Asianajotoimisto Niemi & Puhakka – an experienced criminal defence lawyer at your service
Asianajotoimisto Niemi & Puhakka is an experienced and reliable partner in criminal matters. Our criminal defence lawyer provides expert legal assistance both during the pre-trial investigation and in court proceedings, always listening to the client and safeguarding the client’s interests.
Criminal defence lawyer services in the pre-trial investigation and in court proceedings
We provide comprehensive support both during the pre-trial investigation and in court proceedings. Our criminal defence lawyer helps suspects build a defence strategy, present evidence, and ensure that all aspects of the matter are handled carefully. We support our clients at every stage of both the pre-trial investigation and court proceedings.
During the pre-trial investigation, our criminal defence lawyer ensures that your rights are not violated and that the investigation is carried out properly. We support you during police interviews and help assess how the case appears in light of the questions asked. We also help you assess whether there are matters that should be brought to the attention of the police during the investigation and evaluate the counter-evidence to be presented in court. In court, we focus on the defence of the client, present the necessary counter-evidence, and prepare clear arguments against the charges.
Our experience in criminal law and our understanding of the legal process help our clients navigate challenging situations efficiently and with confidence. Our goal is to ensure the best possible outcome in every case.
Compensation claims and assisting the injured party (victim of crime)
Our law firm assists injured parties (victims of crime) in assessing and presenting appropriate compensation claims in the legal process. It is often advisable to contact an attorney already after the offence has occurred and during the pre-trial investigation stage. You can rely on us when you need professional assistance in presenting claims or resolving matters with other parties.
Our task is to help you achieve the best possible fair outcome.
Criminal law firm in Helsinki – Extensive experience and support
Asianajotoimisto Niemi & Puhakka Oy assists clients in Helsinki and elsewhere in the Helsinki metropolitan area and specializes in criminal law cases. Our digital operating model enables efficient assistance for clients throughout Finland regardless of time or location.
Why choose a criminal defence lawyer?
A criminal defence lawyer is an important support in criminal law situations. Whether it is a pre-trial investigation, facing charges or court proceedings, the assistance of an experienced attorney ensures fair treatment and defence. Asianajotoimisto Niemi & Puhakka helps in handling the criminal matter, supports clients at every stage, and ensures that their rights are respected.
Asianajotoimisto Niemi & Puhakka – an experienced and highly professional team
Our law firm is known for its experienced and professional team that handles criminal law cases efficiently and carefully. You can trust that we will defend your rights uncompromisingly and expertly.
Contact us – help always available
If you need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone or email. We provide assistance whenever you need it and ensure that the process is as easy as possible for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Finnish terms "lakimies" and "juristi"?
There is no difference between them. Both terms generally refer to a person who has completed a Master of Laws degree and works in legal duties as a lawyer. However, the titles “lakimies” or “juristi” are not defined by law, and the use of these titles is not supervised.
In order to act as legal counsel in court proceedings, a lawyer must be a private attorney-at-law, a public legal aid attorney, or a licensed legal counsel. In criminal matters, to be a court appointed defence counsel for a suspect or defendant, or a legal counsel for an injured party (victim of crime), the appointee must be a private attorney-at-law or a public legal aid attorney. If no suitable public legal aid attorney or attorney-at-law is known, or if there is another special reason, a licensed legal counsel may be appointed as defence counsel or legal counsel.
What is the difference between an attorney-at-law and a licensed legal counsel (so-called “licensed lawyer”)?
The requirements for a licensed legal counsel are a Master of Laws degree and one year of post-graduation work experience in comparable duties. An attorney-at-law is a legally protected professional title, and the eligibility requirements for an attorney-at-law include, among other things, a Master of Laws degree and at least four years of post-graduation work experience. In addition, an attorney-at-law must have successfully completed the three-part Bar Examination, and attorneys-at-law have an annual continuing professional education requirement.
The Disciplinary Board operating in connection with the Finnish Bar Association supervises both attorneys-at-law and licensed legal counsels. The difference is that, in the case of licensed legal counsels, supervision concerns only matters handled in court, whereas for attorneys-at-law the supervision also extends to all other professional activities.
What is “varatuomari”?
Varatuomari (Master of Laws with court training / Trained on the Bench) is an honorary title awarded after completing one year of judicial training as a Trainee District Judge (käräjänotaari), known as auskultointi. The duties of a Trainee District Judge include deciding civil cases, criminal cases and petitionary matters. Judicial training can be applied for after graduating with a Master of Laws degree. All varatuomari title holders are therefore Masters of Laws, but not all Masters of Laws are varatuomari. A varatuomari is not a career judge, meaning that a varatuomari is not employed by or otherwise tied to a court. During the training, the lawyer gains valuable experience in handling court matters and an understanding of what cases look like “from the other side of the bench”, i.e. how counsel should present matters in court.
Can I get help in an urgent situation?
Yes, we are available in urgent situations. If you need immediate assistance, you can contact us by phone or email.
When should I contact a criminal defence lawyer?
If you are involved in a criminal investigation or suspect that charges have been brought against you, it is important to contact a criminal defence lawyer as early as possible. An attorney can assist during the pre-trial investigation, provide legal advice, and build a defence strategy for the court proceedings.
Can I receive legal aid in criminal matters?
Yes, depending on your financial situation, you may be entitled to legal aid funded by the state. If you are detained or remanded in custody, or suspected or accused of a serious offence, defence counsel may be appointed for you, in which case the costs of your defence are primarily covered by state funds.
Also, if you are a victim of a crime (injured party), you may be entitled to legal aid funded by the state and, in certain serious offences, to an injured party’s legal counsel, in which case the costs of legal assistance are covered by state funds regardless of your financial situation. In addition, legal expenses insurance typically included in home insurance policies also covers the costs incurred by a victim of crime for presenting claims in court.
Our law firm helps you determine whether you are entitled to legal aid, the appointment of defence counsel, the appointment of an injured party’s legal counsel, or legal expenses cover under your insurance, and will handle the necessary applications on your behalf.
What does a criminal defence lawyer do?
A criminal defence lawyer assists clients in criminal law matters, such as during the pre-trial investigation and in court proceedings. The work includes preparing a defence strategy, reviewing evidence, and safeguarding the client’s rights.
If you have any other questions, you can always contact us – we are happy to help.
