Criminal Defence in Cyprus: Courts, Procedure & Your Rights
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This guide explains how criminal defence works in Cyprus — the court structure, the stages of a case from arrest to appeal, and your rights at each step — whether the case is a domestic offence or triggered by a foreign authority. For the specific services below, our advocate Paris Loizou has over 10 years of criminal litigation experience before Cyprus courts — from extradition and foreign-warrant detention to financial-crime allegations — and responds to arrest situations within hours, day or night.
Criminal cases in Cyprus move through three court levels — the District Courts, the Assize Court and the Supreme Court — with the right to a lawyer from the moment of arrest and a first hearing within 24 hours.
- Minor and mid-level offences are tried in the District Courts; the most serious offences go to the Assize Court; appeals go to the Supreme Court.
- On arrest you have the right to silence, the right to a lawyer before questioning, and the right to be brought before a court within 24 hours (Cyprus law + ECHR).
- Bail is decided by the District Court on the seriousness of the offence, flight risk and ties to Cyprus.
- Financial-crime and money-laundering matters may involve MOKAS (the financial intelligence unit), which can freeze assets during an investigation.
- The same framework applies to domestic cases and foreign-warrant cases — the latter add an extradition layer.
Criminal Defence Services in Cyprus
Criminal Defence Lawyer Cyprus
Representation in all Cyprus criminal courts — District Courts, Assize Court, and Supreme Court. All categories of offence.
Learn more →🚨Arrested in Cyprus
Emergency response for anyone arrested in Cyprus. We attend the police station, advise before questioning, appear at first hearing.
Learn more →✈️Airport Detention
Detained at Larnaca or Paphos airport on an international warrant? Immediate response — bail applications and court representation.
Learn more →🔓Bail Lawyer Cyprus
Urgent bail applications in the District Court. We argue for release on conditions and oppose prolonged pre-trial detention.
Learn more →💰Financial Crime Defence
Defend allegations of fraud, money laundering, asset misappropriation, and related financial offences in Cyprus courts.
Learn more →🔍AML Investigation Defence
Represent clients under AML investigation by MOKAS, Cyprus Police, or coordinated with foreign financial intelligence units.
Learn more →Paris Loizou has practised criminal law in Cyprus courts since 2013 — District Courts, Assize Court, and Supreme Court at the highest level.
We handle cases spanning multiple jurisdictions — coordinating Cyprus criminal defence with parallel proceedings in foreign countries.
Criminal arrests happen at any hour. We are available around the clock for emergency attendance at police stations and first court appearances.
All communications are protected by legal professional privilege from the moment of first contact — including initial telephone consultations.
What Happens After Arrest in Cyprus
- Police Station AttendanceWe attend immediately to advise before and during police questioning. You have the right to remain silent — exercise it until we arrive.
- First Court HearingYou must appear in court within 24 hours of arrest. We file bail applications and oppose remand at this hearing.
- Disclosure and Evidence ReviewWe obtain prosecution evidence, identify weaknesses, and instruct expert witnesses where needed — financial, digital forensics, or medical.
- Pre-Trial HearingsWe challenge admissibility of evidence, apply to exclude improperly obtained material, and seek full prosecution disclosure.
- Trial and AppealWe represent through the full trial — examination of witnesses, closing submissions, and appeal to the Supreme Court where required.
The Cyprus Criminal Court Structure
| Court | Role in criminal cases |
|---|---|
| District Courts | Try summary and mid-level offences; hold first appearances and decide remand and bail within 24 hours of arrest. |
| Assize Court | Tries the most serious indictable offences (e.g. serious fraud, violent crime) with wider sentencing powers. |
| Supreme Court | Hears criminal appeals against conviction and sentence, and constitutional / ECHR points. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Cyprus law and the ECHR, you have the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, the right to silence, the right to legal representation from the moment of arrest, and the right to appear before a court within 24 hours. You must not be subjected to ill-treatment. A court must authorise any detention beyond 24 hours. If arrested on a foreign warrant, additional rights apply regarding the extradition process.
Bail applications in Cyprus are made to the District Court. The court considers the seriousness of the alleged offence, flight risk, ties to Cyprus, and any humanitarian factors. Bail may be unconditional or subject to conditions — passport surrender, regular police reporting, or surety. We prepare comprehensive bail applications with full supporting evidence to maximise prospects of release on conditions.
MOKAS is Cyprus’s financial intelligence unit, investigating money laundering and terrorist financing. MOKAS can issue asset freeze orders, obtain financial records from banks, and coordinate with international counterparts including Europol and Egmont Group members. MOKAS investigations can result in asset confiscation and serious criminal charges — specialist legal advice from the earliest stage is essential.
Yes. You have the right to consult a lawyer before and during police questioning from the moment of arrest in Cyprus. This right must be respected by police. We strongly advise exercising this right — statements made in police questioning can be used as evidence in court. You also have the right to remain silent and are not obliged to answer questions that may incriminate you.
