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Criminal defense attorney: high-stakes criminal defense, judicial investigations, Assize Court, and Departmental Criminal Court
Judicial investigation · Assize Court · Anywhere in France

Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal defense attorney: Have you or a loved one been accused of serious offenses? The Bourg-la-Reine (92) firm defends your case at every stage, from police custody to the court hearing, anywhere in France.

Book an appointment online 07 45 08 59 55
Where does your case stand?

Select your situation to learn what steps to take first.

You or a loved one is in police custody

You have the right to legal counsel from the very beginning. Do not sign any police report without reading it thoroughly, and contact the firm immediately.

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General information, without guarantee of outcome. Each case is analyzed on an individual basis.
Listed by the U.S. Embassy in Paris Listed on the British Government's list of English-speaking lawyers Admitted to the French Bar (CAPA holder) Lecturer at Paris-Saclay University
Criminal Defense Attorney

When your freedom is at stake, every step matters

A formal investigation, felony charges, an Assize Court trial, or a corporate investigation: these proceedings often last months, sometimes years. They require an available attorney who masters procedural law and stands by your side from police custody through to the final hearing.

Maître Cohen acts in defense of accused individuals as well as corporate executives. The firm is located in Bourg-la-Reine (92), in the Hauts-de-Seine department, and represents clients in courts throughout France.

Presumption of innocence. Every accused individual has the right to a defense. The firm does not pass judgment on the facts: it upholds your rights and guides you through each phase. No outcome is guaranteed.

Police custody, voluntary questioning, everyday offenses: discover our common defense services on the firm's criminal law page.

Felony criminal defense

High-stakes criminal defense

Judicial investigations, allegations of sexual assault or rape, Departmental Criminal Court, and Assize Court. These cases are extensive and complex: the defense is structured from the earliest hours and carried through to the trial.

Proceedings covered

  • Police custody and initial interrogations
  • Formally placed under investigation or assisted witness status
  • Pre-trial detention or judicial supervision
  • Expert appraisals and motions for investigative acts
  • Departmental Criminal Court or Assize Court

How Our Firm Assists You

  • Case file review and analysis of evidence
  • Motions for investigative measures, counter-assessments, and release petitions
  • Trial preparation alongside you
  • Oral arguments and trial defense before the court

Lengthy proceedings: a tailored fee agreement can cover the entirety of the legal process.

Misdemeanor Defense

Misdemeanor Defense

Assault, narcotics, fraud, breach of trust: correctional hearings require prompt preparation. The firm also assists in plea bargaining procedures (CRPC), where legal representation by an attorney is mandatory.

Proceedings covered

  • Summons by a judicial police officer or formal subpoena
  • Immediate appearance (comparution immédiate) or plea bargaining (CRPC)
  • Criminal record and potential penalties
  • Filing as a civil party
  • Appealing the judgment

How Our Firm Assists You

  • Thorough and prompt review of the case file and evidence
  • Strategy: acquittal, reclassification of offenses, proportionate sentencing
  • Courtroom oral advocacy
  • Appeals and legal remedies

A matter of speed and availability: contact the firm as soon as you receive a summons.

White-Collar Criminal Law

White-Collar Criminal Law

Misuse of corporate assets, fraud, forgery, bankruptcy, tax fraud: company directors and officers can face criminal liability. The firm supports companies and their executives during searches, hearings, and before criminal courts.

Proceedings covered

  • Company searches and seizures
  • Voluntary interview or police custody of an executive
  • Criminal liability and delegations of authority
  • Preliminary inquiry or formal judicial investigation
  • Interaction with civil and commercial proceedings

How Our Firm Assists You

  • Support from the very first investigative steps
  • Preparation of executive interviews and hearings
  • Defense before the investigating judge and the court
  • Coordination with your other advisors

Fees are established by a written agreement, based on the complexity of the case.

How it works

The Stages of Criminal Proceedings, Step by Step

From police custody to appeal, your attorney stands by you at every stage. Scroll to follow the process.

Your Immediate Steps
  1. Request the assistance of an attorney from the very beginning
  2. Never sign any police report without re-reading it carefully
  3. Keep all summonses, official reports, and correspondence
  4. Write down a timeline of events while memories are fresh
  5. Do not contact the complainant or witnesses directly
  6. Gather relevant supporting documents: proof of address, employment, family situation
  7. Notify a trusted relative or friend
First Hours

Police Custody or Summons

Your attorney attends interviews and ensures your rights are upheld from the very first hours.

Investigating Judge

Judicial Investigation

Indictment or status of assisted witness, expert appraisals, requests for investigative acts: the core of the case is built here.

