Best International Criminal Law Lawyers in Bergen

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Bergen, Norway

Founded in 2018
English
Hill & Co Advokatfirma AS is a forward-thinking law firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client. With a team of experienced attorneys, the firm offers expertise across various practice areas, including contracts, real estate, mergers and...

English
Advokatfirmaet Rysst & Co., located in Bergen, Norway, specializes in providing comprehensive legal services in property law, inheritance and family law, and labor law. The firm offers expert assistance to individuals, businesses, co-owners, and housing cooperatives across the Vestland region,...
SANDS Law Firm DA
Bergen, Norway

Founded in 1989
English
SANDS Law Firm DA is one of Norway's largest full-service law firms, comprising over 220 professionals across offices in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Ålesund, Tromsø, and Tønsberg. The firm offers comprehensive legal services, covering all areas of business law, including corporate transactions,...

English
Advokatfirmaet JUDICIUM DA, established in 2000, is a reputable law firm located in Bergen, Norway. The firm offers a broad spectrum of legal services, including expertise in inheritance law, maritime law, criminal law, and insurance matters. Their team of seasoned attorneys brings diverse...
Law firm Stiegler ANS
Bergen, Norway

English
Stiegler Law Firm, L.L.C., based in New Orleans, Louisiana, specializes in employment law, representing workers across South Louisiana in various employment-related cases. Led by attorney Charles J. Stiegler, the firm handles matters such as unpaid wages, discrimination claims, non-compete...

English
Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS is recognized as a leading law firm with a longstanding presence in the Nordic legal market. The firm brings together a diverse team of highly skilled lawyers who offer in-depth expertise across a wide spectrum of legal disciplines, including corporate law, dispute...

Founded in 2016
English
Advokatfirmaet Oldermann AS is a distinguished business law firm located in the historic Kjøbmannstuen on Bryggen in Bergen. The firm specializes in financing, contract law, energy law (LNG/LBG), maritime and transport law, among other areas. Their team possesses high professional competence and a...

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Norwegian
English
Attorney Per-Erik GåskjennI graduated as a lawyer in 1993, specializing in international human rights. As a lawyer, I have experience from public administration and the courts and I have worked continuously as a lawyer for more than 20 years. I attach great importance to keeping myself...
Advokatfellesskapet Falch
Bergen, Norway

English
Advokatfellesskapet Falch, located in Bergen, Norway, comprises experienced and dedicated attorneys offering a broad range of legal services. Their areas of expertise include family law, child welfare, criminal defense, inheritance law, and mental health law. Several attorneys hold permanent...
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1. About International Criminal Law in Bergen, Norway

International Criminal Law (ICL) in Bergen operates within Norway’s national justice system. It addresses grave international offenses such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and sets out how those crimes are investigated, prosecuted and punished in this jurisdiction.

Bergen hosts key local and regional courts that handle parts of ICL matters, often involving cross-border elements or cooperation with international bodies. The city is part of the Vestland region and falls under the Western Norway legal framework, including Bergen tingrett as the district court and the Gulating lagmannsrett (Court of Appeal) for appeals from the region.

Norway participates in international criminal justice through treaties such as the Rome Statute, and it cooperates with international tribunals and partner countries on investigations, extraditions and mutual legal assistance. In Bergen, legal counsel may guide clients through both domestic procedures and international cooperation channels as they arise in investigations or prosecutions.

Source: UNODC highlights that international criminal law covers grave crimes and their enforcement across borders, including cooperation among states for investigations and prosecutions. https://www.unodc.org

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal counsel can help in concrete, real-world scenarios that often involve Bergen residents or events connected to Western Norway. Below are 4-6 specific situations where skilled international criminal law counsel is essential.

  • Suspected war crimes or crimes against humanity linked to a conflict abroad where you are in Norway, or in Bergen, and authorities are initiating investigations or charges. A lawyer can protect your rights during investigations, review evidence and coordinate with Norwegian and international authorities.
  • Extradition or transfer requests involving a Bergen resident suspected of international crimes or implicated in offenses abroad. An attorney helps evaluate extradition grounds, challenge improper requests and secure essential due process safeguards.
  • Crimes committed outside Norway with cross-border elements such as financing or logistical support for international crimes. A solicitor can interpret how Norwegian law integrates international obligations and advise on jurisdictional questions.
  • Victims seeking remedies or reparations involving international crimes where complex international cooperation or jurisdictional questions arise. A lawyer can guide reporting channels and interactions with authorities to pursue appropriate remedies.
  • Corporate or organizational findings involving alleged international crimes such as financing or facilitating crimes abroad. Legal counsel can assess liability, disclosure duties, and cooperation requirements with police and prosecutors in Bergen.
  • Criminal proceedings with foreign witnesses or evidence where Norwegian courts must handle international evidence, cross-border service of process or foreign legal assistance requests. A qualified attorney ensures proper handling and preservation of rights.

