Criminal Investigation Lawyer Bucharest - Defense From the First Hour of the Investigation | Bogdan Lamatic

The criminal investigation is the stage in which the criminal investigation bodies (police, prosecutor) gather evidence to determine whether an offense was committed and who is responsible. It begins, under art. 305 of the Criminal Procedure Code, with an order opening the criminal investigation "in rem", and when there are indications that a particular person committed the act, that person acquires the status of suspect (art. 307 Criminal Procedure Code). (Legislative Portal)

Many people believe they need a lawyer only "if it reaches trial". In reality, it is precisely the criminal investigation phase where the defense is built or lost: statements given without a lawyer, evidence not challenged in time, or missed deadlines for complaints can weigh decisively later, in court.

As a criminal investigation lawyer, I get involved from the very first stage to protect your rights, verify the legality of the evidence and build a coherent strategy before the case moves forward.

1. Assistance and representation at hearings - before the Police, the Prosecutor's Office, DNA, DIICOT or the European Public Prosecutor's Office, as counsel for the suspect or the defendant (art. 78, art. 83 Criminal Procedure Code). I prepare you before the hearing and am actually present, so that no statement is given without a clear strategy behind it.
2. Defense in case of detention or pre-trial arrest. I intervene immediately if you are detained (art. 209-210 Criminal Procedure Code) or if the prosecutor proposes pre-trial arrest (art. 223 et seq. Criminal Procedure Code), presenting concrete defenses starting from the hearing before the judge for rights and liberties.
3. Challenging preventive measures. I challenge judicial control, judicial control on bail, house arrest or pre-trial arrest (art. 211-222 Criminal Procedure Code) and request their replacement or revocation whenever the legal conditions allow it. Read more about preventive measures.
4. Presence during searches - of homes, computer systems or persons (art. 157 et seq. Criminal Procedure Code) - to verify the legality of the warrant and of the manner in which the search is carried out.
5. Access to the file and drafting of requests, complaints, objections. I review the criminal investigation file (art. 94 Criminal Procedure Code), file requests for evidence, objections of unlawfulness and complaints against the prosecutor's acts whenever necessary.
6. Negotiation with the prosecutor and alternative solutions. Depending on the case, I analyze the possibility of a waiver of criminal prosecution (art. 318 Criminal Procedure Code), a closing of the case (art. 314-315 Criminal Procedure Code) or a plea agreement (art. 478-488 Criminal Procedure Code), whenever it serves your interest.

A) Rapid intervention. From the moment you call me, I assess the situation: have you been summoned, detained, searched, or only informed verbally? We immediately establish the next steps, including whether my urgent presence is needed.

B) Defense strategy from the very first statement. I analyze the referral document, the legal classification and the existing evidence, then we jointly decide what you will state, what you will not state and what requests we file starting from the earliest phase (art. 83 Criminal Procedure Code).

C) Challenging measures and verifying the legality of evidence. I check compliance with procedural rights, the legality of the search, of interceptions or of other means of evidence, and file complaints or objections wherever irregularities exist.

D) Full representation until the prosecutor's decision. I represent you personally throughout the criminal investigation, whether it ends with the closing of the case, a waiver of prosecution or referral to trial - and I continue the defense without interruption if the case reaches court.

• Statements given without a lawyer can be used against you throughout the criminal proceedings, even if you later nuance or withdraw them.
• You do not know what you are allowed not to say. You have the right to remain silent, without any adverse consequence (art. 83 letter a Criminal Procedure Code) - but few people know exactly how and when to exercise it.
• You can miss essential deadlines for complaints, requests for evidence or challenging certain measures, because the law does not wait until you hire a lawyer.
• You cannot verify on your own the legality of a search or a detention - a procedural irregularity not challenged in time can later be "covered".

Having a criminal investigation lawyer does not mean you have something to hide - it means someone is checking every step, in real time, while it can still make a difference.

You received a summons from the Police or the Prosecutor's Office. Do not ignore the summons - unjustified failure to appear can have consequences. Call me before the hearing date so we can prepare the statement together and establish what documents you need to bring.

You or someone close to you has been detained. Contact me immediately, regardless of the hour - detention lasts a maximum of 24 hours, and reaction time matters enormously. I offer a phone number accessible from early morning until late at night, precisely for such situations.

A search is about to take place, or has taken place, at your home or your company. Ask to see the search warrant before allowing access, if possible, and call me as soon as possible - I can be present or guide you step by step over the phone.

You found out you are targeted in a criminal case, but have not yet been officially summoned. Do not wait for the summons. A preventive assessment of your situation allows me to prepare the defense in advance, not at the last moment.

I have over 18 years of experience in criminal law and have been recognized by Legal 500 for five consecutive years as a Next Generation Partner. I have represented clients in criminal investigation files of all types - from simple cases to complex investigations conducted by DNA, DIICOT or the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

I handle every file personally. I do not send a colleague in my place to hearings or to court - I remain your point-of-contact lawyer throughout the case, with absolute discretion.

I am available almost around the clock. Criminal investigation situations do not follow office hours, which is why I can be contacted from 6 a.m. until late in the evening, including on weekends.

Your situation in the criminal investigation phase cannot wait. Call me now for a free initial assessment and find out immediately what the next steps are for your defense.