Criminal Defense · Urgent Support
Have you or a family member been arrested?
An in-flagrante arrest, a custody hearing, an investigation or ongoing criminal proceedings call for quick decisions. You have the right to legal assistance from the very first moment — talk to our team now.
Situations we handle
Every minute counts in a criminal case
From an in-flagrante arrest to an investigation that hasn’t even become a formal case yet, we act quickly in the most common situations that call for a criminal defense lawyer:
In-Flagrante Arrest
Rights of the person under arrest, notification of the arrest, and immediate steps to take.
Custody Hearing
What happens when the person is brought before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest.
Habeas Corpus
When it's possible to challenge an unlawful arrest or one without just cause.
Criminal Investigation
Rights of a person under investigation in a police inquiry, even before any formal charges.
Crimes Against Public Administration
Technical defense in investigations and proceedings involving public officials.
Economic Crimes
Strategic representation in complex cases that require in-depth technical analysis.
Didn’t find your situation? Every case is unique — tell us what’s happening.
How it works
Fast support for the moment you need it most
You reach out urgently
Criminal cases usually have tight deadlines — we prioritize a fast response, especially in arrest situations.
We assess the situation
We analyze what's at stake — an in-flagrante arrest, an investigation, ongoing proceedings — to define the most appropriate strategy.
You understand the next steps
We explain, with transparency, what can be done and within what timeframe, without promising results.
The firm
Technical legal practice, with fast response for urgent cases
Schwab Alonso Advogados practices criminal law with a focus on strategic cases, including economic crimes and crimes against public administration, with experience ranging from the investigative stage to the superior courts. We know that a criminal case is usually accompanied by urgency and uncertainty — that’s why we prioritize a fast response and a clear explanation of what’s at stake.
Learn about the firmFrequently asked questions
Questions we hear often
My family member was arrested. What should I do first?
Try to find out which police station or facility the person is being held at, and hire or contact a lawyer as soon as possible — anyone under arrest has the right to legal assistance from the moment of arrest. Avoid giving statements or signing any documents before speaking with a lawyer.
What is a custody hearing (audiência de custódia) and when does it happen?
It is the presentation of a person arrested in flagrante delicto before a judge, generally within 24 hours, so that the legality of the arrest can be assessed and a decision made on whether to keep the person in custody, convert the arrest into pretrial detention (prisão preventiva), or grant release, with or without precautionary measures.
Does a person under arrest have the right to remain silent?
Yes. The right to remain silent is constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be held against the accused. The person is not required to produce evidence against themselves and may choose to speak only in the presence of a lawyer.
What is the difference between an in-flagrante arrest, pretrial detention, and temporary detention?
An in-flagrante arrest (prisão em flagrante) occurs at the moment of the crime or immediately afterward. Pretrial detention (prisão preventiva) and temporary detention (prisão temporária) are ordered by a judge during the investigation or the proceedings, each with its own legal grounds and time limits set by law. Each has its own requirements that a lawyer can assess in light of the specific case.
If you or a family member needs help right now, talk to our team
We prioritize a fast response for urgent cases.