Criminal defence lawyers in Iceland

Criminal law covers the cases in which the state prosecutes a person for an offence, from traffic violations and assault to drug offences, fraud and serious violent crime. A defence lawyer (verjandi) protects the rights of the suspect at every stage, while a victim's legal advocate (réttargæslumaður) represents the person harmed by the crime.

The legal framework

Offences and penalties are set out mainly in the General Penal Code No. 19/1940 (almenn hegningarlög), while the procedure is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure No. 88/2008 (lög um meðferð sakamála). Investigations are led by the police, and charges are brought by the police commissioners, the District Prosecutor (Héraðssaksóknari) or, in the most serious cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions (Ríkissaksóknari).

Your rights as a suspect

• The right to remain silent and not to incriminate yourself.
• The right to a defence lawyer before and during police questioning. In serious cases, and always when custody (gæsluvarðhald) is requested, the court appoints one.
• The right to an interpreter free of charge if you do not speak Icelandic, and for foreign nationals the right to have their consulate informed.
• The presumption of innocence: the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The state pays a court-appointed defence lawyer in the first instance, but a person who is convicted can be ordered to repay those costs. Read more in your rights as a criminal suspect in Iceland.

Victims of crime

Victims of sexual offences, serious violence and some other crimes are often entitled to a legal advocate paid by the state. The advocate follows the case, can claim compensation from the offender as part of the criminal case and supports the victim in contact with the police and the court.

When to contact a criminal lawyer

Contact a lawyer before you give a statement to the police, if you are summoned for questioning, arrested or charged, or if you have been the victim of a crime and want to claim compensation. Early advice can decide the course of the case.