3. Local Laws Overview

Norway relies on its national statutes to implement international criminal law, along with treaty obligations. In Bergen you will encounter both general criminal law provisions and procedures that handle international elements in practice.

  • Straffeloven (Penal Code) - The core statute that defines criminal conduct, including crimes recognised under international law when committed by Norwegians or abroad. It provides the domestic basis for prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes when applicable under Norwegian jurisdiction.
  • Straffeprosesserloven (Criminal Procedure Act) - Sets out the rules for investigations, arrest, pre-trial procedures, evidence handling and trials. It governs how international elements and cross-border cooperation are implemented in practice in Bergen courts.
  • The Rome Statute and Norway’s international cooperation framework - Norway is a party to the Rome Statute and implements cooperation with the International Criminal Court through national measures. This underpins extradition, mutual legal assistance and international investigations that involve Bergen-based authorities.

Recent trends and practical notes for Bergen residents - Local authorities emphasize enhanced cooperation with international partners and clearer procedures for mutual legal assistance in cases with cross-border elements. In practice, Bergen residents may encounter expedited handling of foreign requests and more frequent cross-border evidence exchange through the district court and appellate courts.

Source notes: UNODC information on the scope of international criminal law; Bergen courts information and jurisdictional links are maintained by Norway’s court system. See official court resources for local procedures and contact points (Bergen tingrett and Gulating lagmannsrett).

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is International Criminal Law and how does it apply locally in Bergen?

International Criminal Law covers crimes of international concern and the mechanisms to prosecute them. In Bergen, this means domestic courts apply Norwegian law to international crimes when jurisdiction arises and cooperate with international partners when required.

How do I know if I need a local Bergen lawyer for an ICL matter?

If you face investigations, charges, or extradition requests involving international crimes, a Bergen lawyer with ICL experience can protect your rights and coordinate with local and international authorities.

When can a Bergen resident be charged under Norwegian Penal Code for crimes abroad?

If the crime has a sufficient nexus to Norway or Norwegian jurisdiction applies under statute, the case may be prosecuted here. Jurisdiction is determined by the facts, nationality, and where the crime took place.

Where can I find a lawyer experienced in International Criminal Law in Bergen?

Look for lawyers or firms with explicit ICL experience and familiarity with Bergen tingrett and Gulating lagmannsrett. Ask about cross-border investigations and extradition experience.

Why might I need to rely on mutual legal assistance in Bergen?

Mutual legal assistance enables cooperation with foreign authorities on evidence gathering, freezing assets, or extradition. A local attorney can guide you through required Norwegian procedures.

Can I represent myself in an ICL matter in Bergen court?

Self-representation is possible but discouraged in complex ICL cases. A lawyer ensures proper rights are protected and helps manage cross-border procedural requirements.

Should I hire a solicitor if I am a victim seeking remedies in an ICL matter?

Yes. A solicitor can advise on reporting channels, collect and preserve evidence, and coordinate with prosecutors or international bodies as necessary.

Do I need to know Norwegian to handle ICL matters in Bergen?

Basic Norwegian is helpful for court procedures, but many lawyers speak English and can explain legal concepts clearly. Consider hiring bilingual counsel if language is a concern.

Is there a difference between an international crime and a domestic crime in Bergen?

International crimes are defined by international treaties and Norwegian implementation. Domestic crimes may be prosecuted under Straffeloven with cross-border elements addressed through cooperation rules.

What is the typical timeline for an ICL case in Bergen?

Criminal proceedings can vary widely depending on complexity, evidence, and cooperation with foreign parties. A local lawyer can provide a case-specific timeline after reviewing the facts.

How much does it cost to hire a Bergen-based International Criminal Law lawyer?

Costs vary by firm and case complexity. Expect consultation fees, hourly rates, and potential success-based or fixed-fee arrangements for defined tasks.

What is the difference between a local lawyer and a national or international ICL specialist?

A local Bergen lawyer understands the local court system and procedures, while national or international specialists bring broader cross-border experience and networks for ICC or foreign jurisdiction matters.

5. Additional Resources

6. Next Steps

  1. Identify your specific ICL concern and determine whether Bergen-based courts or international cooperation processes apply.
  2. Consult the Bergen location of the court system (Bergen tingrett) for initial guidance and to confirm jurisdiction. Bergen tingrett
  3. Schedule a preliminary consultation with a licensed lawyer who specializes in International Criminal Law and cross-border matters.
  4. Provide all relevant documents, including any notices, evidence, and communications from authorities, to your lawyer for a thorough review.
  5. Ask your lawyer to outline a case strategy, potential timelines and estimated costs before proceeding with filings or hearings.
  6. Discuss possible cooperation with foreign authorities and any mutual legal assistance requests that may impact your case.
  7. Maintain regular contact with your counsel and the court to stay informed of any developments or deadlines.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Bergen through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including International Criminal Law, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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