{"id":7547,"date":"2026-08-03T13:42:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T13:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chikovanilaw.com\/?p=7547"},"modified":"2026-08-03T13:51:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T13:51:42","slug":"criminal-defense-lawyer-in-georgia-for-foreign-nationals-chikovani-law-office","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chikovanilaw.com\/en\/criminal-defense-lawyer-in-georgia-for-foreign-nationals-chikovani-law-office\/","title":{"rendered":"Criminal Defense Lawyer in Georgia for Foreign Nationals | Chikovani Law Office"},"content":{"rendered":"

A foreign national in Georgia may become involved in criminal proceedings as a suspect, detainee, person being interviewed, witness, or victim.<\/strong> The first contact with the police, being summoned for questioning, a search, seizure of property, or arrest often occurs unexpectedly. The situation is further complicated by a lack of knowledge of Georgian law, language barriers, and being away from family or the diplomatic representation of one’s home country.<\/p>\n

In such circumstances, it is important for the individual to obtain independent legal assistance without delay. A criminal defense lawyer in Georgia can assess the person’s procedural status, attend investigative actions, protect their rights, and help prevent decisions that may later make an effective defense more difficult.<\/p>\n

Does Georgian law apply to foreign nationals?<\/h2>\n

As a general rule, alleged criminal offenses committed within the territory of Georgia are governed by the Criminal Code of Georgia and the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia. Foreign citizenship does not exempt a person from the obligation to comply with Georgian law, nor does it limit their fundamental procedural rights.<\/p>\n

A foreign national, like a Georgian citizen, has the right to a fair trial, legal defense, representation by a lawyer, the right to remain silent, and the right to receive information in a language they understand. The effective exercise of these rights is particularly important from the very first stage of the criminal proceedings.<\/p>\n

When should a foreign national contact a criminal defense lawyer in Georgia?<\/h2>\n

A lawyer should be involved not only after formal charges have been brought, but as soon as there is any legal risk connected with a criminal investigation. For example, if:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • You have been summoned by the police or an investigator for an interview or questioning;<\/li>\n
  • You have been arrested or your freedom of movement has been restricted;<\/li>\n
  • A search is being conducted at your residence, hotel room, office, or vehicle;<\/li>\n
  • Your phone, computer, money, documents, or other property has been seized;<\/li>\n
  • You are being asked to provide a written explanation or statement;<\/li>\n
  • You are requested to sign a report or any other document prepared in the Georgian language;<\/li>\n
  • An investigation is underway concerning alleged drug-related, economic, violent, cybercrime, or other criminal offenses;<\/li>\n
  • Your family member or employee has been arrested in Georgia;<\/li>\n
  • You are involved in the case as a victim and require protection of your rights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Seeking legal advice promptly does not mean obstructing the investigation. It is the exercise of a right guaranteed by law and a means of protecting your legitimate interests.<\/p>\n

    Fundamental Rights of Foreign Nationals in Criminal Proceedings<\/h1>\n

    The Right to Choose a Lawyer and to Confidential Communication<\/h2>\n

    A defendant has the right to choose their own lawyer, to be represented by legal counsel, and to replace their lawyer at any time. The Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia also protects the confidentiality of communications between the defendant and their lawyer and guarantees the defendant reasonable time and facilities to prepare their defense.<\/p>\n

    A lawyer’s role extends far beyond courtroom representation. Their work may include:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Assessing the facts of the case and the possible legal consequences;<\/li>\n
    • Meeting with the detained person without delay;<\/li>\n
    • Attending interviews, interrogations, and other investigative actions;<\/li>\n
    • Reviewing the legality of searches and seizures;<\/li>\n
    • Collecting evidence and developing a defense strategy;<\/li>\n
    • Requesting bail or a less restrictive preventive measure at the detention hearing;<\/li>\n
    • Representing the client before the trial court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The Right to Remain Silent<\/h2>\n

      A defendant may exercise the right to remain silent at any stage of the proceedings. Choosing to remain silent cannot be treated as evidence of guilt.<\/p>\n

      Foreign nationals should be particularly careful not to make hasty statements when they do not fully understand the questions being asked, their procedural status, or the possible legal consequences of their answers. Before giving any statement, it is advisable to consult confidentially with a criminal defense lawyer.<\/p>\n

      The Right to an Interpreter<\/h2>\n

      If the defendant does not know, or does not sufficiently know, the language used in the criminal proceedings, they have the right to use the services of an interpreter at the state’s expense during questioning and other investigative actions. A person being interviewed also has the right to give a statement in their native language or any other language they prefer and to use an interpreter provided at the state’s expense.<\/p>\n

      An interpreter is not merely a formal participant in the proceedings. Accurate interpretation is essential for understanding the charges, the questions being asked, official records, and other legal documents. A person should never sign a document whose content they do not fully understand or which does not accurately reflect what they have stated.<\/p>\n

      Know What You Are Accused Of and Your Procedural Status<\/h2>\n

      A person must be informed of their procedural status and the rights associated with that status. Before appearing before the police, it is important to clarify:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Which authority and which investigator have summoned you;<\/li>\n
      • What case the summons relates to;<\/li>\n
      • In what procedural capacity you have been invited;<\/li>\n
      • Whether an interview, formal interrogation, or another investigative action is planned;<\/li>\n
      • Whether your lawyer may be present.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Your procedural status has practical significance because the rights and obligations of a witness, a person being interviewed, a defendant, and a victim differ from one another.<\/p>\n

        What Should a Foreigner Do If Summoned by the Police for an Interview?<\/h2>\n

        A phone call or notification from the police does not automatically mean that a person is a suspect or defendant. However, information provided during the conversation may become significant for the investigation and may later serve as the basis for procedural decisions.<\/p>\n

        Before attending the interview, it is recommended that you:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Write down the investigator’s name, the name of the authority, their contact number, and any information provided about the case;<\/li>\n
        2. Clarify your procedural status;<\/li>\n
        3. Do not discuss the details of the case over the telephone;<\/li>\n
        4. Contact a lawyer and assess the potential legal risks in advance;<\/li>\n
        5. Request an interpreter if you do not speak Georgian fluently;<\/li>\n
        6. Do not sign any document that you do not understand without your lawyer and an appropriate translation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Sometimes a person believes they are merely a witness, while the facts they describe may expose them to potential criminal liability. For this reason, obtaining an individual legal assessment before giving a statement is of critical importance<\/p>\n

          What Happens After an Arrest in Georgia?<\/h2>\n

          At the time of arrest, a person must be informed of the grounds for the arrest and their fundamental rights. Under the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia, the period of detention must not exceed 72 hours<\/strong>. No later than 48 hours<\/strong> after the arrest, the detainee must be served with a decree on the charges; otherwise, they must be released immediately.<\/p>\n

          If the prosecutor requests the application of a preventive measure, the relevant motion must be submitted to the court no later than 48 hours<\/strong> after the arrest. The court determines whether there are legal grounds for imposing imprisonment, bail, or another preventive measure provided by law.<\/p>\n

          The first hours following an arrest are particularly important for the defense. During this period, a lawyer may:<\/p>\n