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Legal protection for foreign nationals and businesses in Russia
Facing a criminal accusation in a foreign country can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. As a Russian criminal defense lawyer, I provide legal protection for foreign nationals involved in criminal proceedings in Russia.
If you are searching for a criminal lawyer for foreigners in Russia, feel free to contact me - my role is to protect your rights, explain the process in clear English, and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case and Russian law.
If you are searching for a criminal lawyer for foreigners in Russia, feel free to contact me - my role is to protect your rights, explain the process in clear English, and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case and Russian law.
Criminal Defense for Foreign Nationals in Russia
Foreigners often do not understand how the Russian criminal justice system works. I help clients navigate every stage of the process:
- Pre‑investigation checks and verification of information - before a formal criminal case is opened, police may take preliminary actions.
- Initiation of a criminal case and investigation - investigators collect evidence and interview witnesses and suspects.
- Detention and preventive measures - this can include bail, travel restrictions, or being held in custody.
- Trial in court - examination of evidence, witness questioning, and legal arguments before a judge.
- Appeal and cassation - review of the case by higher courts if there were legal or procedural errors.
Stages of Criminal Proceedings in Russia
Immigrants may face a wide range of charges in Russia, including:
- economic and property‑related accusations (fraud, theft, embezzlement);
- driving offences;
- conflicts with the police or other public authorities;
- criminal immigration-related cases.
Typical Criminal Cases Involving Foreigners
Regardless of your nationality, you have important rights under Russian law and international standards, including:
- the right to be informed of the charges;
- the right to contact your consulate;
- the right to legal assistance from a defense lawyer;
- the right to interpretation if you do not speak Russian;
- the right to challenge unlawful actions by authorities.
Your Rights as a Foreigner in Russian Criminal Proceedings
My work as an English-speaking criminal defense lawyer includes:
- visiting detained clients in police stations or detention facilities;
- participating in interrogations and other investigative actions;
- preparing complaints, motions and petitions;
- representing clients in court hearings;
- advising families and employers about the legal situation.
How I Assist Foreign Defendants
If you or someone close to you is an immigrant involved in a criminal case in Russia, you can contact me for legal assistance. I provide defense in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other regions.
The information on this page is general and does not replace a personal consultation. To receive advice tailored to your circumstances, please reach out directly.
The information on this page is general and does not replace a personal consultation. To receive advice tailored to your circumstances, please reach out directly.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
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If detained in Russia
If detained at a Russian Airport
FAQ – What Should a Foreigner Do If Detained in Russia?
When a foreigner is detained in Russia, it can be a stressful and confusing experience. Many people turn to online searches such as “what to do if I am detained in Russia,” “what should a foreigner do if detained in Russia,” or “foreigner arrested in Russia help.” This FAQ provides general guidance and explains why it is crucial to contact an English-speaking criminal defense lawyer in Russia as soon as possible.
Important: This information is general and does not replace personalized legal advice. Every case is different. If you or someone close to you has been detained, you should consult a qualified Russian criminal defense lawyer.
Important: This information is general and does not replace personalized legal advice. Every case is different. If you or someone close to you has been detained, you should consult a qualified Russian criminal defense lawyer.
If you are a foreigner detained in Russia by the police or other authorities, the first steps you take are crucial:
- Do not lose your head. Do not resist physically and do not try to escape. This may lead to additional charges.
- Ask clearly why you are being detained. You have the right to know the legal basis for your detention and what you are suspected or accused of.
- Request an interpreter if you do not understand Russian well. If you do not speak Russian, ask for an interpreter so that you can understand what is happening and any documents you are asked to sign.
- Request a lawyer. You can ask to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Russia, preferably an English-speaking criminal lawyer experienced with foreign nationals.
- Do not sign documents you do not understand. If you are unsure what is written, ask for a translation and the opportunity to consult a lawyer first.
When you are detained by Russian police, it is natural to want to “explain everything” and prove your innocence immediately. However:
- You have the right not to incriminate yourself and to consult a lawyer before answering questions.
- Statements made without legal advice may later be used against you.
- If you decide to speak, do so carefully and only after you fully understand the situation.
Many foreign governments advise their citizens that if they are arrested or detained in Russia, they should ask local authorities to notify their embassy or consulate and request consular access.
