Criminal Lawyers in Bulgaria
Every year we receive a huge number of questions for legal support of Criminal Lawyers in Bulgaria.
Our criminal lawyers in Bulgaria provide rapid advice, police-station attendance, and courtroom.
They represent aimed at the most appropriate outcome.
Below are common offence areas, key procedural steps, and practical guidance.
We handle these and all other offences with tailored strategies.
What a Bulgarian criminal lawyer does
Immediate advice on arrest, charge, or search.
Attendance during police questioning and investigative actions.
Strategy on measures of restraint (bail, house arrest, detention in custody).
Negotiation with prosecutors, evidentiary motions, and trial advocacy.
Appeals and sentence mitigation.
Counsel and interpreter assistance are guaranteed by the Criminal Procedure Code.
Common offences we handle
Road traffic and drink-driving (DUI).
The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.5‰.
Above statutory thresholds sanctions escalate.
Bulgarian parliament tightened Penal Code penalties in July 2025.
Driving over 1.2‰ carries 1–3 years’ imprisonment and a higher fine.
Repeat offenders over 0.5‰ face heavier fines and possible imprisonment.
Vehicle confiscation in serious DUI and drug-driving cases.
Recent reforms allow confiscation of the vehicle.
This is for the alcohol text exceeds 1.2‰ or drugs are detected, in addition to criminal penalties.
Drug offences.
Manufacture, possession with intent, distribution, and related acts are criminalised under Articles 354a–354c Criminal Code.
Courts actively register and track these cases nationwide.
Theft, fraud, and economic crime.
Core property offences are defined in the Penal Code, with aggravating forms and corporate-crime exposure.
Assault and public-order offences.
Violent offences range from minor bodily harm to aggravated forms, with increasing sanctions.
Cybercrime in BULGARIA
Computer-related crimes are prosecuted under national law aligned with the Budapest Convention, with specialised investigative tools during pre-trial proceedings.
Your rights on arrest in Bulgaria
24-hour police custody cap. Police may detain up to 24 hours under the Ministry of Interior Act.
Prosecutor’s 72-hour detention. The prosecutor may extend detention for up to 72 hours to secure first court appearance;
Right to a lawyer and interpreter. From the first interrogation, you have the right to counsel and, where needed, interpretation at state expense in specified situations.
Stages of a Bulgarian criminal case
Pre-trial investigation. Police and an investigating authority collect evidence under prosecutorial supervision.
Defence can request actions and challenge unlawful measures.
Measure of restraint. A court decides on detention in custody, bail, or less severe measures based on flight risk, reoffending risk, and evidentiary concerns.
Indictment and trial. The prosecutor files the indictment; the court sets hearings, examines evidence, and rules on guilt and sentence.
Appeals. Convictions and sentences are appealable; higher courts review fact and law within statutory deadlines.
Legal aid and costs
If you cannot afford a lawyer and the interests of justice require representation, legal aid will be granted.
How we help, step by step
Emergency response. We attend police stations and remand hearings on short notice to protect rights and influence early decisions.
Case mapping. We audit the file, isolate unlawful evidence, and plan motions.
Evidence strategy. We request expert reports, challenge searches, and secure mitigation materials.
Negotiation or trial. We pursue charge reductions or acquittal, and argue for non-custodial outcomes where appropriate.
After-judgment. We file appeals and seek sentence adjustments where available.
For more information call us now at + 359 897 90 43 91 or send us document on Email : office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg
What should I do immediately after being arrested in Bulgaria?
If you are arrested in Bulgaria, stay calm and request access to a lawyer before answering any police questions. You have the legal right to contact an attorney and to be informed of the charges against you. Under the Ministry of Interior Act, police custody cannot exceed 24 hours without prosecutorial approval. You should not sign any statements or confessions without your lawyer present. A criminal lawyer can ensure that police procedures are followed lawfully and can immediately intervene to protect your rights.
How long can I be detained before seeing a judge?
After the initial 24-hour police custody, a prosecutor may extend detention for up to 72 hours in order to bring you before a court. Within this period, the court decides whether to impose a measure of restraint such as bail, house arrest, or detention in custody. Your lawyer can challenge unlawful detention and request your immediate release. In most minor offences, detention beyond the first 24 hours is rarely justified if you have a permanent address or no prior record.
What are the penalties for drink-driving and traffic offences in Bulgaria?
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.5‰ constitutes a criminal offence. If the BAC exceeds 1.2‰, the driver faces 1 to 3 years of imprisonment and a substantial fine. Repeat offenders face higher penalties and mandatory licence suspension. Since July 2025, reforms also allow the confiscation of the vehicle in severe DUI or drug-driving cases. Our lawyers handle both the criminal and administrative aspects, ensuring that procedural rights are respected and mitigating the consequences where possible.
How does the criminal investigation process work in Bulgaria?
Every case begins with a pre-trial investigation led by an investigating officer under the supervision of a prosecutor. The police gather evidence, question witnesses, and may search property with court authorization. Once sufficient evidence is collected, the prosecutor files an indictment and the case proceeds to court. Throughout the investigation, your lawyer can challenge unlawful searches, request expert examinations, and present exculpatory evidence. Effective early defence can significantly influence the outcome.
Can foreigners be represented by Bulgarian criminal lawyers?
Yes. Foreign citizens charged with crimes in Bulgaria are entitled to full legal defence. Our criminal lawyers provide representation in English, German, Russian, and other languages. The Criminal Procedure Code guarantees interpretation at no cost if you do not speak Bulgarian. We coordinate with foreign embassies, consulates, and family members to ensure proper communication. Whether you are a tourist, resident, or businessperson, you have identical procedural rights to Bulgarian citizens.
Yes. Foreign citizens charged with crimes in Bulgaria are entitled to full legal defence. Our criminal lawyers provide representation in English, German, Russian, and other languages. The Criminal Procedure Code guarantees interpretation at no cost if you do not speak Bulgarian. We coordinate with foreign embassies, consulates, and family members to ensure proper communication. Whether you are a tourist, resident, or businessperson, you have identical procedural rights to Bulgarian citizens.
If you cannot pay for legal representation, you may apply for state-funded legal aid. The court or prosecutor can appoint a public defender if the case involves serious charges, if you are detained, or if justice requires it. Legal aid is managed by the National Legal Aid Bureau through regional bar associations. Our team assists clients in preparing applications and verifying eligibility. Having a lawyer is vital even at early stages, as many rights can be lost if you act without professional counsel.
What types of criminal cases do your lawyers handle most often?
We represent clients in all categories of offences, including: Road traffic crimes (drink-driving, reckless driving, hit and run) Drug-related offences (possession, trafficking, cultivation) Fraud, theft, and financial crimes Assault, domestic violence, and public-order violations Cybercrime and data offences White-collar and corruption-related investigations Each case requires individual analysis and defence planning. Our lawyers tailor the approach—whether negotiating with prosecutors, seeking charge reductions, or pursuing full acquittal—to the client’s legal position and evidence profile.
Need immediate assistance?
Contact our criminal lawyers in Bulgaria for urgent advice or representation: 📞 +359 897 90 43 91 ✉️ office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg We provide 24/7 response for arrests, police investigations, and court defence anywhere in Bulgaria.
