Criminal Defense Lawyers in Brazil

Need a Brazil Criminal Lawyer? We can help. Criminal law in Brazil is substantially different than law in other countries. This difference in law, in addition to the language barrier, represents a substantial challenge to foreign citizens charged with crimes while in Brazil.

In Brazil, criminal law goes well beyond the traditional fields of Criminal Law, such as those related to offenses to life and property. In Brazil, companies must obey laws imposed both on the business itself and its executives. These new legal obligations give rise to crimes related to the financial and tax systems, as well as to consumers and the environment.

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Criminal Defense Main Areas

Our criminal defense attorneys seek a broad defense of our clients, businesses, and executives, preventing the State from violating fundamental rights and guarantees. In this sense, we seek a fair criminal prosecution in line with the proper understanding of a Democratic State of Law. Our criminal lawyers in Brazil represent our clients aggressively.

Our Areas of Expertise:

• Drug Trafficking: Carrying illegal drugs across borders or purchasing drugs within Brazil can lead to severe penalties.
• Drug Possession: Possession of even small amounts of drugs is illegal and can result in arrest.
• Assault: Engaging in physical altercations, which can escalate quickly in nightlife settings.
• Theft and Robbery: Crimes involving stealing from locals or other tourists, often occurring in high-traffic tourist areas.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, which is strictly enforced in Brazil.
• Fraud: Using fraudulent documents or engaging in scams, especially involving credit card fraud or fake IDs.
• Illegal Currency Exchange: Engaging in unauthorized currency exchange activities or using counterfeit money.
• Prostitution-related Offenses: Involvement in illegal sex work, including solicitation or trafficking.
• Environmental Crimes: Engaging in activities that damage protected areas, such as illegal fishing, hunting, or logging.
• Bribery: Offering bribes to police or officials to avoid legal issues, which can lead to further charges.
• Public Nudity or Indecency: Engaging in behavior that violates local norms, such as public nudity on beaches not designated for it.
• Smuggling: Illegally transporting goods, including endangered species or artifacts.
• Cybercrime: Committing online offenses, such as hacking, identity theft, or online fraud, while in Brazil.
• Sexual Assault: Any form of sexual misconduct, which is treated very seriously by Brazilian authorities.
• Human Trafficking: Involvement in or aiding in human trafficking activities.
• Possession of Firearms: Carrying firearms or other weapons without proper permits, which are heavily regulated in Brazil.
• Hate Crimes or Discrimination: Acts of racism, xenophobia, or discrimination, which can lead to legal repercussions.

In addition to working in criminal litigation, we carry out preventive action through consultancy to assist in the strategic defense of our clients.

Criminal Case in Brazil?
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Criminal Defense Secondary Areas in Brazil

Foreigners spending vacations or doing business in Brazil may get involved in criminal law-related situations such as:

• Money Laundering: Involvement in the illegal process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity appear to have come from a legitimate source.
• Sex Tourism: Participating in or promoting sex tourism, which is illegal and strictly enforced in Brazil, especially when involving minors.
• Unlawful Demonstrations: Participating in or organizing protests or demonstrations without proper permits, which can lead to arrest.
• Tax Evasion: Failing to comply with tax regulations, especially if operating a business or working remotely while in Brazil.
• Passport and Visa Fraud: Using falsified documents to enter or stay in Brazil, or attempting to bribe officials for visa extensions.
• Illegal Fishing and Hunting: Engaging in fishing or hunting activities in protected areas or without proper licenses, which can lead to severe penalties including emprisonment.
• Cultural Heritage Crimes: Illegally acquiring, exporting, or vandalizing cultural artifacts or historical sites protected under Brazilian law.
• Illegal Adoption: Participating in or facilitating illegal adoption practices, which are strictly regulated in Brazil.
• Involvement in Local Organized Crime: Associating with or assisting local criminal organizations, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
• Violating Quarantine or Health Protocols: Ignoring health regulations, such as during pandemics, including failing to comply with quarantine measures or providing false health information.

Serious charges may be enough for the Brazilian police to retain a foreign citizen’s passport and detain him/her without bail.

Early Days in a Criminal Case

The initial interactions with the Brazilian police (e.g., confession, etc.) are extremely important for the defense of a foreign citizen charged with a crime in Brazil. Legal representation should be retained as soon as possible. After a confession is taken, incriminating pieces of evidence are obtained, and criminal charges are brought, a criminal defense may become substantially more challenging and expensive.

Seek to obtain a Brazilian criminal lawyer asap to participate in the early days of a criminal case. A Brazilian criminal lawyer would avoid police investigation activities exceeding their powers and advise the charged foreign citizen from volunteering incriminating evidence.

A Criminal Conviction May Reach You Abroad

Some foreign citizens may think that as long as they leave Brazil, they don’t need to worry about a criminal conviction. This is far from the truth. A criminal conviction may result in criminal charges brought in your country of residence, a permanent record in Brazil, the possibility of arrest in Brazil, fees, and penalties associated with the conviction, and much more. Make sure you hire a criminal defense law firm in Brazil before leaving the country. One of the characteristics of a criminal procedure is that it won’t stop until a criminal defense lawyer is able to thwart it or you eventually get convicted.

In Which Cities Can You Help?

Our criminal defense attorneys are based in the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Fortaleza. However, we are able to help you fight criminal offenses in other Brazilian cities as well. Trial lawyers and other legal services are available as well.

Importance of a Bilingual Brazilian Attorney

Being able to communicate with your criminal defense attorneys is not the only advantage of hiring our law firm. Our attorneys are also experienced with American and European cultures, so we are able to properly address your concerns in a direct and simple way.

A law firm like ours with an international presence is also more concerned about operating based on international standards. Clear communication is just one of the advantages we offer. Keeping our clients satisfied with our services is key to our reputation.

Criminal Case in Brazil?
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Criminal Lawyer Fees

Our professional fees are estimated based on the complexity and urgency of your case. While we have our own attorneys in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Fortaleza, we can assist with criminal cases in other states and cities through a network of Brazilian attorneys specializing in criminal defense.

Clients may provide payment while in Brazil or from abroad as well.

What You Should Do Next

Schedule a Consultation Now. An initial consultation may provide an important overview of your case so you can plan for a more long-term strategy. It is also during a consultation that we can gather enough information to provide you with an estimate of professional fees and the next steps for you to take.

Criminal Case in Brazil?
We Can Help You

[email protected]

Contact us now to get a FREE QUOTE