In today’s increasingly complex economic environment, company directors and executives face growing exposure to criminal liability. Misuse of company assets, tax fraud, or corruption—these are just some of the offences that can threaten not only the future of your business but also your personal liberty. In the face of these risks, the experience of a corporate criminal law attorney is essential. Based in Toulouses 8th arrondissement, Maître Pierre DEBUISSON supports business leaders throughout the French capital city and the wider Parisian region with strategic, tailored legal defence.
Business criminal law (or corporate criminal law) encompasses a wide range of offences committed in the context of commercial or financial activity. The most common include misuse of corporate assets (using company funds or credit for personal benefit), but also tax evasion and fraud, money laundering, insider trading, bribery and corruption. The penalties for these offences can be severe. For example, misuse of corporate assets carries a maximum sentence of seven years' imprisonment and a fine of €750,000.
TA company director may be held criminally liable even if they did not commit the offence directly. In some cases, simple negligence in supervising business activities may be enough to trigger liability.
As a corporate criminal law attorney in Paris, Maître DEBUISSON offers bespoke legal assistance from the very outset. His services often begin proactively, advising companies on compliance and risk prevention. In the event of an audit or investigation, he supports executives during interviews with regulatory authorities and ensures their procedural rights are upheld.
Should criminal proceedings be initiated, he builds a tailored defence strategy, guiding clients from the preliminary investigation through to trial before the Tribunal correctionnel (the French Criminal court for misdemeanours).
The DEBUISSON & Associés Law Firm also supports clients in designing and implementing robust compliance programmes, which are increasingly recognised as vital elements of defence in business criminal cases. This includes:
Choose the right defence
Are you looking for a lawyer competent in criminal or personal injury law in Toulouse or Paris? Contact DEBUISSON & Associés.
Established under France’s Sapin II anti-corruption law, the CJIP (Convention Judiciaire d’Intérêt Public) allows companies to settle certain criminal matters by entering into a negotiated agreement with the Public Prosecutor. This avoids a formal conviction and can preserve the company's reputation and operational continuity.
Maître DEBUISSON has significant experience in negotiating CJIPs. He assists clients throughout the process—preparing documentation, liaising with authorities, and overseeing the fulfilment of any agreed conditions.
Please note: CJIPs are not available to individuals. Company directors personally implicated in a case must consider other defence options, such as plea bargaining (CRPC).
In high-profile or sensitive cases, public opinion can be just as damaging as the legal process itself. Maître DEBUISSON takes a strategic and proactive approach to communication, advising clients on external messaging, managing press relations, and limiting reputational harm. This comprehensive approach is particularly important when accusations could have long-lasting consequences for a company’s brand, share value, or stakeholder trust.
Renowned for his work in prominent cases, including the Buitoni scandal, Maître DEBUISSON brings both legal expertise and strategic business insight to each corporate criminal law case. His dual background in law and management allows him to understand the commercial realities his clients face and to deliver pragmatic legal solutions tailored to their needs.
He also works closely with a trusted network of professionals—tax advisors, forensic accountants, and other legal experts—to offer full-spectrum support. Conveniently located in central Paris, the firm is well-positioned to act before national and regional courts.
For company directors and executives, the best defence is often prevention. Don’t wait to be summoned before a judge—act now to safeguard your business and your reputation. By consulting with Maître Pierre DEBUISSON, you gain a strategic partner capable of anticipating legal risks and defending your interests with rigour and determination.
Do not hesitate to contact his firm for a confidential consultation. His proven experience and unwavering commitment make him an invaluable ally in navigating the legal and reputational challenges of business criminal law.
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