Victim of a crime? You may be entitled to state-funded legal counsel

In Sweden, a victim’s legal counsel is called a målsägandebiträde. The counsel is often an advocate, but other qualified lawyers can also be appointed. A målsägandebiträde is not appointed automatically in every case; the court assesses the circumstances of the individual case.

After a crime, you may not have to pay for legal support yourself.

If you are the victim of a crime, a court can in some cases appoint a målsägandebiträde — state-funded legal counsel who protects your interests and can help with a damages claim.

What you need to know

• In Sweden, a victim’s legal counsel is called a målsägandebiträde. The counsel is often an advocate, but other qualified lawyers can also be appointed.
• Counsel may be appointed, for example, in sexual-offence cases, crimes involving a close relationship, or where the victim has a particular need for support.
• The court decides whether to appoint counsel after a preliminary investigation (förundersökning) has begun.
• Counsel protects the victim’s interests and can help with a damages claim if the prosecutor does not. The state pays the cost, so the victim does not pay for the appointed counsel.

What to do

1. Tell the police or prosecutor that you want information about victim’s legal counsel.
2. Explain the nature of the offence and why you need support during the proceedings.
3. The prosecutor can raise the issue with the court; the court makes the appointment decision.
4. If counsel is appointed, use that support for compensation questions and preparation for court as well.

Important

A målsägandebiträde is not appointed automatically in every case; the court assesses the circumstances of the individual case.

Official sources

• Åklagarmyndigheten — Målsägandebiträde
• Sveriges Domstolar — Målsägande

Sources checked: 2026-09-11.