Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense in France

Not every matter involves a foreign country — general criminal defense within France is its own core area of practice.

Direct answer: General criminal defense in France covers representation before the French Public Prosecutor (Parquet) and courts for allegations arising entirely within France, separate from any EAW or traditional extradition element. This spans everything from garde à vue (police custody) through trial and any appeal.
What This Covers

General Criminal Representation

01

Garde à Vue

What is said during French police custody often shapes everything that follows — the right to a lawyer applies from the outset.

02

Parquet Review

Representation during the prosecutorial review before any matter is referred to a French court.

03

Trial & Appeal

Defense before French courts of first instance, with escalation available through the Court of Appeal.

04

Cross-Border Overlap

Where a domestic matter has an international dimension, coordinated with our wider network as needed.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

Is this different from your extradition work?

Yes — this covers French domestic criminal matters with no cross-border element, though the two can sometimes overlap.

What should I do immediately after an arrest in France?

Say as little as possible beyond identifying yourself until you have spoken with a lawyer directly — you have the right to legal assistance from the start of garde à vue.

Can foreign nationals be represented the same way?

Yes — French criminal defense applies the same procedural framework regardless of nationality.

Involved in a Related France Matter?

Speak with us confidentially before your next hearing or deadline.