What to do if you are detained, arrested or called for questioning in Moldova
A practical Moldova guide: how to act if you are detained, arrested or questioned, what not to sign blindly, and when to involve a lawyer.
Read the articleCriminal
Defense
We defend individuals, executives and companies during questioning, searches, detention and criminal proceedings.
Attorney-client confidentiality. Prompt initial response.
Focus
When our intervention is critical
A criminal case often starts with a summons, complaint, search or asset freeze. Early defense prevents the first costly mistakes.
DEFENCE
Defence from the first procedural step
We step in before questioning or immediately after detention, clarify procedural status, assess exposure and set a safe course of action.
- Action plan
- Immediate protection
- Urgent measures
POSITION
A clear position during searches and allegations
We supervise searches and seizures, record violations and build the evidence when a financial or contractual dispute is reframed as a criminal case.
- Conduct plan
- Interview preparation
- Risk control
RISK
Protecting property and accounts
We challenge freezes over accounts, vehicles, real estate and company assets so procedural pressure does not halt business or personal affairs.
- Evidence map
- Applications
- Expert materials
What we handle in criminal defense
We work with individuals, entrepreneurs, executives and companies at every stage of the case.
Defense of suspects and accused
When there is a summons, status or detention risk.
Defense of suspects and accused
When there is a summons, status or detention risk.
Defense of suspects and accused
We assess risks, prepare the defense position, attend procedural actions and defend in court.
Help with questioning and detention
When giving explanations unprepared is unsafe.
Help with questioning and detention
When giving explanations unprepared is unsafe.
Help with questioning and detention
We prepare the client for questioning, control investigative pressure and prevent self-incrimination.
Search and seizure support
When documents, phones or devices are being seized.
Search and seizure support
When documents, phones or devices are being seized.
Search and seizure support
We attend the search, record violations and limit unlawful seizure of property.
Lifting property and account freezes
When money, real estate or assets are blocked.
Lifting property and account freezes
When money, real estate or assets are blocked.
Lifting property and account freezes
We challenge freezes, prove lawful origin of assets and seek prompt unblocking.
Fraud, embezzlement and damages
When a financial dispute becomes criminal.
Fraud, embezzlement and damages
When a financial dispute becomes criminal.
Fraud, embezzlement and damages
We defend accused clients and represent victims: complaints, evidence and damage recovery.
Economic and official misconduct cases
When the business, director or accountant is at risk.
Economic and official misconduct cases
When the business, director or accountant is at risk.
Economic and official misconduct cases
We handle tax, AML, official misconduct and corporate accusations where documents and expert evidence matter.
Examples from practice
Confidentiality is essential in criminal matters. We provide only general descriptions of concluded matters without disclosing clients’ identities or personal information.
Fraud case after a debt dispute
A private client was accused of fraud after a conflict over a loan and written acknowledgments.
Fraud case after a debt dispute
A private client was accused of fraud after a conflict over a loan and written acknowledgments.
What we did
We collected documents, correspondence and payment history, showing the civil nature of the dispute.
Result:
Detention risk was removed. The case did not move into an indictment scenario.
Lifting a property freeze
Accounts and property unrelated to the accusation were blocked within a criminal case.
Lifting a property freeze
Accounts and property unrelated to the accusation were blocked within a criminal case.
What we did
We prepared the challenge, proved the origin of funds and showed the freeze was disproportionate.
Result:
Part of the restrictions was lifted and the client regained access to necessary assets.
Economic accusation against a director
A director and accountant were targeted over a tax dispute for previous periods.
Economic accusation against a director
A director and accountant were targeted over a tax dispute for previous periods.
What we did
We reviewed the financial expertise, obtained an alternative assessment and rebuilt the defense line.
Result:
The prosecution's conclusions were weakened and the criminal-record risk was substantially reduced.
How we protect clients
Early statements, documents and messages can shape the case. We stabilize the situation fast and build defense on facts.
Urgent stabilization
Urgent stabilization
We assess detention, search, property freeze and urgent procedural risks.
Stage outcome:
- Action plan
- Immediate protection
- Urgent measures
Position before statements
Position before statements
We prepare the conduct line before questioning so the client does not strengthen the accusation.
Stage outcome:
- Conduct plan
- Interview preparation
- Risk control
Defense evidence
Defense evidence
We collect documents, witnesses, correspondence and independent expert materials.
Stage outcome:
- Evidence map
- Applications
- Expert materials
Challenging measures and restrictions
Challenging measures and restrictions
We challenge detention, preventive measures, searches, seizures and account freezes, and seek the return of property and removal of unjustified restrictions.
Stage outcome:
- Challenges
- Return of property
- Removal of restrictions
Courtroom Defense
Courtroom Defense
We represent the client in court, appeal and the Supreme Court of Justice of Moldova.
Stage outcome:
- Court defense
- Appeal
- Procedural control
The Colenco Legal team
Aureliu Colenco
Managing Partner
35 years’ experience • Investigator • Judge • Lawyer
Isae Cireș
Partner
Criminal defence • Court representation
Radu Cotorobai
Partner
M&A • Due diligence • Transaction structuring
Cristian Bizian
Partner
Family disputes • Negotiations • Litigation
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to what is usually worth clarifying before the first consultation.
Can I attend questioning without a lawyer?
Short answer
It is safer not to go unprepared. Even short explanations can become part of the accusation. First clarify your status, risks and safe response line.
What if a family member is detained?
Short answer
Contact counsel quickly, identify the authority and place of detention, avoid passing explanations through third parties and do not sign documents without defense.
Can a property freeze be lifted?
Short answer
Yes, if the freeze is unfounded, disproportionate or the property is unrelated to the accusation. We prepare the challenge, asset-origin evidence and procedural motions.
Practice
Need urgent legal defense?
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- Your enquiry is handled confidentially
- We will contact you during business hours at the number provided
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