Criminal Defense Lawyer Poland – Legal Assistance in Criminal Cases
Criminal proceedings in Poland can be particularly difficult for foreigners who do not speak Polish or are unfamiliar with the Polish legal system. If you have been arrested, questioned by the police, charged with a criminal offence or summoned to appear before a Polish authority, obtaining legal assistance at an early stage may be important for protecting your rights.
As a Polish attorney-at-law (radca prawny), I provide criminal defense in Poland and represent suspects and defendants during criminal proceedings. My law office is based in Gliwice, in southern Poland.
I provide legal assistance at different stages of criminal proceedings – including police questioning, detention, proceedings conducted by the prosecutor, applications for pre-trial detention and proceedings before Polish criminal courts.
If you are a foreign national involved in criminal proceedings in Poland, I can explain the procedure, assess your legal situation and prepare an appropriate defense strategy.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Poland
Criminal defense in Poland – how can I help?
I provide legal assistance to individuals suspected or accused of criminal offences in Poland.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, legal assistance may include:
- legal advice before police or prosecutor questioning,
- participation in questioning of a suspect,
- assistance following arrest or detention,
- analysis of criminal charges and evidence,
- preparation of a defense strategy,
- preparation of motions, complaints and other procedural documents,
- representation during pre-trial proceedings,
- defense before Polish criminal courts,
- legal assistance in proceedings concerning pre-trial detention,
- representation during further stages of criminal proceedings.
Every criminal case requires an individual assessment. The appropriate defense strategy depends on the charges, available evidence and the stage of the proceedings.
Criminal defense lawyer for foreigners in Poland
Being involved in criminal proceedings in another country can create additional difficulties. Apart from the criminal charges themselves, a foreign national may have to deal with unfamiliar procedures, documents issued in Polish and communication with the police, prosecutor’s office or court.
Polish criminal procedure provides a person accused of a criminal offence with the right to defense under Article 6 of the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure, including the right to use the assistance of a defense lawyer.
A person who does not have a sufficient command of Polish is also entitled to free assistance of an interpreter in circumstances provided for by Article 72 of the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure.
Legal assistance from a criminal defense lawyer can therefore be particularly important when the suspect or defendant does not live permanently in Poland or does not speak Polish.
Need legal assistance in a criminal case in Poland? Contact the law office.
Arrested in Poland – what should you do?
If you have been arrested in Poland, you should be informed about the reasons for the arrest and about your procedural rights.
A detained person has the right to request contact with a lawyer. Polish criminal procedure also provides mechanisms for challenging the legality and grounds of detention.
At this stage of the proceedings, decisions concerning statements and further defense strategy may have a significant impact on the case. It is therefore advisable to obtain legal advice before providing detailed explanations concerning the alleged offence.
I provide legal assistance to persons detained in connection with criminal proceedings and can assist during the first stages of the case.
Police questioning in Poland
A person questioned as a suspect has the right to defense and may use the assistance of a defense lawyer.
A suspect may provide explanations, refuse to provide explanations or refuse to answer individual questions. The appropriate approach should always be determined after considering the circumstances of the particular case and the available evidence.
A defense lawyer may assist the suspect during questioning and help assess the procedural situation before a statement is made.
Criminal charges in Poland – what happens next?
Criminal proceedings in Poland may begin with investigative activities conducted by the police or another competent authority. Depending on the case, the investigation may subsequently be supervised or conducted by the prosecutor.
If sufficient grounds exist, a person may be formally presented with criminal charges and acquire the procedural status of a suspect.
The investigation may involve, among other things:
- questioning the suspect,
- questioning witnesses,
- obtaining documents and electronic evidence,
- searches and seizure of property,
- expert opinions,
- applications for preventive measures.
Once the pre-trial proceedings are completed, the prosecutor may, depending on the circumstances and evidence, discontinue the proceedings or bring the case before a criminal court.
Pre-trial detention in Poland
In more serious criminal cases, the prosecutor may apply to the court for pre-trial detention.
Pre-trial detention is decided by a court. The defense may present arguments against detention and, where appropriate, seek the application of a less restrictive preventive measure.
Legal assistance in cases involving possible pre-trial detention should be obtained as early as possible because decisions at the initial stage of criminal proceedings may significantly affect the further course of the case.
What types of criminal cases do I handle?
