Criminal Defense
Strategic criminal defense representation in Greece for individuals, businesses and foreign nationals.
Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office provides strategic criminal defense representation at every stage of criminal proceedings in Greece. We advise and represent individuals, executives, businesses and foreign nationals facing criminal investigations, arrests, detention, trial proceedings and appellate litigation.
Our approach combines courtroom experience, procedural precision and careful legal analysis. From the earliest investigative stage to trial and higher court proceedings, we focus on protecting our clients’ rights, assessing procedural risks and developing a tailored defense strategy for each case.
Key Areas of Criminal Defense
1. Criminal Investigations
We advise and represent clients during preliminary investigations, police inquiries, prosecutorial investigations and proceedings before investigative authorities.
Early legal intervention is often critical. Statements, documents and procedural decisions made at the investigative stage may significantly affect the development of the case.
We assist with:
- summons for explanations or testimony;
- representation before police and prosecutorial authorities;
- preparation for investigative interviews;
- review of case files and procedural documents;
- strategic assessment of evidence;
- advice on criminal exposure and procedural rights.
2. Arrest, Detention & Pre-Trial Proceedings
We provide urgent legal representation in cases involving arrest, detention, pre-trial proceedings, restrictive measures and judicial decisions affecting personal liberty.
This stage often requires immediate action, particularly where the client faces the risk of pre-trial detention, bail conditions, travel restrictions or other restrictive measures.
We assist with:
- arrest and police custody;
- representation before prosecutors and investigating judges;
- bail and restrictive measures;
- pre-trial detention hearings;
- applications for release or modification of conditions;
- communication with families and foreign counsel where necessary.
3. Trial Representation
We represent clients before Greek criminal courts in serious and complex criminal matters. Our trial practice is based on thorough preparation, careful examination of evidence and focused courtroom advocacy.
We handle cases involving financial crime, fraud, money laundering, drug offences, homicide, manslaughter, bodily harm, sexual offences, domestic violence, corruption-related allegations, maritime offences, traffic offences and other criminal matters.
We assist with:
- preparation of defense strategy;
- examination of witness and documentary evidence;
- courtroom advocacy;
- legal submissions;
- procedural objections;
- mitigation arguments;
- representation before first-instance and appellate criminal courts.
4. Strategic Criminal litigation
Complex criminal cases require more than reaction to procedural developments. They require planning, risk assessment and a clear understanding of the legal, evidentiary and practical consequences of each step.
Our work focuses on building a coherent defense strategy from the beginning of the case.
We assist with:
- early case assessment;
- analysis of criminal exposure;
- evidentiary review;
- procedural risk management;
- coordination with civil, commercial or administrative proceedings;
- reputation-sensitive matters;
- strategic communication with foreign counsel, companies or family members.
5. Representation of Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals facing criminal proceedings in Greece often encounter additional difficulties, including language barriers, unfamiliar procedures, detention risks and coordination with authorities or lawyers abroad.
We regularly assist foreign clients, tourists, expatriates and international families involved in criminal matters in Greece.
We assist with:
- arrests of foreign nationals in Greece;
- criminal charges against tourists or expatriates;
- communication with families abroad;
- coordination with foreign lawyers;
- interpretation and explanation of Greek criminal procedure;
- representation in urgent detention matters;
- international criminal proceedings involving Greece.
Type of offences we usually handle
Financial Crime & Fraud
Representation in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, money laundering, tax-related criminal allegations and financial misconduct, where strong academic background, procedural knowledge and forensic evidence are game changers.
Drug Offences & Criminal Organization
Defense in cases involving possession, trafficking, cultivation, distribution or participation in drug-related criminal proceedings, where perfect procedural knowledge, human right implication regarding investigative acts and technical support make the difference.
Homicide
Representation in cases of homicide, where experience, strategic thinking, focus on detail, careful handling of evidence, and out of court advocacy may change the outcome of the case.
Domestic Violence
Representation in cases involving domestic violence allegations, urgent criminal proceedings, protective measures and related family or civil consequences.
Sexual Offences
Representation in sensitive and serious cases involving sexual offence allegations, requiring discretion, procedural precision and careful handling of evidence.
Traffic-Related Criminal Offences
Representation in criminal cases arising from road traffic accidents, serious injury, fatal accidents, driving under the influence and related proceedings.
Appeals & Supreme Court Representation
Representation in criminal appeals, cassation proceedings before the Hellenic Supreme Court and post-conviction remedies, as well as European Court of Human Rights Applications.
Why Choose Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates
Criminal proceedings can have serious consequences for personal liberty, professional reputation, business activity and family life. Our role is to provide clear legal advice, immediate procedural support and strategic representation before the competent Greek authorities and courts.
The Firm’s criminal defense practice is distinguished by:
- long-standing litigation experience;
- strong academic background and deep knowledge of Greek criminal law and procedure;
- strategic case preparation;
- experience in complex and cross-border matters;
- representation of Greek and foreign clients;
- discreet and client-focused legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should seek legal advice as early as possible, ideally before giving any statement to police, prosecutorial or investigative authorities. Early legal intervention may significantly affect the direction of the case.
A summons for explanations should not be treated as a formality. It may be an important procedural step in a criminal investigation. You should consult a lawyer before submitting any written or oral statement.
Yes. Legal assistance is often important during preliminary investigations, police inquiries and prosecutorial proceedings, even before formal charges are filed.
Following an arrest, the person may be brought before police, prosecutorial or judicial authorities, depending on the type of case and procedural stage. Immediate legal representation is important to protect procedural rights and assess the risk of detention or restrictive measures.
Yes. The Firm regularly represents foreign nationals and international clients in criminal proceedings in Greece and provides legal assistance in English.
Yes. We represent clients in criminal matters throughout Greece, depending on the nature and urgency of the case.
The Firm handles a broad range of criminal matters, including financial crime, fraud, money laundering, drug offences, domestic violence, sexual offences, traffic-related criminal offences, extradition matters and appeals.
In some cases, procedural strategy, evidentiary assessment or specific legal mechanisms may affect the development of the case before trial. This depends on the facts, charges and applicable procedural framework.
Yes. The Firm represents clients in criminal appeals, cassation proceedings before the Hellenic Supreme Court and other post-conviction remedies.
Yes. Communications with lawyers are protected by professional confidentiality, subject to the applicable rules of Greek law and professional conduct.
Need Criminal Defense Representation in Greece?
If you are facing a criminal investigation, arrest, detention or trial proceedings in Greece, contact Karydas – Fouskarinis & Associates Law Office for confidential legal assistance.