Criminal Defense for Foreigners in Egypt

The Idea

When a foreign national is arrested or questioned in Egypt, the family is usually in another country, unfamiliar with the system, the language and the procedures. Our role is to be the lawyer on the ground for them: attending the investigation, pleading before the Criminal Courts and the Court of Cassation, and reporting every development clearly and in their language.

What Happens After an Arrest (in General)

• The accused is brought before the Public Prosecution for investigation.
• The Prosecution decides on release or pretrial detention; where detention is ordered, there are procedures for appeal and for renewal of detention.
• After the investigation, if charges are referred to the competent court (including the Criminal Courts for the more serious offenses), trial hearings are set.
• After the judgment, an appeal before the Court of Cassation may be filed, subject to the legal conditions and deadlines.

Rights of the Accused (in Principle)

• Being assisted by a lawyer during the investigation.
• Contacting their family and lawyer, a right guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution to anyone whose liberty is restricted.
• Having an interpreter if they do not speak Arabic.
• Having their country's consulate notified of the arrest, under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

What We Do

• Attend the investigation with the accused and present the defense from the very first stage.
• Apply for release, or appeal pretrial detention orders.
• Plead before the Criminal Courts, and appeal to the Court of Cassation after judgment.
• Arrange the necessary power of attorney, especially when the family is outside Egypt. Learn about powers of attorney from abroad.
• Follow the case with periodic written reports to the family and the embassy concerned, in Arabic or English, with the accused's consent.

How We Work

The family or the embassy sends us the accused's details, place of detention and any available case papers. We review the file and identify the first urgent step, then a written fee agreement defines the scope, followed by periodic reports on every hearing and development. See the full working process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rights of a foreigner arrested in Egypt?

In principle: the right to a lawyer during the investigation, the right to contact family and counsel as guaranteed by the Egyptian Constitution, the right to an interpreter if they do not speak Arabic, and consular notification under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

What happens after a foreigner is arrested in Egypt?

They are brought before the Public Prosecution for investigation, which decides on release or pre-trial detention. If charges are referred to court, trial sessions are set, and after judgment a Cassation appeal may be filed within the legal conditions and deadlines.

Who should contact you about the case?

The accused person's family, or the embassy or consulate of their country (citizen services section). We do not initiate contact with the accused or their relatives.

This content is general information and is not a substitute for legal advice on your specific situation, nor a promise of any outcome.