Best International Criminal Law Lawyers in Hellerup

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Lawyer Lise Holten
Hellerup, Denmark

Founded in 1989
1 person in their team
English
Advokat Lise Holten is a Danish attorney based in Hellerup who concentrates on criminal defense and family law matters. Appointed as a beneficed advokat by the Danish Ministry of Justice, she can represent clients in higher courts and serve as a bistandsadvokat for victims in criminal cases. Her...
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About International Criminal Law in Hellerup, Denmark

International Criminal Law (ICL) is the branch of law that addresses crimes of grave international concern, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. It sets norms for accountability when offenses cross borders or involve international actors. In Denmark, ICL operates alongside domestic criminal law and complements treaties and conventions to which Denmark is a party.

In Hellerup, ICL matters are typically handled through Copenhagen area law firms or international practice groups. Local practitioners often coordinate with foreign counsel and international organizations to manage cross-border cases, extradition, and mutual legal assistance requests. Although most cases stay outside Denmark’s borders, residents may encounter ICL issues when abroad or in multinational investigations.

Practically, Hellerup residents engaging with ICL matters should understand that Danish courts apply both national rules and applicable international obligations. This includes cooperation with international tribunals, universal jurisdiction considerations, and procedures for extradition and evidence sharing. Adequate legal counsel is essential to navigate these complex processes correctly.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, international criminal law aims to prevent and punish crimes that affect the international community as a whole. It supports accountability across borders and jurisdictions.

Source: UNODC

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Hiring a specialized attorney in Hellerup can clarify rights and obligations in complex international cases. Below are concrete scenarios you may encounter locally or in Danish-adjacent matters.

  • Extradition requests involving Danish residents - If a person in Hellerup faces extradition to another country for alleged international crimes, a lawyer helps assess jurisdiction, rights during surrender, and due process protections.
  • Cross-border investigations against a Danish company - In cases where a Danish business is implicated in international corruption or war-crime related procurement, counsel coordinates with foreign authorities and ensures compliance with Danish and international rules.
  • Victims seeking reparations for crimes under international law - Victims in Denmark may pursue remedies or supportive measures through national courts or international mechanisms, with counsel guiding evidence gathering and procedural steps.
  • Crimes committed abroad by Danish nationals or residents - If you are accused of international crimes while abroad, a Danish or Copenhagen-based lawyer can advise on applicable statutes, jurisdiction, and potential defenses.
  • Sanctions and international investigations affecting Danish entities - Corporations with international operations may face investigations or sanctions, requiring advice on cross-border cooperation and compliance.
  • Engaging with international tribunals or bodies - If you have interactions with or submissions to international bodies, a lawyer helps ensure proper procedure, evidence standards, and due process.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework governing International Criminal Law in Denmark relies on a mix of domestic statutes and international obligations. The core Danish statutes commonly used in ICL matters include the Penal Code and criminal procedure rules, supplemented by treaties and cooperation laws for cross-border matters.

Straffeloven (Danish Penal Code) provides the substantive criminal framework and includes provisions for serious offenses with international elements, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, when applicable to Danish nationals or operations on Danish soil.

Retsplejeloven (Danish Administration of Justice Act) governs investigations, court procedures, and the handling of evidence in criminal cases, including cross-border cooperation where applicable.

Lov om internationalt strafferetligt samarbejde i straffesager (Act on International Criminal Cooperation in Criminal Matters) sets out how Denmark manages mutual legal assistance, extradition, and other cross-border processes with foreign authorities.

These laws are periodically amended to align with European Union frameworks and global conventions. In practice, Denmark relies on these statutes to manage international elements within criminal proceedings and to coordinate with foreign jurisdictions.

Legal practitioners note that effective international cooperation hinges on clear jurisdiction, proper notice, and timely sharing of evidence in cross-border cases.

Source: UNODC

Frequently Asked Questions

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

International criminal law deals with grave offenses such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. In Denmark, it interacts with domestic criminal law through extradition, cooperation treaties, and implementation of international obligations.

How do extradition requests work in Denmark for international crimes?

Extradition petitions are reviewed under Danish law and relevant cooperation treaties. The process includes jurisdiction assessment, formal surrender procedures, and protections for the accused under Danish due process standards.

Do I need a local Hellerup attorney or can I hire Copenhagen-based counsel?

Local familiarity with the Copenhagen legal market is valuable, but you may hire Copenhagen-based counsel who regularly handles international matters. The key is selecting an attorney with ICL experience and cross-border coordination skills.

How long does an international crime case typically take in Denmark?

timelines vary widely depending on complexity, evidence availability, and international cooperation. A straightforward extradition matter may take months, while multi-jurisdictional investigations can extend longer.

What is the cost range for hiring an international criminal law attorney in Hellerup?

Costs depend on case complexity and billing methods. Expect hourly rates for specialized ICL work to be higher than standard criminal defense, with some firms offering fixed- or capped-fee arrangements for initial consultations.

Do victims of international crimes in Denmark have a right to reparations?

Victims may pursue remedies through national courts or international mechanisms, depending on the case. A lawyer can help identify available avenues and necessary evidence to support a claim.

Can I be charged in Denmark for crimes committed abroad?

Yes, Denmark can prosecute offenses with an international element committed abroad, subject to jurisdiction rules and applicable statutes. A lawyer helps assess whether Denmark has jurisdiction and the best defense strategy.

How does Denmark cooperate with international tribunals for war crimes?

Denmark engages in mutual legal assistance, extradition, and information-sharing with international bodies. This cooperation is guided by domestic statutes and international agreements.

What is the difference between genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes?

Genocide aims to destroy a group, crimes against humanity involve widespread or systematic crimes against civilians, and war crimes relate to violations under armed conflict. These terms guide jurisdiction and charges in ICL matters.

Do I qualify for legal aid in international criminal law cases in Denmark?

Eligibility for legal aid depends on income, the nature of the case, and the likelihood of success. A Danish attorney can assess eligibility and help apply for coverage if appropriate.

What should I bring to a first consultation with a lawyer in Hellerup?

Bring any police or court documents, timelines, communications with authorities, and a list of questions. Also provide a clear summary of the factual background and any deadlines.

Is there a timeline to respond to an international arrest warrant in Denmark?

Arrest warrants come with specific notice periods and legal steps. A lawyer helps track deadlines, rights to challenge the warrant, and proper procedural requests.

Additional Resources

  • UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; authoritative source on international criminal justice standards and cooperation. UNODC
  • International Bar Association - Provides practice guidelines, ethics, and cross-border criminal law resources for lawyers. IBA
  • Amnesty International - Global human rights organization offering analysis and resources on crimes under international law. Amnesty International

Next Steps

  1. Clarify your ICL issue and collect all related documents, deadlines, and communications. Create a timeline of events to share with a lawyer.
  2. Identify potential firms or solo practitioners in the Copenhagen-Hellerup area with documented international criminal law experience.
  3. Schedule an initial consultation to assess whether the matter is best handled by a local or international practice group.
  4. Prepare a list of questions about jurisdiction, likely procedure, and possible defenses or remedies.
  5. Request a written engagement letter and a clear fee structure before proceeding with any work.
  6. Request an outline of the strategy, potential timelines, and key milestones for your case.
  7. Proceed with the case plan, keeping track of communications, deadlines, and costs to avoid delays.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Hellerup 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.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.