5 best criminal defense firms in Malta that protect your rights
We’ve reached that age where life feels more like a maze of responsibilities. One moment, we’re laughing with friends over coffee, and the next, someone we know is dealing with a legal problem we never imagined any of us would face.
When we started looking into criminal defense in Malta, we realised how important it is to know who protects your rights when life becomes overwhelming. It’s not something we talk about casually, but it’s something we’d rather be prepared for than clueless.
And honestly, seeing how the system works made us respect legal experts even more. So we gathered a list of trusted professionals who can offer support when things get complicated.
How much does criminal defence representation cost in Malta?
Criminal defence representation in Malta typically charges between €80 and €200 per hour. However, the total cost depends on the lawyer’s experience, the case’s complexity, and whether urgent representation is required.
1. DALLEX Advocates
Address: 51, Censu Tabone Street, St. Julian’s, STJ 1217
Contact Details: +35699991511
Business Hours:
- Open 24/7
DALLEX Advocates delivers full-process criminal defence, covering everything from arrest and attendance at interrogations to jury trials and appeals.
The firm operates as a compact boutique practice led by Dr Francois Dalli and Dr Celine Marie Dalli, combining over 15 years of professional legal experience.
Their focus on money laundering and financial crime immediately stands out, especially since small firms don’t usually highlight expertise in this area.
It’s also notable how they integrate human rights defence directly into criminal proceedings, challenging breaches of constitutional and European rights when they arise.
The team’s multilingual capability in English, Maltese, Italian, French, and Spanish adds a practical advantage for foreign nationals dealing with Malta’s justice system. Additionally, their readiness for extradition and European Arrest Warrant matters gives them a more international reach than their size suggests.
However, criminal defence is only one of several practice areas they cover, which can occasionally affect availability during heavier periods.
Everything was handled professionally
“I reached out to several lawyers and most didn’t even respond — but Dr Francois Dalli got back to me within 10 minutes. From the start, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. He took the time to explain things clearly, the fees were reasonable, and I always felt I was in good hands. Even when he was running late to a meeting, he called ahead to let me know — small thing, but it shows the level of professionalism and respect for his clients. Highly recommend!”
- Christabel Abdilla, Google Review
Professional and highly ethical
“Advocate Francois Dalli is a solicitor who combines legal mastery with genuine client care and superior strategic planning. He is professional, highly ethical, and most importantly, achieves excellent results. I am extremely grateful for his guidance and recommend him without reservation. Choosing legal representation can be challenging, but working with Advocate Francois Dalli was a definitive positive experience. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking professional, dedicated, and highly effective legal counsel.”
- Onur Ata Ulaş, Google Review
2. Filletti & Filletti Advocates – Malta Law Firm
Address: 123, Old Bakery Street, Valletta, VLT 1468
Contact Details: +35621251196
Business Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Filletti & Filletti Advocates brings over 25 years of criminal law presence to Valletta, backed by a full-service structure that covers everything from police questioning to appeals and extradition matters.
Their managing partner, Professor Stefano Filletti, anchors the firm with internationally recognised academic credentials. It immediately sets it apart from most Maltese practices.
Just note that their higher-tier expertise can also make the service feel more premium. The cost implication becomes noticeable once you begin mapping out the full process.
Beyond that, their range of criminal defence experience is broad: drug crimes, white-collar offences, DUI cases, and complex cross-border issues all fall within their day-to-day workload.
The firm is even consulted by authorities on international criminal matters, which adds a layer of credibility you don’t often see in local firms.
Even with their polished structure, there’s a reassuring sense of depth in how they prepare case strategies, especially when handling multi-jurisdictional problems.
Team of professional lawyers
“Top notch services carried out by a team of professional lawyers leaded by Dr. S. Filletti. Highly recommended for all legal services needs in Malta and EU.”
- Mu Abusaada, Google Review
Very helpful and professional
“Stefano and this office colleagues are really really nice , very helpful and very professional. I really recommend this firm. Prosit !”
- Peter Sant Manduca, Google Review
3. Calleja Legal
Address: V3L Professional Services Hub, Triq il-Gnien, Ħal Qormi
Contact Details: +35699801077
Business Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 4 PM – 8 PM
Calleja Legal immediately gives off a no-nonsense vibe, especially with Dr. Joseph Calleja personally handling their criminal defence work.
During the visit, the structure of their Gżira office and their operations in Qormi made the whole setup feel well-organised and easy to navigate.
