Practice areas → Criminal Defence

Criminal lawyer in Malta

HM Advocates defends people accused of criminal offences in Malta — Maltese residents, foreign nationals living or working here, and visitors. We also act for families contacting us from abroad, and assist victims of crime in criminal proceedings.

What we handle

Arrest & police questioning

We provide immediate legal assistance to individuals who have been arrested or requested to attend police questioning, protecting their rights and ensuring that they receive appropriate legal advice and representation throughout the investigative process.

Arraignment & bail applications

We represent clients at arraignment and in bail proceedings, providing strategic advice and advocacy aimed at safeguarding their procedural rights and securing appropriate conditions for release where permitted by law.

Financial crime & money laundering

We advise and represent individuals and entities involved in investigations and proceedings concerning financial crime, money laundering, proceeds of crime and related regulatory offences, including matters requiring complex legal and evidential analysis.

Drug offences

We provide legal representation in cases involving drug-related offences, from investigations and questioning through to prosecution and trial, drawing on extensive experience in the investigation and prosecution of drug-related criminal matters.

European Arrest Warrants & extradition

We advise and represent individuals subject to European Arrest Warrants and international extradition proceedings, addressing issues of surrender, jurisdiction, procedural safeguards and the legal grounds upon which extradition may be challenged.

Appeals & constitutional references

We represent clients in criminal appeals and constitutional proceedings, including matters concerning fundamental rights, fair-trial guarantees and challenges to the compatibility of legal provisions or proceedings with constitutional and human-rights protections.

Assistance to victims — parte civile

We assist victims of crime in exercising their rights within criminal proceedings, including representation as parte civile, pursuing appropriate remedies and safeguarding their interests throughout the judicial process.

Other criminal offences

We provide representation and advice across a broad range of criminal matters, including offences involving violence, theft, fraud, public order, property and other serious or complex criminal allegations, from investigation through to trial and appeal.

If you have been arrested in Malta

  1. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before police questioning. Ask for it clearly.
  2. You do not have to answer questions until your lawyer is present.
  3. Give the police our name: HM Advocates. We respond out of hours.
  4. If you are calling for someone else, note their full name and where they are being held.

Make a confidential enquiry — read by an advocate, answered promptly.

Contact the firm

Detained in Malta, or calling for someone who is? Contact the firm — enquiries are answered out of hours, in strict confidence.