Best International Criminal Law Lawyers in Copenhagen

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Advokatfirma Kira Iqbal
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2024
1 person in their team
English
Advokatfirma Kira Iqbal is a Copenhagen-based Danish law firm led by Advokat Kira Iqbal. The practice focuses on criminal defense, family law, tenancy and commercial lease matters, corporate and commercial advisory work, and civil litigation. The firm is a member of Advokatsamfundet and Foreningen...
Baker Tilly Legal Advokatfirma
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Danish
English
We provide high-quality legal advice to Danish and international companies.We combine a high professional level, good business understanding and expert knowledge, which enables us to deliver result-oriented solutions that create value for our clients.Our valuesWe have the following core...
Kristian Braad advokatfirma
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2017
3 people in their team
English
Kristian Braad advokatfirma specializes in criminal defense and investigations, providing representation for clients across Denmark. The firm is led by Kristian Braad, whose long career in the Danish criminal justice system includes service in the Ministry of Justice and experience as a public...
Advokaterne Mikkelsen
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1982
English
Advokaterne Mikkelsen, located in Støvring near Aalborg, Denmark, offers comprehensive legal services to both private individuals and businesses. The firm specializes in areas such as criminal law, family law, and business law, ensuring that clients receive expert advice tailored to their specific...
The law firm Palle Svendsen
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 1985
English
Advokatfirmaet Palle Svendsen, located in Randers, Denmark, specializes in inheritance law, insolvency law, and personal injury compensation. Established in 1998, the firm is led by attorney Palle Svendsen, who has been practicing law since 1982. The firm has built a solid reputation for its...
Advokat Knud Ravn Meden(H)
Copenhagen, Denmark

1 person in their team
English
Advokatfirma Knud Meden (H) is a Copenhagen-based law practice led by Knud Meden, who brings more than 40 years of experience representing clients in complex legal matters. The firm focuses on criminal defense and family law, offering highly specialized counsel in matters such as criminal cases and...
The law firm Inger Bjerrum Hansen
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2007
English
Advokatfirmaet Inger Bjerrum Hansen, located in Højbjerg, Denmark, specializes in real estate transactions, family and personal law, and debt collection. The firm offers comprehensive legal services, including property conveyancing, drafting of deeds, and preparation of settlement statements,...
Defense lawyer Poul Hauch Fenger
Copenhagen, Denmark

1 person in their team
English
Defense lawyer Poul Hauch Fenger specializes in criminal defense and human rights matters in Denmark and internationally. With 18 years of Danish and international experience handling criminal and human rights cases for UN and EU bodies, he offers rigorous defense strategy, meticulous case review,...
KROMANN advokatfirma
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2006
16 people in their team
English
KROMANN advokatfirma is an Aarhus-based law firm founded in 2006 that provides specialised legal services to private clients and businesses across Denmark. The firm was established by advokat Monica Kromann and maintains rights of audience before the Supreme Court, enabling representation at all...
Wandall Law Firm
Copenhagen, Denmark

Founded in 2023
3 people in their team
Wandall Law Firm is a specialized boutique law firm delivering high-level expertise with a personalized and strategic approach. Our focus areas include criminal law, public law, data protection, and strategic dispute resolution. We are committed to providing tailored solutions that create value and...
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1. About International Criminal Law in Copenhagen, Denmark

International Criminal Law (ICL) addresses crimes that violate the most fundamental international norms, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. In Copenhagen, as Denmark’s capital, Danish courts apply ICL through national legislation while adhering to international obligations. The field integrates treaty law, customary international law, and domestic criminal procedure to resolve cross-border and transnational crimes. Practitioners in Copenhagen commonly work at the intersection of national courts, international institutions, and cross-border investigations.

Denmark participates in international efforts to deter and punish serious crimes. This involves upholding the Rome Statute, cooperating with international bodies, and applying Danish law to international crimes when appropriate. For residents, this means understanding both how international norms influence Danish prosecutions and how Danish procedures protect defendants and victims in cross-border matters. For authoritative guidance on global frameworks, see UN and international law resources linked in this guide.

Key note for Copenhagen residents: local practice often requires coordinating with international organizations, Danish prosecutors, and defense counsel with experience in cross-border investigations. This makes early legal consultation important for people facing questions about jurisdiction, admissibility, and procedural rights.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Scenario driven needs are common in Copenhagen. Below are concrete, real-world contexts where International Criminal Law counsel is typically required.

  • You are under Danish or international investigation for alleged war crimes or crimes against humanity and require defense counsel to navigate ICC cooperation, Danish procedure, and cross-border issues.
  • A Danish company is suspected of illegal arms transfers or activities implicating international sanctions, and you need counsel to address both Danish charges and potential ICC or EU compliance questions.
  • You are a victim or witness seeking protection, reparations, or coordinated testimony across borders, and you need guidance on international procedures and Danish rights to participate in investigations.
  • You face extradition or surrender requests relating to crimes investigated internationally, and you need experts to manage cross-border arrest warrants and AP (adjacent) cooperation with Danish authorities.
  • You're a Danish national or resident with dual citizenship who has to respond to legal actions abroad for alleged international crimes, requiring counsel to coordinate Danish and foreign proceedings.
  • You work for a Danish NGO or multinational and must ensure compliance with international criminal law when operating in conflict zones or high-risk regions, including risk assessments and internal investigations.

