# Foreigner arrested in Georgia: rights and first steps Rights of a foreigner arrested in Georgia: a lawyer, a free interpreter, the consulate. What happens in the first 72 hours and the extra risks. [Criminal defense](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/) · October 11, 2026 · 5 min read When a foreigner is arrested in Georgia, the language, an unfamiliar procedure and distance from family make everything harder. The first hours matter most. ## Your rights - A lawyer — from the first contact with the investigating authority - A free interpreter if you don't speak Georgian — in that case a lawyer is also mandatory - The right to remain silent — you don't have to give a statement - Having your country's consulate informed — ask for it - Having a relative informed of your arrest ## What happens after the arrest You must be charged within 48 hours of the arrest, or released. Within the next 24 hours after the charge, a court decides on a preventive measure — for example, bail or pre-trial detention. ## Why the risk is higher for a foreigner The prosecution often argues that a foreigner may leave the country, so the risk of a detention request is high. The lawyer's job is to show the court your ties to Georgia — home, job, family, business — and to propose a less severe measure. ## Mistakes to avoid - Don't sign any document you don't understand - Don't give explanations without your lawyer — not even in an "informal chat" - Don't agree to a plea agreement before reviewing the evidence with your lawyer ## Expulsion as a consequence For a foreigner, a criminal case can have an extra consequence: the court can impose expulsion from Georgia and an entry ban as a penalty. Expulsion can also come up after a sentence has been served. So the defence strategy has to take this risk into account. ## If your family is abroad A family member can contact us by phone or WhatsApp — we sign the engagement remotely and step into the case right away. We keep the family informed in a language they understand. ## Legal basis - [Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/90034) - [Constitution of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/30346) - [Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and Stateless Persons](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/2278806) Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case. Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice. [Criminal defence lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Am I entitled to a free interpreter? Yes. If you don't speak Georgian, the state provides an interpreter, and a lawyer is also mandatory. ### Will my consulate be informed? Yes, if you ask. Ask as soon as you are arrested. ### Can my family hire a lawyer from abroad? Yes. We sign the engagement remotely and step into the case right away. ## Related topics - [#For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/) - [#Criminal law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/) - [#Your rights](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/) - - [Criminal cases · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/criminal-defense-for-foreigners/) - - [Criminal defence lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/) - - [Cybercrime lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/cybercrime-lawyer/) - - [Juvenile lawyer in Georgia: legal help for minors](https://mmlaw.ge/en/juvenile-justice-lawyer/) - - [Detained in Georgia? Your rights and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/) - - [Police search in Georgia: your rights and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/police-search-your-rights/) - - [Fraud charges in Georgia: penalties and your defence](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/fraud-charges-in-georgia/) - - [Theft charges in Georgia: penalties and your rights](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/theft-charges-in-georgia/) Blog ## All articles - [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/deportation-from-georgia/) — Deportation from Georgia: grounds, deadlines and appeal October 11, 2026 · 5 min read - [Family law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/recognition-of-foreign-judgments-georgia/) — Recognising a foreign court decision in Georgia October 11, 2026 · 4 min read --- Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/foreigner-arrested-in-georgia/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge