Criminal Defence

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Passive waiting only worsens your position. Involving an experienced lawyer from the outset can significantly improve your chances of a favourable outcome.

Detention or a Summons to Law Enforcement Authorities

Any detention requires the immediate deployment of a lawyer to the scene. A single unnecessary statement made without proper preparation can become key evidence against you.

Search, Interrogation or Other Investigative Action

A defence lawyer safeguards your rights against abuses of authority. While investigators conduct a search of your premises, your lawyer carefully monitors compliance with procedural requirements, documents violations, and challenges the unlawful seizure of equipment or property.

Notice of Suspicion or Criminal Charges

Once a notice of suspicion has been served, immediate action is essential. An experienced criminal defence lawyer thoroughly reviews the available documentation, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution's position, and prepares substantiated legal objections.

Imposition or Modification of a Preventive Measure

The question of whether you will remain at liberty during an investigation is decided by the court. Successfully opposing or modifying a preventive measure requires persuasive arguments, supporting evidence, and a carefully developed defence strategy. Our objective is to oppose the imposition of a preventive measure or secure the least restrictive conditions possible.

Protection of Victims' and Witnesses' Rights

Many people believe that legal assistance is needed only by those accused of an offence. However, a criminal defence lawyer also protects the rights and interests of victims and witnesses, helping safeguard them against psychological pressure and other forms of improper influence.

What You Gain from Working with Our Team

Every client receives a clear action plan, a transparent legal strategy, and confidence that their interests are being professionally protected. We provide legal assistance at every stage of criminal proceedings.

Urgent Consultation and Risk Assessment

A prompt assessment of the situation helps establish the facts in a crisis and determine the appropriate course of action. An experienced criminal defence lawyer will clarify the relevant legal issues from the very first conversation.

Defence of Suspects and Accused Persons

We provide comprehensive legal protection to ensure that your rights are respected throughout investigative and procedural proceedings. An experienced defence lawyer monitors the lawfulness of every action taken by investigators and other officials.

Representation of Victims and Assistance to Witnesses

Victims and witnesses summoned to participate in investigative actions may require professional legal assistance to protect their rights and ensure their safe participation. Our lawyers help prevent improper pressure and safeguard their procedural interests.

Preparation of Applications, Complaints, Motions and Procedural Documents

Properly drafted applications, complaints and motions are essential to addressing legal issues effectively. We prepare well-founded procedural documents designed to protect your interests and challenge unlawful investigative actions.

Challenging the Actions of Investigators and Prosecutors, and Appealing Court Decisions

Unlawful actions by investigators or prosecutors can be challenged through the appropriate legal procedures. Effective complaints, appeals and court representation can help secure the reversal of unlawful decisions and protect your rights.

Our approach to legal assistance follows a clear action plan:

• Comprehensive analysis of the circumstances to identify hidden risks.
• Development of a tailored strategy based on the specific facts of the case.
• Legal oversight of actions taken by law enforcement officials.
• Preparation of procedurally compliant, well-substantiated legal documents.

A timely response to unlawful conduct by officials can be critical to protecting your rights and improving the prospects of a favourable outcome.

Defence at Every Stage of Criminal Proceedings

A criminal case, from the initial discovery or reporting of a suspected offence to the final court decision, proceeds through several stages. Each requires a tailored legal strategy.

Pre-Trial Investigation

This stage involves the collection and examination of evidence. The defence seeks to challenge unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and, where legally justified, pursue the closure of criminal proceedings due to the absence of the elements of a criminal offence.

Investigative and Procedural Actions

Confrontations, investigative experiments and formal interrogations require careful preparation and composure. A lawyer's presence helps ensure that these procedures are conducted lawfully and that the client's procedural rights are respected.

Trial Proceedings

The court of first instance examines the merits of the case. Each item of evidence is scrutinised, witnesses are examined, and the parties submit motions, including applications to exclude inadmissible evidence where appropriate.

Appeals and Cassation Proceedings

An unfavourable judgment does not necessarily mark the end of the proceedings. Appellate and cassation review may provide an opportunity to challenge errors of law and procedure and seek the reversal or modification of a judgment, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

What to Do When Contacted by Law Enforcement Authorities

An effective response begins with the right legal and practical decisions from the outset. Protecting your rights also requires appropriate oversight of the actions taken by investigators and prosecutors.

What to Do if You Are Detained

Remain calm, do not physically resist, and exercise your right not to provide statements without first consulting a lawyer. Request the assistance of a lawyer of your choice and ensure that any violations of your legal rights are documented.

How to Act During a Search

Request to see the investigating judge's warrant, where required, and check the details specified in the relevant documents. Pay attention to the scope of the search and the procedure for recording and seizing property. Contact your lawyer immediately and ensure that any procedural violations are documented.

What Not to Do Before Consulting a Lawyer

Do not sign documents you do not understand or provide statements before obtaining legal advice. Avoid attempting to negotiate informally with law enforcement representatives. Ask for a lawyer and exercise your procedural rights.

Defence Following a Notice of Suspicion

Once a person is formally notified of suspicion, prompt and carefully considered legal action becomes particularly important.

Challenging a Notice of Suspicion

Ukrainian law provides mechanisms for challenging a notice of suspicion in court where the relevant statutory grounds and procedural requirements are met. A thorough legal analysis can identify insufficient evidence, unsupported allegations or procedural violations that may form the basis for a challenge. Our lawyers assess the available remedies and develop a strategy aimed at protecting the client's rights and challenging an unfounded suspicion.

Modification of a Preventive Measure

The defence may seek to replace an existing preventive measure with a less restrictive one. Our lawyers use the available legal mechanisms to challenge excessive restrictions, present evidence supporting the client's position, and seek to minimise unjustified interference with the client's liberty.

Protection of Assets and Funds in Criminal Proceedings

Law enforcement authorities may freeze bank accounts or seize company assets as part of a criminal investigation. Where an asset freeze or seizure lacks sufficient legal grounds, our lawyers assess the available remedies and, where appropriate, challenge the relevant measures before the court.

How We Work

To provide effective legal assistance and maintain control over the proceedings, we follow a structured approach:

• Respond promptly to enquiries and establish the current procedural status.
• Conduct a comprehensive legal review of the available case materials.
• Develop a defence strategy and prepare the necessary motions and applications.
• Accompany clients during investigative actions and represent their interests in court.

This structured approach helps us monitor developments, respond to procedural decisions and protect our clients' interests throughout the proceedings.

Why Choose Attorney Association Shkrebets & Partners?

Our extensive experience in criminal proceedings enables us to identify legal solutions in complex and high-pressure situations. We have repeatedly helped clients achieve the closure of criminal proceedings and avoid imprisonment where the circumstances and applicable law supported such outcomes.

We take an individualised approach to every case rather than relying on standardised solutions. Each key step is discussed with the client, and the legal strategy is developed around the client's circumstances, objectives and legitimate interests.