3. Local Laws Overview

Denmark engages with International Criminal Law through a mix of international instruments and domestic statutes. The following are central to how ICL operates in Copenhagen and across Denmark.

  • Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court - The international treaty that established the ICC governs prosecutions for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Denmark is a state party, and the Rome Statute informs how Danish authorities cooperate with international investigations and how Danish courts may engage with ICC processes. For context on this framework, see UNODC resources and ICC information for member states. UNODC
  • Retsplejeloven (Administration of Justice Act) - The core Danish statute governing criminal investigations, rights of the accused, evidence, procedural steps, and court procedures in Denmark. It provides the procedural backbone for how international criminal matters are handled domestically.
  • Straffeloven (Penal Code) - Denmark's criminal code, including provisions that address crimes recognized under international law such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes when applicable, and the offences that can be implicated in international contexts.
  • Lov om internationalt retsforhold i straffesager (Act on International Cooperation in Criminal Matters) - Regulates mutual legal assistance, extradition, recognition of judgments, and other cross-border criminal law processes between Denmark and other states. This Act shapes how Denmark cooperates in international investigations and prosecutions.

Recent trends in Copenhagen and Denmark include increasing alignment with EU frameworks for cross-border cooperation and ongoing integration of international norms into domestic procedure. While Rome Statute obligations set global standards, Danish procedural and substantive provisions in Retsplejeloven, Straffeloven, and the Act on International Cooperation in Criminal Matters determine how those standards are implemented locally. For practical context, consult UNODC and human rights organizations that document international criminal law developments.

Note: If you need precise statutory provisions or updated amendments, consult the official Danish legal information portals and cross-border cooperation guidelines referenced in the resources section of this guide.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is international criminal law and how does it apply in Denmark?

International criminal law defines crimes that concern the international community as a whole, such as genocide and war crimes. In Denmark, these crimes are prosecuted under national law and in coordination with international obligations, including cooperation with the ICC framework where applicable.

How do I know if I need a Danish or an international criminal law lawyer?

If your matter involves cross-border issues, ICC obligations, or international cooperation, you should consult an international criminal law attorney. For purely domestic offenses, a Danish criminal defense attorney may suffice.

What is the Rome Statute and does it affect Danish cases?

The Rome Statute creates the International Criminal Court and sets out criminal jurisdiction. Denmark is a state party, which informs how Danish authorities cooperate with ICC investigations and prosecutions when relevant.

How much does it cost to hire an International Criminal Law lawyer in Copenhagen?

Fees vary by case complexity, lawyer experience, and case duration. Expect initial consultations to range from a few hundred to a few thousand kroner, with ongoing representation billed by hourly or flat-rate structures.

Do I need to travel to Copenhagen to meet a lawyer?

Not necessarily. Many Copenhagen specialists offer remote consultations, but complex international matters may require in-person hearings or meetings, depending on the case stage and court requirements.

Is there a time limit for initiating an ICC-related defense or cooperation in Denmark?

Domestic procedural timeframes exist for investigations and court submissions. An attorney can identify deadlines and ensure timely actions for cross-border matters and ICC cooperation where applicable.

What is the difference between a defense attorney and a prosecutor in international crimes?

A defense attorney protects the rights of the accused and guides strategic decisions. A prosecutor represents the state and bears the burden of proving crimes beyond reasonable doubt.

Can I access legal aid for International Criminal Law issues in Copenhagen?

Eligibility for legal aid depends on financial circumstances and the nature of the case. A local legal aid office or defense attorney can assess options and potential subsidies.

How long can an international crime case take in Denmark?

Domestic cases can vary from months to years depending on complexity and cross-border cooperation. ICC-related matters may extend longer due to international procedures and mandates.

What documents should I prepare for an initial ICL consultation?

Collect identity documents, any charges or notices, correspondence with authorities, contracts, and records of communications with foreign authorities. A lawyer will guide you on additional items.

Do I need to hire a Copenhagen-based specialist for cross-border crimes?

A local specialist with Copenhagen experience is valuable for navigating Danish procedures and international cooperation channels. They can coordinate with foreign counsel and authorities efficiently.

What is the typical timeline from consult to initial defense strategy?

After an initial consult, a lawyer typically provides a case assessment within 1-3 weeks and outlines a defense plan. The overall timeline depends on the case complexity and cooperation with international bodies.

5. Additional Resources

  • UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; provides international crime statistics, technical guidance, and capacity building for member states. UNODC
  • ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross; offers guidance on international humanitarian law and its relationship to criminal accountability. ICRC
  • Human Rights Watch - Provides analysis and monitoring of accountability for international crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch

6. Next Steps

  1. Define the scope of your International Criminal Law matter and identify whether it involves cross-border issues or ICC cooperation.
  2. Gather all relevant documents, including notices, court orders, and communications with authorities, and translate them if needed.
  3. Search for Copenhagen-based lawyers with international criminal law experience and arrange initial consultations within 1-2 weeks.
  4. Prepare a list of questions about strategy, anticipated timelines, and fee structures before meetings.
  5. Evaluate potential counsel by asking about previous cases, cross-border coordination, and familiarity with Danish procedures.
  6. Engage a lawyer and sign a retainer agreement; request a written plan outlining next steps and milestones.
  7. Develop a practical timeline for the case, noting key deadlines and required actions for both Danish authorities and any international bodies involved.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Copenhagen 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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