A criminal defense lawyer in Yerevan protects a person from the first contact with the investigation to the final court decision. Much of a criminal case in Armenia depends on its first days: what the person said at the first questioning, what he signed and which preventive measure the court chose. Advocate Mnatsakan Marukyan practices criminal defense only and works in Armenian, Russian and English.
What a criminal defense lawyer does at each stage
Arrest and the first 72 hours
An arrested person must be released or brought before a court within 72 hours. The lawyer meets the client in private, explains his rights, is present at questioning and checks that the arrest is lawful. Only a court can order detention. The lawyer asks the court for bail or another measure instead. Read more on what to do after an arrest and on detention and how to challenge it.
Investigation
Criminal cases are investigated by the Investigative Committee, the Anti-Corruption Committee, the National Security Service or the State Revenue Committee. A prosecutor supervises the investigation. At this stage the lawyer:
- is present at each questioning and other investigative action;
- studies the evidence and the charge;
- files motions to collect evidence that helps the defense;
- challenges unlawful decisions of the investigator before the prosecutor or the court.
If an investigator has called you, read how to prepare for questioning.
Trial
Before the trial the lawyer studies the full case file and builds the line of defense. In court he examines witnesses, challenges the evidence of the prosecution, presents the evidence of the defense and speaks in the closing arguments. Corruption cases are heard by the Anti-Corruption Court.
Appeal and cassation
A verdict of a court of first instance can be appealed to the Criminal Court of Appeal, and then to the Court of Cassation. After all domestic remedies, an application to the European Court of Human Rights is possible within 4 months of the final decision. The deadlines for an appeal are short, so call at once after the verdict. See appeals in criminal cases.
When to call a criminal defense lawyer
Call before you take any step in the case:
- you are summoned to an investigator, even as a witness;
- you or a relative is arrested;
- officers are searching your home or office;
- you learn that there is a criminal case about you or your company;
- a court gave a verdict and you want to appeal it.
The earlier the lawyer joins the case, the more options the defense has. Statements given in the first hours stay in the case file.
What to do before the lawyer arrives
- Use your right to remain silent until you talk to your lawyer.
- Do not sign a document that you have not read or do not understand.
- Do not discuss the case by phone or in messengers.
- Do not contact the victim or the witnesses.
- Keep all papers you received: summons, protocols, copies of decisions.
How advocate Marukyan works
Mnatsakan Marukyan is a licensed advocate, a member of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia, license №2550. He takes criminal cases only.
- You call or write. For an arrest or a search he answers 24/7.
- The first consultation is free. He listens, asks questions and explains the situation and the next steps.
- You sign an agreement, and he joins the case. He goes to the police station, the investigator or the court.
- He tells you or your family about each step of the case.
He works in Armenian, Russian and English, so foreign nationals and their families can talk to him directly. The office is in Yerevan, Athens street 3/3, open Monday to Friday, 9:00-18:00.
Call +374 91 403961, or write on WhatsApp or Telegram. Advocate Marukyan is available 24/7 for arrests and searches.