As a criminal defence lawyer in Budapest, I defend suspects and accused persons throughout the proceedings. If you have been summoned as a suspect, your home has been searched, you or a relative has been detained, or an indictment has arrived, you should engage defence counsel as soon as possible. Statements and decisions made in the first days affect the outcome of the entire case.
It is important to me that my clients’ rights are fully upheld. I place particular emphasis on carefully building the defence strategy, analysing the evidence in detail and applying the law as it currently stands.
When do you need a criminal defence lawyer?
- you have been summoned by the police or the prosecution for a suspect interview;
- you have been summoned as a witness but fear you may become a suspect;
- your home or person has been searched, or your phone, computer or documents have been seized;
- you or a relative has been detained and an arrest order is expected;
- you have received an indictment or have been summoned to a court hearing;
- you disagree with the first-instance judgment and wish to appeal.
The defence lawyer's role at each stage
Investigation
Before the suspect interview we review the suspicion and decide together whether you will give a statement and, if so, what it will contain. I attend the interview, may ask questions, and make sure the record reflects exactly what was said. After the suspicion is communicated I study the file, submit motions for evidence and file complaints against unfavourable decisions.
Detention, arrest, criminal supervision
Detention may last up to 72 hours. During this time the prosecution decides whether to request arrest, which the investigating judge rules on at a hearing. I represent you at the hearing and, where the legal conditions are met, request a less restrictive measure such as criminal supervision (house arrest). I appeal against unfavourable decisions.
Before indictment
Once the investigation ends, the prosecution decides on indictment. At this stage I assess whether a deferred prosecution, mediation or a plea agreement with the prosecution would serve your interests, and negotiate accordingly.
Court proceedings
After indictment the court holds a preparatory hearing where the defendant states whether they plead guilty. With a guilty plea the case may end there. If the case goes to trial, I prepare you for your testimony, examine witnesses and experts, file motions and deliver the closing argument.
Appeal
I file an appeal against the first-instance judgment and represent you at second instance. In certain cases a final judgment may be challenged through a review petition or a retrial.
Suspect interview: your rights
- You have the right to know which offence you are suspected of.
- You may refuse to make a statement and may decide to testify at any later time.
- You may engage defence counsel, who may be present at the interview.
- You may read the record before signing it and request additions or corrections.
- If you do not speak Hungarian, you are interviewed with an interpreter.
Received a summons? First steps
- Do not make a statement until you have spoken to your lawyer.
- Do not talk to the authorities by phone or in an “informal chat”.
- Keep the summons and every document you received.
- Call me: I will be present at the interview in person.
Court-appointed or retained defence lawyer?
In certain cases defence is mandatory, for example if the offence carries more than five years’ imprisonment, if the accused is detained, is a juvenile or does not speak Hungarian. If there is no retained lawyer, the authority appoints one.
The appointed lawyer’s fee is advanced by the state but counts as criminal costs: if the court finds you guilty, you generally have to reimburse it. You choose a retained lawyer yourself, at any time, even if one has already been appointed. Once retained counsel takes over, the appointment ends.
Criminal defence fees: what determines the cost?
Criminal defence fees vary from case to case. After our first consultation we set the fee in advance, in writing, in the engagement agreement. It may be a fixed fee per stage of the proceedings or an hourly rate. The fee depends on:
- the stage of the proceedings (investigation, trial, appeal);
- the seriousness of the offence and the size of the case file;
- detention and coercive measures;
- the expected number of interviews and hearings;
- the location of the authority and the court.
Offences I handle
| Offence | Criminal Code |
|---|---|
| Homicide | s. 160 |
| Assault | s. 164 |
| Domestic violence | s. 212/A |
| Harassment | s. 222 |
| Causing a road accident, drink-driving | ss. 235–236 |
| Drug trafficking, drug possession | ss. 176–178 |
| Disorderly conduct | s. 339 |
| Theft, embezzlement, fraud | ss. 370–373 |
I also take on cases involving other offences. If you are unsure, call me and we will discuss it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I am summoned as a suspect?
Do not attend the interview alone and do not talk to the authorities beforehand. Contact a criminal defence lawyer who will study the case and attend the interview with you. Remaining silent is your right.
Can I bring a lawyer as a witness?
Yes. A witness may also be assisted by a lawyer, who may attend the interview. This is particularly advisable if the testimony could put you at risk.
How long can detention last, and how does it differ from arrest?
Detention may last up to 72 hours and is ordered by the investigating authority or the prosecution. Arrest is ordered by the investigating judge for a longer period. Instead of arrest, the defence may request a less restrictive measure such as criminal supervision.
Do I have to pay for a court-appointed lawyer?
The appointed lawyer’s fee is advanced by the state but counts as criminal costs. If you are found guilty, you generally have to pay it. If you are acquitted, the state bears the costs.
How much does a criminal defence lawyer cost?
The fee depends on the seriousness of the case, the stage of the proceedings and the expected workload. After our first consultation we put the fee in writing in the engagement agreement, so you know what to expect.
How long does a criminal case take?
A simple case may close within a few months, a complex one may take several years. The length depends on the scope of the investigation, expert examinations and appeals.
Have you been the victim of a crime? Victim representation and compensation