Lawyer

You may hire a lawyer during the criminal proceedings. The State has the obligation to provide you with a free lawyer when you are unable to pay attorneys' fees and the interests of justice require that you have a lawyer.

Right to a lawyer

You may hire a lawyer at any stage of the proceedings. Your lawyer may be present every time you are required, or you choose, to participate in the criminal proceedings. For example, your lawyer may be present while you give testimony, during various investigative actions where your presence is required, at all court hearings etc.

State-paid lawyer

If you cannot afford a lawyer and you need legal aid to be able to exercise your rights and defend your interests effectively, the court can assign you a state-paid lawyer. This will only be done if there is no other way to ensure that your interests are protected in the criminal proceedings and if you have the status of a needy person who is entitled legal aid.

Mandatory legal aid

Where the interests of the minor and his/her parent or legal guardian are contradictory, the authority, responsible for the criminal proceedings must appoint a state-paid lawyer to represent him/her. State-paid lawyer should be appointed also to a person under guardianship where his/her interests contradict those of the guardian.