In practice, this may include:
In practice, this may include:
- asking the police or prison officials to notify your embassy or consulate;
- requesting permission to call or write to the consular section;
- asking your family to contact the embassy from abroad and inform them of your detention.
- provide general information about local procedures.
- offer a list of local lawyers.
- help you communicate with your family or friends.
- monitor how you are treated in the detention facility.
If you are a foreigner arrested in Russia, it is very helpful to hire an English-speaking criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience working with foreigners. Such a lawyer can:
- explain Russian criminal procedures in clear English;
- the documents in your case and ensure that your rights have been respected;
- help you understand the possible risks and available options;
- communicate with investigators, prosecutors, and judges on your behalf;
- coordinate with your family, employer, or embassy when appropriate.
If your family or friends learn that you have been detained in Russia, they can:
- Collect basic information. This includes your full name, date of birth, place of detention (city, police station, or detention facility), and any case or file numbers.
- Contact a lawyer in Russia. They can reach out to a Russian criminal defense lawyer, preferably an English-speaking lawyer, and provide the information they have.
- Inform your embassy or consulate. They can contact the consular section of your country and share details about your detention.
- Be careful with public statements. In some cases, publicity can be helpful; in others, it may complicate matters. A lawyer can advise whether public attention is appropriate in your situation.
Being a foreign national does not place you above local law. You are subject to Russian law and can be investigated and prosecuted like any other person in the country. However:
- you generally have rights under Russian law, such as the right to legal representation and interpretation;
- you may have rights under international agreements related to consular assistance;
- being a foreigner may sometimes influence the practical handling of a case, but it is never a guarantee of any specific outcome.
Unfortunately, no honest lawyer can guarantee that you will be released, that charges will be dropped, or that there will be no conviction. Criminal cases in Russia depend on:
What a Russian criminal defense lawyer can provide is:
- The circumstances of the case
- The evidence collected by investigators
- The applicable provisions of Russian law
- Decisions made by investigators, prosecutors, and courts
What a Russian criminal defense lawyer can provide is:
- Professional legal analysis
- Development of a defense strategy
- Protection of your rights during the investigation and trial
- Clear explanations of what is happening and what to expect
The role of a criminal lawyer for foreigners in Russia is to:
- Protect the rights of foreign nationals at every stage of criminal proceedings
- Ensure that procedures are followed correctly
- Communicate with authorities, courts, and other participants in the process
- Help you understand your rights and available options in English
- Coordinate with your family, employer, or consular officers when appropriate
This FAQ is intended for people searching online for information like “what to do if I am detained in Russia,” “foreigner detained in Russia what's next,” or “arrested by Russian police as a foreigner.” It is not a substitute for personalized legal advice.
If you are facing an actual criminal case, you should speak directly with a qualified Russian criminal defense lawyer who can review the specific facts of your situation and provide tailored guidance.
If you are facing an actual criminal case, you should speak directly with a qualified Russian criminal defense lawyer who can review the specific facts of your situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Moscow Defence Attorney. Protection under Russian Criminal Law and Prosecution at Any Stage
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Protection in the pre-trial detention center
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We can arrange a personal meeting with your relatives regardless of the location of the defendant (detention center)
Getting permission to meet with the detainee during the investigation and court trial
Criminal case
We specialize in protection of immigrants staying in Russia
The lawyer speaks English, without a translator
We will protect your legal rights at any stage of criminal or administrative prosecution, regardless of external circumstances
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We can consider an installment payment plan
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An urgent visit of the lawyer to any part of Russia is possible
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Our lawyers achieve good results through close attention and dedication
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Online consultation is available
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We can arrange communication with the defendant's family members
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The cost of legal services is specified in the agreement and does not change
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We provide transparent terms of cooperation and detailed written agreements
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Professionalism is confirmed by our successful legal practice
We cannot disclose the legal cases we handled and cannot publish confidential data on the website. But with the permission of our clients, we publish anonymized information on some cases.
Client released from custody during the «smuggling» investigation
The criminal case on which he faced imprisonment for up to 20 years has been dismissed
Sentence reduced from 15 to 3 years imprisonment under the article “murder”.
Proven on the basis of the results of a medical examination that the defendant was in the heat of passion at the time of the murder.
