Victim’s Counsel

A victim’s counsel (bistandsadvokat) is a lawyer who assists victims of serious crimes such as violence, sexual offences, and other personal assaults. The lawyer’s role is to support you throughout the entire case, both during the police investigation and in court.

Having a victim’s counsel means you have a professional lawyer by your side who ensures that your rights are respected and that you receive the help and guidance you are entitled to, including assistance in seeking compensation. If you have been the victim of a serious crime, it is important to know your rights, including the possibility of having a court-appointed victim’s counsel at no cost to you.

Why choose a victim’s counsel from KROMANN Law Firm?

At KROMANN Law Firm, we have many years of experience assisting victims in criminal cases. We understand how distressing a court case can be, and we work purposefully to ensure your safety and peace of mind throughout the entire process.

We offer:

• Specialist legal advice in cases involving violent crime and sexual offences.

• Individual and confidential case handling, where your needs are the focus.

• An experienced victim’s counsel with in-depth knowledge of criminal law cases.

• Professional assistance in pursuing compensation claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

We understand that every case is unique, and we always tailor our advice to your specific situation. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible support and legal assistance during a difficult time.

Right to a victim’s counsel

Your right to a victim’s counsel depends on the type of crime you have been exposed to. In some cases, you are automatically offered a victim’s counsel, while in other cases you must request one yourself.

• If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, you always have the right to a victim’s counsel. The police must inform you of this right and ensure that you are assigned a lawyer who can assist you throughout the entire process.

• If you have been the victim of violence, threats, or robbery, you can request a victim’s counsel from the police or the court.

• If you are a relative of a person who has died as a result of a crime, you may also be entitled to a victim’s counsel.

The court assesses whether you meet the requirements for a court-appointed victim’s counsel. However, it is important that you are aware of your right to legal assistance and seek the necessary advice in time.

The role of a victim’s counsel

A victim’s counsel plays a crucial role in criminal cases where you are the victim. The lawyer has several important responsibilities:

• Advising you on your rights and options throughout the entire process.

• Attending police interviews to ensure you are not subjected to unnecessary pressure or improper questioning.

• Explaining how the court process works so you feel prepared and reassured.

• Supporting you in court if you are required to testify, and helping ensure you are not alone in a difficult situation.

• Assisting in bringing a compensation claim against the offender or through the Danish Crime Victims Compensation Board (Erstatningsnævnet) if the offender is unable to pay.

A victim’s counsel ensures that your voice is heard and that you receive the support you need throughout the entire legal process.

What is the difference between a victim’s counsel and a defence lawyer?

It is important to understand the difference between a victim’s counsel (bistandsadvokat) and a defence lawyer (forsvarsadvokat), as they have completely different roles in criminal cases.

• A victim’s counsel represents the injured party, meaning the person who has been the victim of a crime. The lawyer works to ensure that your rights are respected and that you receive the necessary support during the court process.

• A defence lawyer represents the accused, meaning the person who has been charged with a crime. The defence lawyer’s role is to defend the accused and ensure that the trial is conducted fairly. You can read more about the role of a defence lawyer here.

Although both lawyers work within criminal proceedings, their purposes and functions are very different. If you have been the victim of a crime, what you need is a victim’s counsel – not a defence lawyer.

Who pays for a victim’s counsel?

A victim’s counsel is free of charge for you as the victim. The state covers the lawyer’s fees, regardless of whether the case goes to court or not. This means you do not have to worry about the financial costs of legal assistance.

Once the court has decided that you are entitled to a victim’s counsel, a lawyer will be appointed to you. However, you always have the option to choose your own lawyer if you prefer a specific attorney with experience in the area.

How do you get appointed a victim’s counsel?

If you have been the victim of a crime, it is important to act quickly and seek legal assistance as early as possible. The process of being appointed a victim’s counsel typically looks like this:

• You report the crime to the police.

• The police assess whether you are entitled to a victim’s counsel.

• A lawyer is appointed to you by the court, or you may choose your own lawyer.

• Your victim’s counsel assists you throughout the investigation and, if relevant, in court.

If you are unsure whether you are entitled to a victim’s counsel, you are welcome to contact us so we can help clarify your options.

Contact us today

If you need a victim’s counsel, call us on +45 8618 1102 or send an email to kontakt@advokatkromann.dk so we can discuss your situation and find the best possible solution for you. The consultation is, of course, non-binding and confidential.