They made it clear in every consultation how they assist with arrests and bail applications. They also explained their approach to rights-based challenges, which helped set expectations early.
What really set the firm apart was the emphasis on AML and counter-terrorism financing defence. It’s rarely highlighted by Malta-based firms because the financial and gaming sectors face strict regulatory oversight.
The communication style was also a plus, with the team willing to take calls outside regular hours and respond quickly to urgent situations.
But just remember that they don’t provide any 24/7 emergency representation for arrests or for attending police stations. This affects those who need guaranteed round-the-clock access to a lawyer.
Professional and helpful
“Dr Joseph Calleja is a good person before being a qualified advocate , very serious ,reactive, professional and helpfully. reasonable fees and the most important ,we won a case in the immigration appeal board about my ID card ,so highly recommended and i would thank him through this page as i found him first time here also 🙂 good luck in your carrer”
- Driss Dziri, Google Review
Went over his limits to help out
“Had some legal issues and Dr. Calleja went over his limits to help out. My issues were solved. Thank you!!”
- Nigel Mallia, Google Review
4. Natalino Caruana De Brincat – Legal
Address: 19 Giorgio Preca Street, San Gwann, SGN 3511
Contact Details: +35699448817
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 10 AM
Walking into this firm, the first thing that stood out was its established feel, especially given that they’ve been operating since around 2000.
Meeting Dr. Natalino Caruana De Brincat added weight to the experience, given his LL.D., MBA, LL.M., and his teaching roles at the University of Malta.
One thing worth considering is that the office being based on the San Ġwann–Qormi side can be a bit less convenient when dealing with matters centred on Valletta’s main courts, which can occasionally add travel friction.
Nevertheless, the breadth of criminal defence services felt comprehensive. This is especially true with how they handled DUI, traffic offences, and sensitive cases like drug or sexual offence charges.
It also helps that the firm isn’t a one-man operation. There are advocates like Lara Attard and legal procurator Daniel Aquilina, who add depth to human rights and procedural work.
What made the experience more solid was the seamless crossover of corporate, administrative, and international law expertise when the case required it.
Went above and beyond to help
“I had the excellent experience using the services of Dr. Natalino Caruana De Brincat. He is professional, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. He offers genuine care and dedication. He offered clear guidance and went above and beyond to help me resolve my issue. It is rare to find someone who combines such deep legal expertise with true kindness and integrity. I am extremely grateful for his help and would strongly recommend Dr. Caruana De Brincat to anyone in need of trustworthy and compassionate legal assistance. A true gentleman.”
- Ivan Grech, Google Review
Went out of his way multiple times to make sure to help
“had an excellent experience with Dr Caruana De Brincat. He was always available, guided me through every step, and made sure I understood everything clearly. His professionalism and dedication really stood out, and thanks to his help I got the best possible outcome. He never kept me waiting and went out of his way multiple times to make sure to help me in the best way possible. Highly recommend!”
- Ruth Marguerat, Google Review
5. SAGA JURIS Advocates
Address: 58 Old Bakery St, Valletta
Contact Details: +35621238107
Business Hours:
- Monday and Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Saga Juris immediately gives a different impression compared to typical single-lawyer practices. The fact that several advocates with mixed specialisations work under one roof genuinely shapes how they handle complex criminal matters.
The office in Valletta’s Old Bakery Street makes consultations feel accessible, especially when dealing with court-related errands nearby.
Their coverage of both traditional criminal defence and white-collar or regulatory offences stood out, particularly given that few Malta firms highlight expertise in economic or compliance-heavy cases.
We also noticed that their experience in jury trials adds significant weight to their courtroom capabilities. With a range of advocates available, clients can be matched with someone whose background aligns more closely with the specifics of their case.
Another strong point is that the chambers model supports addressing crossover issues with corporate, human rights, commercial, or succession elements. All of which can be pulled into the strategy without outsourcing.
One drawback is that the firm doesn’t indicate after-hours or emergency support for arrests or urgent bail needs, which can be inconvenient when timing is critical.
A lawyer with vast experience
“Dr.Patrick Galea LLD is a lawyer with a vast experience and an intellectual knowledge in civil cases. I sincerely suggest his consultations.”
- Keith Caruana, Google Review
Friendly and efficient staff
“Good location,clean and lots of natural light apart from the friendly & efficient staff.”
- John Edwards, Google Review