{"id":2393,"date":"2026-08-24T18:36:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/?p=2393"},"modified":"2026-08-24T18:53:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:53:48","slug":"avocat-penaliste-anglophone-france","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2026\/08\/24\/avocat-penaliste-anglophone-france\/","title":{"rendered":"English-Speaking Criminal Defence Lawyer in France: Be Understood, Advised and Defended"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-small-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;min-height:380px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1637\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-ast-global-color-1-background-color has-background-dim-20 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:65px\">English-Speaking Criminal Defence Lawyer in France: Be Understood, Advised and Defended<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-penaliste-a-paris\/\">Criminal Defense Lawyer in Paris<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you faced with criminal proceedings in France and do you need to communicate in English with your lawyer? Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot assists you so that you understand the proceedings, the accusations, your rights, and the decisions to be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When filing a complaint, during police custody, an interview, a confrontation with the opposing party, a hearing before a court or during extradition proceedings, you should not remain alone when faced with proceedings that you do not understand. Her role is to clearly explain your rights to you, prepare your defence and help you move forward methodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You Need to Understand Before You Decide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When an English-speaking person is involved in French criminal proceedings, the language barrier can quickly become a source of concern. It is not simply a matter of translating words: you need to understand the legal consequences of making a statement, remaining silent, signing a document, giving consent or choosing a defence strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot takes the time to clearly explain to you, in English:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your rights, whether in your capacity as a complainant and\/or as a person accused or suspected;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the alleged facts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the criminal penalties you may face;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the next stages of the proceedings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the documents to prepare;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the possible defence strategy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the documents not to sign without sufficient understanding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the links between the French criminal proceedings and any international proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim is to enable you to participate in your defence, ask questions and make informed decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Rights Must Be Explained to You in a Language You Understand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who does not understand French, or understands it only to a limited extent, must be able to understand the accusations against them, the rights of which they are informed and the key stages of the criminal proceedings. The right to interpretation and translation is specifically intended to ensure the effective exercise of defence rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, an English-speaking person may request:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the assistance of an interpreter during interviews, notifications and hearings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the translation of essential documents necessary for the exercise of the rights of the defence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a confidential consultation with their lawyer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the assistance of a lawyer during important acts of the proceedings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the notification of a relative or trusted person under the conditions provided for by law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the notification of the consular authorities of their country when they are a foreign national and deprived of liberty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The important point? Do not let an approximate understanding guide an important decision. A misunderstood sentence can alter the scope of a statement, an official record or consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot can intervene at every stage of criminal proceedings, from the filing of a complaint or police custody through to the hearing and its consequences, and assist you whether you are a complainant, a person accused or prosecuted (mis en examen, pr\u00e9venu, accus\u00e9), or an assisted witness (t\u00e9moin assist\u00e9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most frequent situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>police custody in a police station or gendarmerie;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a voluntary interview (audition libre);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a first appearance interview (interrogatoire de premi\u00e8re comparution);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>being placed under formal investigation (mise en examen);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pre-trial detention;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a summons before a criminal court;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>immediate appearance proceedings (comparution imm\u00e9diate);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>extradition proceedings or European Arrest Warrant proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">For a general overview of criminal-law assistance, also consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate\/\" target=\"_self\">lawyer<\/a> page and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/expertise\/\" target=\"_self\">expertise<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">During Police Custody, Keep Your Bearings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Police custody is a measure involving deprivation of liberty ordered as part of a criminal investigation. A person placed in police custody must immediately be informed of their rights in a language they understand. If they do not have a sufficient command of French, they may request an interpreter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rights you should be aware of include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the right to be assisted by a lawyer;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the right to remain silent;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the right to an interpreter if necessary;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the right to a medical examination;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the right to have a person notified under the conditions provided for by the French Code of Criminal Procedure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>for foreign nationals, the right to request that the consular authorities be informed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a person requests the assistance of a lawyer during interviews or confrontations, they may in principle not be questioned about the facts without the presence of that lawyer, except in the event of an express waiver or a legally regulated exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, request a lawyer from the beginning of police custody. This makes it possible to have a confidential consultation, prepare for interviews and understand the possible consequences of your statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">For more information on this subject, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-garde-a-vue-a-paris\/\" target=\"_self\">police custody lawyer in Paris<\/a> page as well as the firm\u2019s article on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/04\/04\/la-garde-a-vue\/\" target=\"_self\">police custody<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do not speak French, do not sign a document that you do not understand. Ask for an interpreter, a lawyer and, if you are a foreign national, for your consulate to be informed when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before the Court, Your Defence Must Be Clear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A criminal hearing in France may concern very different facts: violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, harassment, revenge porn, theft, fraud, money laundering, corruption, involuntary manslaughter, murder, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For an English-speaking person, the challenge is twofold: understanding French procedure and preparing a defence that can be understood by the court. Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot explains the stages, prepares the defence, gathers the relevant documents and pleads before the criminal court (Tribunal correctionnel, Cour d\u2019assises, Cour criminelle).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the client does not understand French sufficiently, the lawyer may also verify that the essential acts have been explained or translated into their language. The lawyer may request the translation of documents necessary for the defence when this is justified by the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the case, it may be necessary to work on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the criminal classification of the facts;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the evidence in the case;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the personality and situation of the person being prosecuted;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any procedural nullities;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the potential sentence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>possible remedies;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interpretation or translation needs;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the practical consequences for a person who lives abroad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">For the most serious cases, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-en-affaires-criminelles-a-paris\/\" target=\"_self\">criminal defence lawyer for serious criminal cases in Paris<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">English-speaking persons may also be concerned by transnational or international criminal proceedings: European Arrest Warrant, extradition, an offence committed abroad or by\/against a foreign national, an investigation involving several countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these situations, understanding French procedure must be supplemented by an analysis of the applicable international framework. Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot explains the time limits, remedies, guarantees and consequences of consenting to or refusing surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For these subjects, consult:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-droit-de-lextradition-a-paris\/\">Extradition Lawyer in Paris;<\/a>\u00a0;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-mandat-darret-europeen-a-paris\/\">European Arrest Warrant Lawyer in Paris;<\/a>\u00a0;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2026\/05\/18\/procedure-extradition-france\/\">How Extradition Proceedings Take Place in France;<\/a>\u00a0;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2026\/05\/18\/mandat-arret-europeen-avocat\/\">European Arrest Warrant: Definition, Procedure and Defence.<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choosing a Lawyer Who Truly Explains the Proceedings to You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice of an English-speaking criminal lawyer is not based solely on language. Solid knowledge of French criminal procedure, hearings, criminal emergencies and, when the case requires it, international issues is also necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing a lawyer, it may be useful to check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>their registration with a French Bar;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their practice in criminal law;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their ability to explain the issues in English;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their responsiveness in an emergency;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their experience of French criminal proceedings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their ability to work with documents in French and English;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their ability to explain the decisions to be made without excessively simplifying the risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot, a lawyer registered with the Paris Bar, practises criminal law in both French and English, particularly in cases involving foreign nationals, expatriates and English-speaking clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful Links for Criminal Defence in France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-penaliste-a-paris\/\">Criminal Defense Lawyer in Paris<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-garde-a-vue-a-paris\/\">Police custody lawyer in Paris<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/avocate-en-affaires-criminelles-a-paris\/\">Criminal Defence Lawyer for Serious Criminal Cases in Paris<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/04\/04\/la-garde-a-vue\/\">Police custody<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/27\/le-viol\/\">Rape<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/07\/04\/le-mandat-d-arret-europeen\/\">European Arrest Warrant<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/contact\/\">Contact<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ: English-Speaking Criminal Defence Lawyer in France<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a criminal defence lawyer explain the proceedings to me in English?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. An English-speaking criminal defence lawyer can explain the stages of the proceedings, your rights, the potential penalties and the possible strategic choices in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Am I entitled to an interpreter in French criminal proceedings?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. If you do not understand French sufficiently, you may request the assistance of an interpreter. This is particularly important during police custody, interviews, and appearances before judges and trial courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I request the translation of important documents?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, where the documents are essential to the exercise of defence rights. Decisions involving deprivation of liberty, accusations, certain important procedural documents or court decisions may require translation or, in certain legally defined circumstances, an oral translation or oral summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do if I am placed in police custody in France?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Immediately ask for a lawyer, remain silent if you do not understand the implications of the questions, request an interpreter and avoid signing any document you do not understand. If you are a foreign national, you may also request that your consular authorities be informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can my consulate defend me instead of a lawyer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Your consulate may be informed and may provide consular assistance in accordance with the applicable rules, but it does not replace the lawyer responsible for your criminal defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consulates have lists of lawyers who can assist their nationals when necessary. Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot is included on these lists (United Kingdom, United States, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can an English-speaking lawyer assist me in extradition proceedings?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The assistance of an English-speaking lawyer is particularly useful in international proceedings, including extradition, European Arrest Warrant proceedings and judicial cooperation between States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Need Legal Assistance in English?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you English-speaking and faced with criminal proceedings in France? Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela Lesot assists you in French and English in order to understand the proceedings and your rights, prepare your defence and move forward methodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\"><strong>Me Lois Pamela Lesot<\/strong><br>Phone :\u00a0<a href=\"tel:+33652025442\" target=\"_self\">06 52 02 54 42<\/a><br>Email :\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:lesot@loispamelalesot.com\" target=\"_self\">lesot@loispamelalesot.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/contact\/\">Contact the Firm<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Une extradition hors Union europ\u00e9enne ob\u00e9it \u00e0 des r\u00e8gles sp\u00e9cifiques. Contrairement au mandat d\u2019arr\u00eat europ\u00e9en, qui organise la remise de personnes entre \u00c9tats membres de l\u2019Union europ\u00e9enne, l\u2019extradition vers un \u00c9tat tiers repose sur des conventions internationales \/ accords bilat\u00e9raux ou, \u00e0 d\u00e9faut, sur le droit commun fran\u00e7ais.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2265,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"plain-container","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"enabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-droit-penal","category-hors-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2393"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2397,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2393\/revisions\/2397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}