Closed a criminal case with 3 dead in the accident
The driver who got into an accident with 3 people dead was released from custody in the courthouse
Criminal case in which a drunk driver knocked down a pedestrian and killed him was dismissed
The driver was released from the pre-trial detention center after being convicted of hitting a pedestrian at a pedestrian crossing
Released from custody with acquittal in a criminal case
During work of a pretrial investigation, procedural violations revealed and innocence of the defendant proved.
The defendant was released from custody under the article «robbery of a group of persons»
A criminal case initiated under the article «robbery of a group of persons» was reclassified on a less severe crime and the criminal prosecution was terminated.
Russian Lawyer VS Russian Attorney ("Advocate")
What is the difference?
There are a large number of professional lawyers and law firms in Russia and in Moscow, but only a few of them provide legal services for foreigners in English language.
In addition, Russian law firms can consist of both lawyers and professional "advocates", or attorneys/barristers. And these terms are not equal.
A Russian lawyer has a higher legal education and can represent interests in courts on the basis of a «power of attorney», with the exception of criminal cases.
"Advocate status" implies greater legal rights, including the right to defend in criminal cases.
Some people think that they themselves can cope with their problems, since they do not want to spend extra time and money on legal services. Others do not rely on their own experience and strength, and their first reaction to a legal problem that has arisen is to contact people who know how to provide qualified support.
A person can turn to a lawyer if he/she needs help solving legal issues. However, before asking to provide the necessary service, you need to get acquainted with his/her specialty.
A lawyer is a specialist who provides qualified assistance in legal matters to individuals and legal entities.
It is his/her direct responsibility to be impartial and to fully apply his/her knowledge and experience to help a client in need.
The field of work of lawyers can be very different.
In addition, Russian law firms can consist of both lawyers and professional "advocates", or attorneys/barristers. And these terms are not equal.
So, Russian lawyers are divided into just lawyers and professional advocates - attorneys.
A Russian lawyer has a higher legal education and can represent interests in courts on the basis of a «power of attorney», with the exception of criminal cases.
"Advocate status" implies greater legal rights, including the right to defend in criminal cases.
Some people think that they themselves can cope with their problems, since they do not want to spend extra time and money on legal services. Others do not rely on their own experience and strength, and their first reaction to a legal problem that has arisen is to contact people who know how to provide qualified support.
When is it worth using the services of the English-speaking Russian lawyer?
In order to quickly and competently solve any issue or make a decision, it is worth thinking about the available options and not being overconfident.A person can turn to a lawyer if he/she needs help solving legal issues. However, before asking to provide the necessary service, you need to get acquainted with his/her specialty.
A lawyer is a specialist who provides qualified assistance in legal matters to individuals and legal entities.
It is his/her direct responsibility to be impartial and to fully apply his/her knowledge and experience to help a client in need.
The field of work of lawyers can be very different.
Our team includes experts in the following fields:
- Russian business lawyers: making deals with Russian companies and handling ligations during contract performance;
- Russian family lawyer (divorce, custody, child suppost payment, parenting and visitation)
- Russian criminal defense lawyer
- Moscow lawyer with English language
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For over 20 years, we specialize in protection of foreigners in criminal and administrative cases
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80
28
years of the lawyer's experience
- the number of countries from which clients have contacted us
Representatives in more than 28 regions of the Russian Federation
500
successful cases
Diplomas and certificates
Original Diploma "Lawyer, Majoring in Jurisprudence"
Original Diploma "Specialist in Philology; Teacher of English Language and Literature; Professional Communication Translator"
Translation of Diploma "Lawyer, Majoring in Jurisprudence"
Translation of Diploma "Specialist in Philology; Teacher of English Language and Literature; Professional Communication Translator"
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Moscow, Zubovskiy bulvar, building 4, room 308 ("Park Cultury" metro station)
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Russia Federation, Kemerovo Region, Kemerovo, Dzerdginskogo street, 23
Email:
legalsolutions@inbox.ru
Call the phone:
+7(909)961-19-09
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Address:
Russia Federation, Sochi, Gorky Lane, 22 (Sokol Business Center).
Email:
legalsolutions@inbox.ru
Call the phone:
+7(909)961-19-09
Russia Federation, Sochi, Gorky Lane, 22 (Sokol Business Center).
Email:
legalsolutions@inbox.ru
Call the phone:
+7(909)961-19-09
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