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Criminal law: what you need to know as a defendant in Belgium
Being suspected or accused of a criminal offense can have a serious impact on your personal and professional life. Whether it involves theft, assault, fraud, or any other crime, the consequences can include heavy fines, a criminal record, or even imprisonment. Our firm offers legal defense and advice in all areas of criminal law. We represent clients before all criminal courts in Brussels, Halle, Vilvoorde, Dendermonde, Leuven, Mechelen, and other jurisdictions, from the initial investigation to the final verdict. What is the added value of a lawyer? - Before any hearing, we carefully examine your file, discuss the facts with you, and assess the risks and possible penalties. - We identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build a solid defense strategy to protect your rights. - Your presence in court may not always be required if we represent you, but we will guide you on when it is necessary. - If you benefit from legal expenses insurance, we will contact your insurer to cover the legal costs and avoid unnecessary expenses for you. Criminal law includes a wide range of offenses. Here is a short list of common cases we handle: - Theft - Fraud - Forgery - Assault and battery - Unintentional assault and battery

Being suspected of a criminal offense can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. Whether it is theft, fraud, sexual assault or another crime, the consequences can be severe: heavy fines, a criminal record or even jail time. In this article, we explain what to expect and how an attorney can assist you.

In Belgium, criminal cases are usually heard by the police court (for traffic cases and lighter crimes) or the correctional court (for misdemeanors). More serious crimes are referred to the assize court. Depending on the seriousness of the facts, proceedings may begin with an interrogation by the police or an investigating judge.

If you are being interrogated as a suspect, you have the right to consult a lawyer in advance. This right, guaranteed by the Salduz Act, is essential: a lawyer can prepare you for the interrogation, inform you of your rights, and prevent you from making statements that could harm your position.

What is the added value of a lawyer in a criminal case? First, he thoroughly reviews the criminal case file, identifies weakening elements in the charges and builds a solid defense strategy. Second, your presence at the hearing may not always be required, but the lawyer will guide you in making that decision. Third, if you have legal expenses insurance, the lawyer can contact your insurer to cover the costs.

Belgian criminal law covers a wide range of criminal offenses. Some common cases in which Novex Lawyers provides assistance: theft, fraud, forgery, beatings and injuries, unintentional beatings and injuries, driving under the influence, hit-and-run and cybercrime.

Criminal law is complex and the consequences can be lifelong. An experienced criminal lawyer makes the difference between a conviction and an acquittal, or between a severe and a lenient sentence. When suspicion arises, contact Novex Lawyers as soon as possible for a confidential consultation.

Also read: Arrest and interrogation in Belgium: your rights as a suspect | House search in Belgium: your rights and obligations

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