Being accused in a criminal case is not only a serious legal challenge but also a significant psychological test. Very often, people do not fully understand what rights they have when charges are brought against them, how they can protect their interests, and what steps they should take immediately from the very first moment.
LSA Law Firm has years of experience in defending the accused, providing professional and effective legal assistance at every stage — from the pre-trial investigation to the conclusion of the court proceedings.
The Status of the Accused and Their Fundamental Rights
According to Article 6 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Armenia, an accused person is an individual against whom a criminal prosecution has been initiated and for whom there is no final and binding decision to terminate the prosecution, nor a conviction or acquittal that has entered into legal force.
An accused person has the right to:
- be informed of the nature, grounds, and legal qualification of the charges brought against them,
- refuse to testify and exercise the right to remain silent,
- have the assistance of a defense attorney — either of their own choosing or one appointed by the state,
- present evidence, motions, and appeals,
- participate in court hearings and interrogations,
- and receive a fair and impartial trial within the limits of the law.
These rights also stem from the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and the European Convention on Human Rights, by which Armenia is obligated to guarantee every accused person the right to a fair trial.
The Role of the Defense Attorney During a Criminal Case
A defense attorney is not just a lawyer but a professional who actively protects the interests of the accused across all legal platforms.
The lawyers of LSA Law Firm emphasize that the defense attorney should be involved as early as possible — ideally at the initial stage of the pre-trial investigation. Early involvement helps prevent unlawful actions, ensure the legality of testimonies and evidence, and build an effective defense strategy from the start.
The Functions of the Defense Attorney Include:
- participating in interrogations and court hearings,
- ensuring that human rights and procedural norms are not violated,
- presenting defense arguments and evidence,
- maintaining direct and unhindered communication with the accused,
- appealing unlawful decisions, detention, or the scope of the charges.
Pre-Trial Investigation and Court: A Step-by-Step Process
A criminal case generally proceeds through several stages:
- Pre-Trial Investigation – carried out by the investigator or investigative body. At this stage, it is determined whether there are sufficient grounds to bring charges.
- Approval of the Indictment and Submission of the Case to Court.
- Court Proceedings, during which the defense attorney fully exercises the defense rights of the accused.
At every stage, the accused must be legally protected. Even minor legal oversights during the investigation can later become decisive in determining whether the charges are aggravated or mitigated.
Why It’s Important to Trust Specialized Lawyers
Criminal cases often have complex structures involving legal, economic, or even technical nuances. Their effective analysis and legal evaluation require experience and in-depth knowledge.
What LSA Law Firm Can Offer:
- Initial Consultation and Legal Assessment
LSA Law Firm provides an initial consultation that includes a legal analysis of the charges presented. The lawyers evaluate all the circumstances of the case, propose possible defense options, and determine an effective strategy.
- Defense During the Pre-Trial Stage
The firm’s specialists participate in interrogations, monitor the legality of detention and search procedures, and ensure the protection of the accused’s rights throughout the entire pre-trial process.
- Defense in Court
LSA’s attorneys represent the defense position in court by presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and providing legal arguments aimed at the acquittal of the accused or the mitigation of the sentence.
- International Legal Protection
In cases where national court decisions are insufficient or fundamental human rights have been violated, the firm provides international legal assistance by submitting cases to the European Court of Human Rights or other international bodies.
The experts at LSA Law Firm not only have a thorough knowledge of the legislation but also possess practical experience in courts and investigative bodies. This combination allows them to ensure full protection of a client’s rights, regardless of the complexity of the charges.
Being charged does not automatically mean guilt. Every individual has the right to a fair and impartial trial. However, exercising this right effectively in practice requires professional support.
LSA Law Firm offers comprehensive services, covering everything from the pre-trial stage to all levels of court proceedings. Our goal is to protect each client’s rights, ensuring a fair outcome and reliable legal defense.
