You are summoned or involved in an investigation
Questioning, a search or a judicial investigation: we assess your procedural status and available information. We prepare assistance and steps suited to the stage of the matter.
Noorsfield
Criminal Law
Defence and assistance at every stage of criminal proceedings, for individuals as well as companies and their directors.
We assess the scope, stakes and documents of your matter before defining an engagement and its fees.
From the first moment, a rigorous defence conducted with composure.
Act without delay
In this area, time often works against you. A few situations where every day counts:
- A search, an interview or a deprivation of liberty calls for an immediate response.
- Appeal deadlines in criminal matters are strict and cannot be extended.
- First statements have a lasting influence on the rest of the case.
We respond to your request within 24 business hours. Your communications are covered by professional secrecy, and the first consultation is defined in scope and deducted if a file is opened.
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When to seek advice
Criminal proceedings raise immediate questions about your rights, the steps ahead and consequences for your life or activity. We help you understand your position and prepare defence or civil-party decisions.
Your company or directors are concerned
We distinguish the position of the legal entity from that of individuals. Responsibilities, internal documents and potential conflicts of interest must be examined before organising the defence.
You are a victim or must appear in court
A civil-party claim, hearing or appeal requires facts and useful evidence. We examine your claims, procedural routes and matters to raise before the court.
Who we advise
Directors and companies · Individuals · Athletes and clubs — doping, betting, violence, transfer fraud
Assistance is adapted to each stage. We distinguish established facts, points to verify and steps to prepare. Mention any ongoing measure when contacting us; submitting a form does not mean immediate assistance.
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Our services
- Assistance from the first interview (Salduz) and police custody
- Judicial investigation, pre-trial chamber and pre-trial detention
- Defence before the criminal court and court of appeal
- Civil-party applications and recovery of loss
- Business crime: forgery and use of forged documents, misuse of corporate assets, breach of trust, fraud, money laundering, tax and social offences, fraudulent bankruptcy, corruption
- Corporate criminal liability — Article 5 of the former / Article 18 of the new Criminal Code, subject to the law applicable to the facts
- Criminal settlements and mediation
- Seizures and confiscation
- Searches and authority investigations — FPS Finance, social inspectorate, FSMA, CTIF, within their respective powers
- Criminal records and rehabilitation
Interview, search or deprivation of liberty in progress: contact the firm
Open a matter
Interview assistance
Criminal court defence
Civil party
Internal investigation / search
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Clear support, at every stage
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Identify the stage and urgency
We examine the summons, decision or information about the ongoing measure. Your procedural status, deadlines and assistance needs guide the initial steps.
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Prepare the procedural position
Analysis covers accessible information, proposed steps and defence or civil-party options. Scope and fees are agreed before any work begins; no procedural outcome can be guaranteed.
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Assist and follow proceedings
We prepare questioning or hearings and carry out agreed steps. Decisions and appeal options are explained so you can make informed choices.
The first useful information
State the procedural stage, your status and any ongoing deprivation of liberty. List the summons, decisions, case reference and available documents without attaching them to the form.
Do not attach confidential documents at this stage. We will agree with you how supporting documents should be shared.
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Frequently asked questions
Must I agree to an interview without a lawyer?
Ask in what capacity you are being interviewed and which facts are involved. Article 47bis of the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Act of 20 July 1990 provide, among other rights, for confidential consultation and assistance depending on your situation. Do not waive these rights without understanding the consequences; you may exercise your right to silence.
What should I do during a search at the company?
Contact a lawyer and check the investigators’ identity and legal authority. Keep a record of the search and the seizure inventory. Identify documents protected by professional secrecy. Do not destroy records or obstruct lawfully authorised actions. A lawyer’s arrival does not automatically suspend the search.
Can the company be convicted of a criminal offence?
Yes. Article 5 of the former and Article 18 of the new Criminal Code provide for liability for certain offences linked to a legal entity’s purpose or interests, or committed on its behalf. The company and individuals may both be liable. The date of the facts and transitional rules must be checked.
What is a criminal settlement?
Article 216bis of the Code of Criminal Procedure allows the prosecution to propose a settlement subject to statutory conditions. It is not an automatic entitlement and includes dealing with loss under the applicable rules. Judicial review applies when a court is already seized. Proper performance may extinguish the public prosecution.
How long does a judicial investigation take?
There is no uniform duration. Necessary investigative steps, expert reports, complexity and international cooperation affect the timetable. The reasonable-time requirement and statutory reviews of pre-trial detention are assessed separately. We evaluate deadlines using the case file.
News
All newsPublication
October 7, 2026
Ecocide: a new offence at the federal level
The new Criminal Code enshrines ecocide among its new offences. Scope, limits and uncertainties of application for companies.
Publication
September 16, 2026
Road homicide: a new criminal classification
The notion of road homicide reshapes the criminal treatment of fatal traffic accidents. An outline of what it targets and of the necessary caveats.
Publication
September 2, 2026
Belgium's new Criminal Code: what has changed since 1 September 2026
The new Criminal Code entered into force on 1 September 2026, replacing the framework inherited from 1867. An overview of the main changes, subject to case-by-case verification.
Related expertise
Business
Directors’ liability and business organisation.
Tax
Tax offences and the interaction between tax and criminal proceedings.
Compliance
Money laundering, compliance duties and reports to CTIF.
Sports Law
Doping, betting, violence and transfer fraud.
Let’s discuss your situation.
Are you or your company involved in criminal proceedings? State the stage and upcoming deadlines. For questioning, a search or deprivation of liberty currently underway, use the details on the Contact page.
Describe your situation and any known deadlines. Your request is reviewed within 24 business hours. This review period does not mean an urgent matter is taken on immediately.
Fees are provided only by quotation after assessment, in accordance with Article 446ter of the Belgian Judicial Code. An engagement letter is signed before any work begins. 21% VAT is added.