests, providing you with tailored legal solutions and high-quality representation
Support in criminal proceedings
The criminal lawyer, also called a criminal lawyer, defends the alleged perpetrators of criminal offences before the competent court. He intervenes before the French criminal courts (Cour d’assises, Tribunal de police and Tribunal correctionnel). He intercedes on behalf of his client during trials in which individuals are accused of serious offences. The latter is therefore exposed to prison sentences, sometimes considerable.
The criminal lawyer knows in particular the types of offences subject to criminal law, the penalties associated with them, the mitigating circumstances that exist, etc.
A criminal lawyer specializes in crimes. These offenses can be committed against a natural or legal person, but also against a person’s property. The status of the natural or legal person subject to criminal prosecution can be that of defendant or victim.
To choose a competent criminal law attorney , it is essential to inquire about their experience and areas of expertise.
A good criminal lawyer must have a solid knowledge of the Penal Code and the various offences punishable, whether crimes against persons (assault, rape, homicide, etc.) or against property (theft, fraud, breach of trust, etc.).
He must also master criminal procedures and know how to defend you effectively at all stages: during the investigation (custody, hearing), before the competent courts (criminal court, assize court, etc.) and for the execution of the sentence (adjustment, sentence reductions, etc.).
Ask him about his previous cases. An experienced and recognized lawyer in this complex area of law will be able to assert your interests and rights in an optimal manner.
The fees of a criminal lawyer depend on several factors such as the complexity of the case, the time spent on the file, and the reputation and experience of the lawyer.
Typically, a criminal lawyer charges either an hourly rate (which can range from €150 to over €500 per hour depending on their seniority) or a flat rate for the entire procedure.
This package can vary from a few thousand euros for a simple case judged in immediate appearance, to several tens of thousands of euros for a complex criminal case requiring many hours of work and argued before a Court of Assizes.
In some cases, the lawyer may also request the payment of a success fee in the event of a favorable outcome.
It is important to discuss fees with your lawyer in complete transparency from the start of the relationship, in order to establish a fee agreement and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Legal aid may, subject to resource conditions, cover all or part of the lawyer’s fees.
Criminal law punishes several types of acts:
Theft : Taking another person’s property without their consent.
Harassment : It can be sexual, psychological (or moral), professional, physical, cyber, telephone, street or even school-related. All these types of harassment are considered an offense as soon as there is a repetitive nature.
Fraud and breach of trust : Fraud is an act of deception perpetrated with the aim of acquiring something. It may involve the use of false names or false documents. Breach of trust consists of diverting property or financial funds for one’s own benefit.
An indictment is issued when an investigating judge considers that there is serious and corroborating evidence of an offence. It initiates an in-depth investigation, during which the person concerned has rights (lawyer, access to the case file, right to remain silent) as well as obligations (compliance with summonses and restrictive measures). Measures such as pre-trial detention or judicial supervision may be imposed. These decisions can be challenged by legal means. The protection of personal data is also regulated.
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