Indictment Decision

Referral

The judge decides whether to refer the case to the trial court. The defense can challenge this decision.

Court

Hearing

Departmental criminal court, cour d'assises, or correctional court: thorough preparation with you, followed by dedicated defense at trial.

Post-Judgment

Appeal

Appeals, legal remedies, and enforcement of sentences depending on the judgment rendered.

What Many People Overlook

Six Common Misconceptions About Criminal Defense

Common beliefIf I haven't done anything wrong, I don't need a lawyer right from police custody.
In realityThink twice.Initial statements carry significant weight in a case file. A lawyer attends hearings and ensures your rights are safeguarded from the very outset.
Common beliefOnly a lawyer from my department can defend me.
In realityNot in criminal matters.In criminal law, an attorney can generally appear before courts across all of France. They travel for court hearings.
Common beliefEverything is decided at trial; the judicial investigation is just a formality.
In realityThe judicial investigation matters.Expert evaluations, procedural requests, challenging formal indictments: a substantial part of the case is built before the trial.
Common beliefWhen the charge is serious, the outcome is already decided.
In realityEvery case is thoroughly examined.The presumption of innocence applies. Charges, expert reports, and evidence are subject to scrutiny. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Common beliefFor a misdemeanor, I can defend myself at the hearing.
In realityNot recommended.Even before a criminal court, a conviction has lasting consequences: criminal penalties, a criminal record, and professional disqualifications.
Common beliefIn my business, only the company can be prosecuted.
In realityNot necessarily.A company director or officer may be held criminally liable depending on the facts, delegations of authority, and their involvement.
Legal Defense Throughout France

Criminal defense attorney across France: the firm travels to you

A lengthy criminal case requires an attorney who is readily available, regardless of location. The firm appears before courts in numerous departments and travels for hearings.

Your department is not listed? The firm represents clients nationwide across France. Contact the office to arrange a remote consultation or an in-person meeting.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bourg-la-Reine
€156Initial consultation
  • Misdemeanor defense: from €2,000 to €5,000 depending on the case.
  • Felony criminal defense: from €3,000 to €20,000 depending on the complexity of the case.
  • A written fee agreement that can cover the entire procedure for long-term matters.
  • Travel expenses for hearings outside the Paris region (Île-de-France) are detailed in writing before starting.
  • These amounts are indicative: the exact fee is determined after a thorough case review. The firm makes no guarantee of outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal defense attorney: Frequently Asked Questions

Have another question? Reach out to the firm via WhatsApp or the contact form.

What is the difference between the departmental criminal court and the cour d'assises?

The cour d'assises tries the most serious crimes before a jury. The departmental criminal court (cour criminelle départementale), sitting without a jury, generally hears cases involving certain offenses punishable by fifteen or twenty years of imprisonment when committed without recidivism. Your attorney will explain which court has jurisdiction over your case.

What happens during a judicial investigation (instruction)?

An investigating judge investigates both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. You may be placed under the status of assisted witness or formally indicted. Expert evaluations, hearings, and formal procedural requests may take place. The lawyer has full access to the case file and can petition for release in the event of pre-trial detention.

Can a lawyer based in Bourg-la-Reine defend me in my department?

Yes. In criminal matters, an attorney can generally appear before courts across all of France. Maître Cohen is admitted to the Hauts-de-Seine Bar. He travels for hearings, and consultations can be conducted via videoconference or at the office.

What is an appearance on prior admission of guilt (CRPC / guilty plea procedure)?

It is a procedure where the individual admits to the facts and accepts the sentence proposed by the public prosecutor, which is then submitted to a judge for approval. Representation by legal counsel is mandatory, and the decision to accept must be carefully considered together.

Can a company executive or officer be prosecuted personally?

Yes, depending on the circumstances, delegations of authority, and their role in the alleged offense. The firm assists executives from the very first investigative steps, notably during searches or questioning.

How are legal fees determined in criminal cases?

Felony criminal cases are lengthy. As an indication, legal fees range from €3,000 to €20,000 in criminal matters, depending on the complexity of the case. A written fee agreement can cover the entire proceedings. The firm makes no guarantee of outcome.

Are communications with my lawyer confidential?

Yes. All communications with your attorney are protected by professional secrecy and attorney-client privilege, regardless of the method of communication used.

I have been summoned or held in police custody: what should I do, and how much does an initial consultation cost?

Seek the assistance of an attorney right from the start and contact the firm by phone or WhatsApp. The initial consultation is €156. For police custody and voluntary questioning, see also the criminal law page.

Need an Attorney

A serious charge. A lengthy case. An attorney by your side at every stage.

Call the firm if your case is urgent, or briefly outline your situation.

07 45 08 59 55
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