Award-Winning Portuguese Criminal Defence Law Firm

With offices in London and Porto, Giambrone & Partners is an award-winning law firm providing expert criminal defence services for individuals facing charges in Portugal. Our multilingual and multi-jurisdictional lawyers combine strategic legal expertise with personalised support to protect your rights, freedom, and reputation.

BEST FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

Finance Monthly Awards

LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR IN THE ISLES

Top Legal Awards

CONTENTIOUS TRUST AND ESTATES TEAM OF THE YEAR

British Legal Awards (Shortlisted)

CROSS BORDER LITIGATION LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2024

Corporate INTL

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Expert Portuguese Criminal Defence Services

Criminal accusations are inherently distressing, and facing charges abroad can be particularly overwhelming. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal procedures, and the potential impact on your reputation or liberty make expert guidance essential.

Our Portuguese criminal defence lawyers specialise in:

  • Manslaughter and murder
  • Sexual offences
  • Road traffic and driving offences
  • Drug-related crimes
  • Medical malpractice and professional misconduct
  • Immigration offences
  • Robbery, assault, affray, and firearms offences
  • Corporate crime, financial fraud, and money laundering
  • Cybercrime and online offences
  • Damage to cultural and heritage property
  • Cross-border criminal investigations
Sfondo-Portugal Generic-Services

Immediate Assistance for Arrests in Portugal

If you are taken into custody or summoned by police, you are entitled to:

  • Notification of your rights, either in writing or verbally in a language you understand
  • Information regarding the allegations or charges prior to interrogation
  • Access to an interpreter if necessary
  • Legal representation, either via a duty lawyer or your appointed lawyer

Our criminal defence lawyers provide immediate guidance following arrest and throughout the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you understand every step of the procedure.

 

Cross-Border and Multi-Jurisdictional Defence

Giambrone & Partners has extensive experience representing foreign nationals across Europe. Our team can advise UK citizens, as well as individuals from Spain, Italy, and beyond, facing criminal allegations in Portugal.

Our cross-border criminal services include:

  • Representation through our UK offices without the need for constant travel
  • Advice on criminal procedure and legal strategy
  • Negotiation with authorities to reduce charges or avoid court proceedings
  • Coordination with foreign courts via letters rogatory, where required

 

Portuguese Criminal Procedure

Criminal proceedings in Portugal vary depending on the severity of the charge:

  • Minor offences: Often resolved via summary procedures introduced under the 2016 Criminal Procedure Code amendment
  • Serious offences: Can take up to two years, with the case moving through investigative and trial stages
  • Non-residents: Notices and summonses served by post, with acknowledgement of receipt, or through judicial assistance from foreign courts

Our lawyers provide pragmatic advice at each stage, guiding you through hearings, investigations, and cross-border procedures.

 

Protecting Your Rights and Reputation

Being accused of a crime abroad can have serious implications for your personal and professional life. Our criminal defence team helps you:

  • Understand your rights and legal options
  • Communicate with authorities effectively
  • Navigate complex criminal law across multiple jurisdictions
  • Protect your reputation during and after proceedings

Our lawyers’ expertise has been widely recognised, with media appearances including Sky News, BBC, and Reuters, reflecting our experience in high-profile cases.

 

Immediate Steps for British Citizens Facing Legal Issues in Portugal

If you encounter legal problems while in Portugal:

  • Contact local police if you are a victim of a crime
  • Reach out to the British Embassy in Lisbon or the Vice Consulate in Portimão
  • Seek advice from an English-speaking Portuguese lawyer to navigate local law

It is important to remember that embassies can provide guidance but not legal representation, our multilingual criminal lawyers act on your behalf to protect your rights and manage all communication with authorities.

What Our Clients Say

Why Choose Giambrone & Associados?

With over 20 years of experience, Giambrone & Associados is a leading law firm specialising in criminal defence and cross-border legal matters. Our award-winning, multilingual lawyers are trusted worldwide for their professionalism, strategic guidance, and meticulous attention to detail.

We aim to provide every client with:

  • The comfort of speaking with a lawyer in their own language
  • Expert advice on criminal offences, investigations, and cross-border defence
  • Personalised, results-oriented guidance from arrest to resolution

We combine offices in Portugal and the UK with deep local knowledge and international experience, making us the ideal partner for individuals facing criminal charges abroad. Known for our strategic guidance, transparency, and client-focused approach, our team ensures that your case is handled efficiently and securely.

Contact us today for tailored, multilingual advice and take the first step towards protecting your rights in Portugal with confidence.