Smuggling Offences in Portugal

This service is for people accused of smuggling. Smuggling means bringing goods or substances across the border in a way the law does not allow.

Both local people and foreigners face these charges. Some did not know about the strict customs rules (the rules on what you may bring into or out of a country). Others were tricked into carrying forbidden goods. They may have to deal with a foreign legal system, a language they do not speak and the risk of heavy punishment.

How it works

First, the lawyer meets the accused person to learn what happened. This can be at the police station, if the person is held there, or at the lawyer's office. Next, the lawyer studies the charges, the evidence and how the arrest was made. The lawyer looks for mistakes in the way the case was handled and checks that the person's rights were respected.

The lawyer then prepares for the early court hearings, talks with the prosecutor (the official who brings the case) and, if needed, takes the case to trial. The person is kept up to date along the way.

What the service includes

• Case review: looking at the arrest and the charges to plan a defence
• Evidence check: whether the evidence was gathered lawfully and can be trusted
• Explaining the law: how the smuggling rules work in the country
• Paperwork: preparing the documents the court needs
• Representation: speaking for the person at every court step
• Negotiation: talking with the prosecutor about the charges and possible punishment
• Trial preparation: building the case to put before the judge
• Support: translation and other help with the legal system