Criminal Defence Lawyer in Bulgaria
Zdravkov Law Firm
If you have been detained, summoned for questioning or formally charged, prompt advice from a criminal defence lawyer can be decisive for your defence strategy. Zdravkov Law Firm represents clients in criminal proceedings in Sofia and throughout Bulgaria, from the first investigative action through trial and appeal.
We also assist victims of crime in exercising their procedural rights, participating in criminal proceedings and pursuing compensation claims. International clients receive a clear assessment after we review the facts, documents and procedural stage of the case.
CASE ASSESSMENT AND DEFENCE STRATEGY
We review the allegation, available documents and procedural stage to identify the appropriate defence options.
DEFENCE FOLLOWING DETENTION OR CHARGE
We assist with police detention, formal charges, interviews and proceedings concerning remand and other preventive measures.
REPRESENTATION IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
We defend accused persons and defendants and represent victims before investigators, prosecutors and the Bulgarian courts.
ZDRAVKOV-LEGAL.COM
Criminal Defence and Representation
Criminal proceedings may begin with detention, a summons for questioning, a search and seizure, or a formal charging order. At the outset, it is essential to establish the person’s procedural status, the factual basis of the allegation and the evidence that may lawfully be accessed at that stage.
A criminal defence lawyer participates in investigative and court actions, analyses the evidence, makes applications and objections, and challenges decisions affecting the client’s rights and legitimate interests. The defence strategy must be based on the case file and should never rely on advance promises of a particular outcome.
Zdravkov Law Firm assists accused persons and defendants, as well as victims, private prosecutors, private complainants and civil claimants where Bulgarian law permits their participation.
PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS AND FORMAL CHARGES
The pre-trial phase is when the main evidence is gathered and the scope of the charge is defined. Our work may include reviewing the charging order and accessible materials, preparing for and attending interviews, reviewing the completed investigation and participating in other procedural actions.
Defence counsel may present evidence, make applications, comments and objections, and challenge actions or decisions that infringe the accused person’s rights. The approach is determined after analysing the facts, evidential sources and potential procedural consequences.
TRIAL DEFENCE AND APPEALS
After an indictment is filed, the defence continues before the court. We prepare the response to the charge, examine witnesses and experts, challenge evidence and procedural breaches, and make applications and objections in the defendant’s interests.
Where the law permits, we prepare appeals and represent clients in appellate and cassation proceedings. At every stage, the client receives a clear explanation of the available procedural options, including the terms and consequences of any proposed plea agreement.
DETENTION AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Following police detention or an application for a preventive measure, the person’s rights should be protected from the first procedural action. Counsel reviews the legal basis for detention, explains the right to remain silent and attends the actions for which Bulgarian law permits legal representation.
We provide defence in proceedings concerning bail, house arrest and detention in custody, including appeals and applications to vary the measure. The assessment always depends on the evidence and the individual circumstances of the case.
What should I do if I am detained by the police?
Ask to be informed of the legal basis for the detention and to receive a copy of the written detention order. You have the right to a lawyer and, where the detention concerns a suspected offence, the right to remain silent. Do not sign documents you do not understand without requesting an explanation and legal advice. Contact a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible, because the first procedural actions may significantly affect the later defence.
PRIVATE COMPLAINTS AND CIVIL CLAIMS
For offences prosecuted on the victim’s private complaint, proceedings begin with a compliant written complaint to the competent court. We prepare the complaint, evidentiary applications and representation of the private complainant.
Deadlines in these proceedings may be short, making early advice essential. We also assist with civil claims within criminal proceedings where the statutory conditions are met and that route best protects the client’s interests.
What are the main rights of an accused person?
An accused person has the right to know the alleged offence and supporting evidence, to give or refuse explanations, to review the case file to the extent permitted by law, to present evidence, make applications and objections, and appeal decisions affecting their rights. The accused also has the right to defence counsel. How these rights are exercised depends on the procedural stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am detained by the police?
Ask to be informed of the legal basis for the detention and to receive a copy of the written detention order. You have the right to a lawyer and, where the detention concerns a suspected offence, the right to remain silent. Do not sign documents you do not understand without requesting an explanation and legal advice. Contact a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible, because the first procedural actions may significantly affect the later defence.
I have been summoned for questioning. Should I consult a lawyer?
First establish the capacity in which you have been summoned: witness, accused person or another participant. The rights and risks differ. Do not ignore the summons and bring it to the consultation. An accused person has the right to counsel and to remain silent. A witness may also obtain legal assistance in circumstances provided by law, including where an answer could affect the witness’s rights.
What are the main rights of an accused person?
An accused person has the right to know the alleged offence and supporting evidence, to give or refuse explanations, to review the case file to the extent permitted by law, to present evidence, make applications and objections, and appeal decisions affecting their rights. The accused also has the right to defence counsel. How these rights are exercised depends on the procedural stage.
Is a criminal defence lawyer mandatory?
Bulgarian law requires mandatory defence only in specified cases, including certain situations where the accused is detained, is a minor, does not speak Bulgarian, cannot defend themselves because of a physical or mental condition, or faces an offence punishable by at least ten years’ imprisonment. Even where counsel is not formally mandatory, professional advice can prevent irreversible procedural mistakes.
What is the difference between an accused person and a defendant?
An accused person has been formally charged during the pre-trial proceedings. Once the case is brought before the court and proceeds under the applicable rules, that person becomes the defendant. Both have the right to a defence, but the procedural actions, access to materials and immediate objectives differ by stage.
What preventive measures are available and can they be appealed?
The preventive measures are a signed undertaking, bail, house arrest and detention in custody. They serve a procedural purpose and are not punishment. Depending on the decision and stage of the case, the law provides for judicial review, appeal or an application to vary the measure. Deadlines and conditions differ, so counsel should review the order immediately.
Can criminal proceedings end with a plea agreement?
Where permitted by the Bulgarian Criminal Procedure Code, the prosecutor and defence may discuss an agreement that requires court approval. Before any decision, the evidence, legal classification, proposed sentence and all consequences of admitting guilt must be assessed. An agreement is neither suitable nor available in every case and should not be accepted without individual legal advice.
I am a victim of crime. How can a lawyer help?
A lawyer can assist with reporting the offence, gathering and submitting documents, making applications and exercising the victim’s rights during the pre-trial proceedings. At trial, participation as a private prosecutor or civil claimant may be considered. Where appropriate, a claim may be made for financial and non-financial loss caused by the offence.
How is a private complaint filed and is there a deadline?
The private complaint must be written and signed, identify the parties and circumstances of the offence, and include proof of the court fee. Under the current Criminal Procedure Code it is generally filed within six months of learning of the offence and, in specified cases, from notice that proceedings have been discontinued. Before filing, confirm that the offence is privately prosecuted and identify the competent court.
How are criminal defence fees determined?
Fees depend on the nature and seriousness of the charge, procedural stage, volume of materials, required work, number of hearings and their location. After an initial consultation and document review, the firm can propose a defined scope and fee. Costs and included services should be agreed in advance in a written legal services agreement.
Related criminal-law resources:
Related legal services:
- Administrative law and appeals against penal decrees
- Road traffic accident legal assistance and compensation