I provide criminal defense in cases involving different categories of offences, including, depending on the circumstances of the particular case:
- drug possession and other drug-related offences,
- driving under the influence of alcohol,
- assault and offences against health,
- domestic violence and abuse allegations,
- fraud and property offences,
- threats and harassment,
- traffic-related criminal offences,
- other offences prosecuted under Polish criminal law.
The possibility of accepting a particular case depends on its circumstances, location and procedural stage.
Criminal proceedings before Polish courts
If an indictment is filed, the criminal case may proceed before a Polish court.
During court proceedings, the defense lawyer may participate in hearings, question witnesses, submit evidence, present procedural motions and arguments, and act on behalf of the defendant within the scope permitted by Polish law.
The defense strategy should be based on the evidence gathered in the particular case rather than solely on the description of the offence contained in the charges or indictment.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer regarding your case in Poland.
English-speaking criminal defense lawyer in Poland
I provide legal assistance to foreign clients who need criminal defense in Poland and communicate with clients in English.
During the consultation, I explain the current procedural situation, the meaning of documents received from Polish authorities and the possible next stages of the proceedings.
If you have received a summons, decision, criminal charge or another document from the Polish police, prosecutor’s office or court, it can be reviewed as part of the legal consultation.
Criminal defense lawyer in Gliwice and Silesia
My law office is located in Gliwice, Silesia, Poland. I provide criminal defense and legal assistance in cases conducted before law enforcement authorities and courts, depending on the location and circumstances of the particular case.
If you are currently outside Poland but your criminal case is being conducted in Poland, the first consultation may also be used to review the documents and determine what procedural steps should be taken.
Why contact a criminal defense lawyer at an early stage?
The initial stage of criminal proceedings may influence how the case develops. Statements made during questioning, evidence secured by law enforcement authorities and procedural decisions taken during the investigation can later become important elements of the case.
Early legal assistance allows the defense lawyer to assess the charges, explain the suspect’s rights and determine an appropriate approach before important procedural decisions are made.
For foreign nationals, legal assistance can also make it easier to understand correspondence and decisions issued by Polish authorities and to follow the course of proceedings conducted in Poland.
Arrange a legal consultation regarding criminal proceedings in Poland.
Frequently asked questions about criminal proceedings in Poland
Can a foreigner have a criminal defense lawyer in Poland?
Yes. A foreign national involved in criminal proceedings in Poland may use the assistance of a defense lawyer in accordance with Polish criminal procedure.
Can an attorney-at-law represent a defendant in a criminal case in Poland?
Yes. Under Polish law, an attorney-at-law (radca prawny) may act as a defense lawyer in criminal proceedings if authorised to provide defense under the applicable professional regulations.
Do I have the right to an interpreter in criminal proceedings in Poland?
Yes. If you do not have a sufficient command of Polish, Polish criminal procedure provides for free assistance of an interpreter in circumstances specified by Article 72 of the Polish Code of Criminal Procedure.
Can I refuse to answer questions during police questioning?
A suspect may refuse to provide explanations or refuse to answer individual questions without having to give reasons for doing so. Whether providing explanations is advisable in a particular case should be assessed individually.
What should I do if I am arrested in Poland?
You should first make sure that you understand why you have been arrested and what rights you have. You may request contact with a lawyer and, if you do not sufficiently understand Polish, assistance of an interpreter. Before providing detailed explanations concerning the alleged offence, it may be advisable to obtain legal advice.
Can I contact a Polish criminal lawyer while I am abroad?
Yes. If criminal proceedings are being conducted in Poland but you are currently abroad, the first step may be a consultation and analysis of documents issued by the Polish authorities. Further action will depend on the procedural stage and circumstances of the case.
Does every criminal case require the defendant to appear personally in Poland?
Not necessarily. Whether personal appearance is required depends on the stage and type of proceedings, the procedural status of the person concerned and the decisions of the competent authority or court. This should be assessed individually on the basis of the case file and any summons received.
See also:
- Criminal defense – Polish version
- Arrest and pre-trial detention – Polish version
- Pre-trial criminal proceedings – Polish version
- Drug possession and arrest – Polish version
Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Poland
If you have been arrested, charged with a criminal offence or summoned by the police, prosecutor or court in Poland, you can contact my law office to arrange a legal consultation.
Please provide a short description of the case, indicate the authority conducting the proceedings and, if possible, provide the case reference number and information about any upcoming hearing or questioning.