Criminal law
We defend suspects and defendants from the first interview through the verdict. We also help victims seek compensation. In criminal proceedings, early decisions can shape the entire case.
How we help in criminal cases
Developing a defense strategy and representing suspects during pretrial investigations and defendants at trial.
Bringing civil claims within criminal proceedings for victims’ financial and nonfinancial harm, and representing victims during investigations and at trial.
Criminal defense from the first interview
You have been called in by the police
Before attending, establish whether you are being called as a witness or a suspect. Your status affects your right to remain silent and your right to defense counsel.
Someone close to you has been arrested
Temporary detention cannot exceed 48 hours. During that time, we prepare for the hearing before the pretrial investigation judge on whether detention or another preventive measure should be imposed.
The prosecutor is seeking pretrial detention
At the hearing, we challenge the grounds for detention and propose less restrictive measures, such as bail, house arrest, a written undertaking not to leave, or regular reporting to the police. The ruling can be appealed to a higher court.
You were stopped for driving under the influence
The alcohol level determines whether the offense falls under administrative or criminal law. It also affects whether the vehicle may be confiscated as an instrument of the offense, even if someone else owns it.
You want to avoid a criminal record
A first-time offender who commits a criminal misdemeanor, a negligent crime, or an intentional crime classified as minor or less serious may qualify for exemption from criminal liability. Admitting guilt and compensating for the harm are important. The exemption may be based on a guarantor’s undertaking or reconciliation with the victim.
You have been the victim of a crime
You can seek compensation for financial and nonfinancial harm through a civil claim in the criminal case. No court filing fee is payable for that claim, and separate civil proceedings are not required.
What people often learn too late
The right to defense counsel begins at arrest or the first interview, not when an indictment is issued. An invitation to “just have a chat” may lead to a formal interview whose record becomes part of the case. Someone who may give evidence about their own suspected offense should not be interviewed as an ordinary witness. Separate rules apply: they may have a representative present, cannot be penalized for refusing to testify about their own conduct, and may ask to be formally recognized as a suspect.
Confiscation is not limited to the offender’s property. Property belonging to the offender that was used to commit the offense is subject to confiscation. Property belonging to another person may be confiscated if that person knew, or should and could have known, how it would be used. Transferring property to a relative does not resolve the issue. If the property itself cannot be confiscated, an amount equal to its value is recovered.
Compensating the victim also affects whether a case can end without a criminal record. Exemption from criminal liability based on a guarantor’s undertaking is considered only if the harm has been at least partly compensated or the offender has undertaken to compensate it. Victims must also watch the deadline: a civil claim must be filed before the court begins examining the evidence. After that, a separate civil case is required.
Related cases
Both defendants exempted from criminal liability under a guarantor arrangement
Kaunas Regional Court exempted both defendants, charged under Criminal Code Articles 222(1) and 300(1), from criminal liability under a two-year guarantor arrangement, with no security deposit.
Court applies Criminal Code Article 54(3) and imposes a 25 MGL fine instead of imprisonment
Part of the case was discontinued because the time limit for entering a conviction had expired. For the remaining charge, the court applied Criminal Code Article 54(3) and imposed a fine of 25 MGL (EUR 941).
Investigation discontinued for insufficient evidence against the client
The pretrial investigation under Criminal Code Articles 260(3) and 199(2), involving 17.118 kg of amphetamine, was discontinued for insufficient evidence of the client’s guilt.