Criminal defense
A criminal case can start with an invitation, search, interrogation, investigative measure or summons. Your position and rights depend on the precise phase. Tell your lawyer the full context, even if certain facts are difficult. Only in this way can statements, documents and possible risks be discussed in context.
In the event of an announced action or hearing, immediately state the date and your capacity.
Defense in criminal cases
When can legal assistance in criminal defense be useful?
For those who, as a suspect or accused person, want to have the procedure, available documents and defense questions assessed confidentially.
- For whom
- Suspects or accused persons who have received an invitation, summons or decision in a criminal case.
- Area served
- Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels
This information is general. It does not replace advice based on your personal facts and complete documents.
Specific situations
Your position determines the preparation
Defense does not start with a standard statement, but with knowing who you are in the procedure and what is already officially known.
You are invited for questioning
The invitation and declaration of rights are important. We discuss your capacity, what information you have and what preparation may be appropriate.
An investigation is underway
Individual information may be incomplete. We distinguish what has been officially communicated from what you have heard through others.
You have been summoned
We read the indictment, hearing details and available case file documents and prepare your factual and personal context.
What documents are useful in criminal defense?
Only deliver confidential criminal case documents through a channel that has been agreed in advance with the office.
- Invitations, Declarations of Rights and Official Notices
- The complete summons and attachments
- Its own chronology of relevant events
- Contact details of agencies or lawyers already involved
- Documents that directly support your factual explanation
Only deliver confidential, medical, criminal or sensitive documents through a channel that has been agreed in advance with the office.
Discuss what you already have
After your first contact
How do we prepare your question about criminal defense?
We work confidentially, without judgment and with a clear distinction between facts, evidence and legal assessment.
Determine your position in the proceedings
We determine your official capacity and the known procedural phase.
Analyze case file
We discuss available documents, your statement and information that is still missing.
Prepare defense line
We explain choices and points of interest without promising a result or progression.
During the first conversation we are transparent about our working method and what you can expect. We can only give a final price when we know the precise facts of your case file. Where possible, we tailor the approach and agreements to what is feasible for you.
What general information cannot determine
Your legal position, procedure and possible choices depend on documents that we cannot see here.
What always depends on your case
- An initial contact does not automatically mean that the office will accept the case file.
- We do not predict a decision by the police, public prosecutor's office, investigating judge or court.
- Do not share confidential criminal case documents via an unsecured general form.
Who handles questions aboutCriminal defense
Gauthier Baudts handles criminal law and advocacy. Carine Flamend brings her long experience in criminal law and case files with public or military interfaces. She also pleads very often.
The content of this page was updated by Flamend & Partners on August 21, 2026 as a general legal guidance for suspects or accused persons who have received an invitation, summons or decision in a criminal case.
It does not state case file results and is not individual advice. The conflict check, availability and content of your question determine who handles a case file.
Gauthier Baudts
Carine FlamendCriminal defense: frequently asked questions
The answers will help you prepare. Your documents and circumstances may lead to a different assessment.
Will what I say remain confidential?
Information you share with a lawyer in the professional relationship will be treated confidentially within the applicable professional rules. Discuss with the office through which channel sensitive information is shared securely.
Should I wait until I have the complete case file?
No. If questioning or a hearing has been announced, making contact early can be important. State what you already have and what is still missing.
Can a lawyer tell me what I need to explain?
There is no safe default script. Your rights, the facts and the procedure must first be discussed confidentially.
Does legal assistance guarantee a particular outcome?
No. Assistance provides preparation, legal assessment and defense, but the decision lies with the competent authorities.
Your situation first deserves clarity.
Briefly explain what is going on. We carefully consider which next step is appropriate.