If you are facing criminal charges in Denmark as a foreign national, you face two separate legal challenges: the criminal case itself, and the potential immigration consequences. A conviction may lead not only to a fine or imprisonment, but also to deportation and an entry ban covering the entire Schengen area. At Globe Advokater, we provide expert criminal defence in English, with full understanding of both dimensions.
STEP 1
Emergency advice and assessment
If you or someone close to you has just been in contact with the police, we can advise you on your rights immediately. We carry out a no-obligation assessment of your situation — including the risk of remand in custody, the risk of conviction, the evidence in the case and how proceedings are likely to unfold.
STEP 2
Appointment and review of case documents
If you decide to proceed with us, we will apply to the court to be appointed as your defence lawyer, following which we will receive the case file. We will then review the documents thoroughly, assess the prosecution’s evidence and develop a strategy tailored to your case.
Step 3
Representation — with you every step of the way
We represent you during police interviews, throughout any period of remand in custody and across the full course of the criminal proceedings. We handle all communication with the prosecution and the court and ensure that your rights under the Administration of Justice Act and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights are fully upheld.
Fees for criminal defence
Full representation in criminal proceedings (District Court)
Court-appointed rates (beskikkelse)
- Consultation and review of the case
- Assistance during police questioning pursuant to sections 729a and 744 of the Administration of Justice Act
- Advice on the right to remain silent
- Initial assessment of the strength of the case and its likely progression
- Representation at the remand hearing pursuant to section 731 of the Administration of Justice Act
- Submissions against remand in custody — including proportionality arguments
- Ongoing follow-up and applications for release or variation of remand conditions
- Representation throughout the entire criminal proceedings
- Review of the evidence and challenge of the prosecution’s case
- Drafting of the defence submission and preparation of closing arguments at trial
- Advice on appeal options and the consequences of the judgment
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Key areas of the criminal defence process
Your rights as a suspect in Denmark
Regardless of your nationality, Danish law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) guarantee you the following rights:
- Right to a defence lawyer from the moment you are suspected of an offence (Administration of Justice Act, § 729a and § 730).
- Right to a court-appointed defence lawyer (offentlig forsvarer) in certain circumstances, including when you are brought before a court for remand in custody (§ 731).
- Right to remain silent and to be informed of this right (§ 752).
- Right to an interpreter during questioning and court proceedings (§ 149).
- Right to a fair trial under ECHR Article 6.
ℹ️ Your defence lawyer must be notified of the time of any police interview. Do not answer questions about your personal or family circumstances before speaking to your lawyer — these answers are used to assess whether you can be deported.
The special ‘foreigners’ interview’
Danish police are required to interview all foreign nationals suspected of criminal offences about their personal and family circumstances (Rigsadvokaten’s guidelines, section 2.1). The purpose is to assess whether there are grounds for a deportation order. You are not legally obliged to answer these questions, but the decision should always be made in consultation with your defence lawyer.
When can you be deported?
Deportation upon conviction is governed by sections 22-24 of the Aliens Act. The rules depend on how long you have been lawfully resident in Denmark:
- More than 9 years of lawful residence: Deportation only for the most serious offences (4+ years’ unconditional imprisonment, certain sexual offences, terrorism).
- 5 to 9 years of lawful residence: Deportation for offences resulting in 2+ years’ unconditional imprisonment, certain sexual offences, aggravated robbery, serious drug offences.
- Shorter residence: Deportation possible for offences resulting in 60+ days’ unconditional imprisonment, certain sexual offences, violence, drug offences.
Even where the formal grounds for deportation are met, the court must carry out a proportionality assessment under section 26 of the Aliens Act — taking into account your ties to Denmark, your family situation, and your ECHR Article 8 rights (right to private and family life).
Remand in custody
You may be remanded in custody (varetægtsfængsling) before trial if the court finds justified suspicion of an offence carrying a potential sentence of at least 1 year and 6 months, plus grounds such as flight risk, risk of interference with evidence, or risk of reoffending. For foreign nationals, flight risk is often the central issue — your defence lawyer can argue your actual ties to Denmark and propose alternatives such as bail, curfew, or surrender of travel documents.
Why choose Globe Advokater?
- Full English-language service throughout the criminal process.
- Specialist knowledge of both Danish criminal law and immigration law.
- Over 20 years of experience representing clients with ties to multiple jurisdictions.
- Fixed-fee pricing where possible — full transparency from day one.
- We handle communication with police, prosecutors and courts on your behalf.
Do I need a lawyer if I cannot afford one?
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, you can be assigned a court-appointed public defender (offentlig forsvarer) free of charge in cases where this is mandatory under the Administration of Justice Act — including all remand hearings and most serious criminal cases. In other cases, you may be eligible for legal aid (fri proces) if you meet the financial requirements under sections 325-328 of the Act.
Can I be deported even if I am acquitted?
Generally, no. Deportation upon conviction requires a conviction. However, an acquittal does not necessarily prevent the immigration authorities from subsequently revoking your residence permit on other grounds. If you have been charged and acquitted, contact us to assess any remaining immigration risks.
Over 20 years of practical experience in handling cases
Highly professional and customer centric. We are efficient and always on the client’s side
Fixed Prices. Credible. Transparent
At Globe Advokater, we make a difference for our clients
Confidence
As the client's trusted adviser, lawyers play a very special role in society. We help people in important, difficult, and sensitive situations. The rules and requirements in the field of immigration can be complicated to understand. Complex and incomprehensible rules require specialised legal advice.
Service
As a smaller law firm, we value offering our clients specialist knowledge, dignity, and availability. Our advice is based on the highest degree of professionalism. If you need to talk more, don't hesitate to contact us. We are available and it is non-binding and free to contact us.
Experience
We know immigration law both in detail and in depth. We have over 20 years of practical experience in handling immigration law cases. We have worked in all relevant offices in the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. This makes us one of the professionally strongest law firms within our field.
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