Personal & Family

Criminal Law

The practice area

About Criminal Law

Criminal charges, investigations and prosecutions call for an immediate, technical and highly specialist response. How a defence begins, or how a prosecution is conducted, can determine the outcome of the case.

We act firmly and strategically to protect fundamental rights and guarantees, whether defending the accused or representing victims, with expertise across a range of offences and practice at every level: state, federal, higher courts and jury trials.

  • Representation of the accused and of victims in inquiries, criminal proceedings and jury trials
  • Practice across the most frequent and most complex criminal offences
  • Practice at first instance, on appeal and before the higher courts

Criminal Law services

Choose a service to learn more.

Why engage us

Why engage a criminal lawyer?

Criminal law touches not only liberty and reputation, but also deep family, financial and social consequences.

Immediate support during investigations

Technical defence from the police inquiry through to trial

A specific strategy for each type of offence

Our Criminal Law services

Defence in Police Inquiries and Criminal Proceedings

Technical representation from the start of the investigation through to final judgment, with specific strategies for each stage of the case.

Representation of Victims of Crime

Active defence of victims' rights, with support on police reports, private criminal complaints and acting as assistant to the prosecution.

Crimes Against Life

Jury trial practice in homicide, femicide and infanticide cases, with technical preparation and command of advocacy and strategy.

Financial and Tax Crimes and Crimes Against Public Administration

Defence in investigations and proceedings concerning money laundering, tax evasion, bribery and tender fraud.

Specialist legal practice

Who can handle your case

Stephan Doering Darcie

Stephan Doering Darcie

OAB/RS 80.092 · Direito Criminal

Founding Partner and Managing Partner, an attorney focused on criminal law. Author of numerous works, publications and translations in criminal law and criminal procedure.

Eduarda Schierholt

Eduarda Schierholt

OAB/RS 133.524 · Direito Criminal

Attorney practising in criminal and employment law.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about Criminal Law

What does a criminal lawyer do?
Acts in the defence of the accused or in the representation of victims in investigations, inquiries and criminal proceedings, seeking to secure rights and ensure justice.
When should I seek a specialist criminal lawyer?
Whenever you are caught up in an investigation, charged with an offence, summoned by the police or the victim of a crime.
Can I have legal representation during the investigation?
Yes, and it is strongly advisable. The lawyer can attend interviews, file written submissions and ensure the rights of the person under investigation are respected.
Can I be detained without being convicted?
Yes. Pre-trial detention or arrest in the act can occur before sentencing. The lawyer works to challenge and seek the release of such detentions where they are improper.
What does acting as assistant to the prosecution mean?
It is where the victim or their family engages a lawyer to act alongside the prosecution service, reinforcing the case and seeking justice.

Doering & Darcie

Need a technical, strategic defence? Talk to our team.

Get in touch