Criminal law

Defence counsel

If you are suspected of a crime you have a right to retain a defence counsel. A public defence counsel is appointed by the court. You do however have the right to choose which lawyer will be appointed by the court. If the suspected crime is deemed to be of a lesser severity you may not receive a public defender. In such cases you may wish to retain a private defence counsel. At Advokaterna Abrahamsson Soner we regularly accept appointments as public and defenders as well as private defenders.

The major difference between a publicly appointed defender and a privately appointed defender is the cost. The cost of the public defender is granted by the court. If you are acquitted the cost will remain on the court. If however you are convicted you may have to reimburse the state for the cost or part thereof. The cost of the private defender is primarily placed on the client, with the opportunity to be reimbursed in case of an acquittal.

There are major benefits in retaining a defence counsel as early as possible in the process, and to make sure that the counsel is retained prior to any interrogations or hearings. If you have been called to a interrogation and have not yet been appointed a lawyer you can request that the police contacts the court with your request. You are also welcome to contact us and we will assist you in this regard.

Privat försvarare

I vissa brottmål bedömer domstolen att den misstänkte ska ha rätt till en advokat som bekostas av statliga medel. Det beror oftast på att brottsmisstanken är av ett mindre allvarligt slag. Om du som klient ändå känner ett behov av att konsultera eller biträdas av en försvarare kan vi åta oss att företräda dig. Om du ska förhöras av polis eller genomgå en rättegång har du alltid rätt att företrädas av advokat om du själv önskar det. Det är du själv som står för kostnaden för försvararen, dock kan du få ersättning för kostnaden om du blir frikänd.

Plaintiff’s counsel

As the victim of a crime you have the right in many cases to receive a court-appointed legal counsel (målsägandebiträde). The counsels task is to provide you with legal assistance and guard your rights, for example in connection with interrogations or court-hearings. The counsel also has the right to assist you with your claim for damages/compensation. Remember that you have the right to request which lawyer you want to represent you. The cost of the legal counsel is awarded by the court.