Criminal lawyer in Lyon: a responsive defence, from police custody to trial

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  • Suspects and defendants
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Person handcuffed with hands behind the back during an arrest

Criminal law

Criminal lawyer in Lyon, by your side from the very first hours

In criminal matters, the first hours often shape the rest of the proceedings. Maître Carolina ALVAREZ PEGORARO, a lawyer in Lyon admitted to the Lyon Bar, assists you whether you are the victim of an offence or a suspect.

She acts in particular for:

  • assistance in police custody;
  • filing a complaint and following the investigation;
  • joining proceedings as a civil party to obtain compensation for your loss;
  • your defence before the criminal courts.

Police custody

Police custody: the role of your criminal lawyer in Lyon

Are you or a relative being held in police custody? You have the right to a lawyer from the start of custody. This right protects your interests even before the first interview.

Your rights in police custody

As soon as you are placed in custody, the investigators must inform you of your rights. In particular, you can:

  • know the legal classification, presumed date and place of the offence you are suspected of;
  • have a relative and your employer informed;
  • have the consular authorities informed if you are a foreign national;
  • be examined by a doctor;
  • have an interpreter if you do not understand French;
  • make statements, answer questions or remain silent;
  • be assisted by a lawyer.

What your lawyer does by your side

Maître ALVAREZ PEGORARO speaks with you in confidence, reviews the case documents the law gives her access to and assists you during interviews and confrontations. She can submit written observations to be placed on file.

Police custody lasts 24 hours as a rule and can be extended with the public prosecutor's authorisation. Every answer given during that time can weigh on what follows: prosecution, case dismissal or alternatives to prosecution.

Police vehicles parked at night outside a police station

Victims

Victim of an offence: filing a complaint and obtaining compensation

Assault, theft, fraud, threats: being a victim does not mean facing the proceedings alone. Your lawyer helps you have your status recognised and assess your loss.

Filing a complaint

You can file a complaint at a police station, a gendarmerie or by letter to the public prosecutor of the Lyon Judicial Court. Maître ALVAREZ PEGORARO drafts a precise complaint, backed by the relevant documents, to give the investigation every chance.

Joining proceedings as a civil party

Joining as a civil party allows you to take part in the criminal trial and claim damages. If the case is dismissed, or if the prosecution has not responded within three months for a mid-level offence, a complaint with civil party status before the investigating judge can revive the case.

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Victim comforted by a relative after an assaultWoman writing a letter of complaint at her desk
Judge signing a decision, gavel in the foreground

Criminal procedure

Criminal proceedings follow a precise sequence. So does your strategy.

StageWhat is at stakeYour lawyer's role
InvestigationPolice custody, interviews, searchesAssist you and check that procedures were lawful
ProsecutionSummons, immediate trial, guilty plea procedureAnalyse the file and prepare your position
JudgmentPolice court, criminal court, assize courtPlead for the defence or for the civil party
After the judgmentAppeal, enforcement of the sentence, compensationAssess whether an appeal is advisable

Why choose us

Why entrust your case to this criminal lawyer in Lyon?

When facing criminal justice, you need a lawyer who is available, clear and fully committed.

  • Responsiveness: swift action when your liberty or compensation for a loss is at stake.
  • Professional secrecy: your exchanges with your lawyer remain strictly confidential.
  • Clear explanations: every stage of the proceedings is explained to you without jargon.
  • Three languages: a decisive advantage for foreign nationals, whose criminal situation may also affect their right of residence.

FAQ

Your questions about criminal law in Lyon

The key answers before contacting your lawyer.

Yes. You can appoint the lawyer of your choice from the start of custody. Otherwise, you can ask for a duty lawyer.

Other practice areas

Comprehensive legal support in Lyon

A situation often involves several branches of law. Maître ALVAREZ PEGORARO can also assist you in the following areas:

Testimonials

They placed their trust in their criminal lawyer

Victims or suspects, they describe the support they received.

Sophie Martin

Un service irréprochable, à l’écoute et professionnel. L’équipe a su comprendre exactement nos besoins et livrer un résultat au-delà de nos attentes. Je recommande vivement !

Julien Bernard

Excellent accompagnement du début à la fin. Communication fluide et délais respectés.

Camille Rousseau

Très bonne expérience, je reviendrai sans hésiter. Merci pour votre réactivité !

Find us

Meet your lawyer at the Lyon 3rd office

Maître Carolina ALVAREZ PEGORARO sees clients by appointment at her office on rue de la Part-Dieu, in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement. Below you will find useful information to plan your visit.

Carolina ALVAREZ PEGORARO

CALL 06 16 21 00 76 GET DIRECTIONS
  • 82 Bis Rue de la Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon