Voglio parlare con un avvocato.

I want to speak to a lawyer.

Pronunciation

av-voh-KAH-toh — four syllables; double 'v'; stress on the third syllable.

When to use it

Use if you are being questioned as a suspect or if you need legal advice before answering questions. This is a fundamental right under Italian law.

What it means

The right to legal counsel (diritto alla difesa) is guaranteed by Article 24 of the Italian Constitution. Police must stop questioning a suspect who invokes this right.

Variations

Non rispondo senza il mio avvocato.

I will not answer without my lawyer.

Clear invocation of the right to silence — legally effective.

Ho diritto a un avvocato d'ufficio?

Am I entitled to a court-appointed lawyer?

Ask this if you cannot afford a private lawyer.

Posso fare una telefonata?

Can I make a phone call?

The right to one phone call exists in Italian law — use it to contact a lawyer or family.

Mini Dialogue

— La invitiamo a rispondere ad alcune domande. — Voglio parlare con un avvocato prima di rispondere a qualsiasi cosa. — È nel suo diritto. Vuole che chiamiamo un difensore d'ufficio? — Sì, per favore.

— We invite you to answer some questions. — I want to speak to a lawyer before answering anything. — That is your right. Would you like us to call a court-appointed defender? — Yes, please.

Cultural Note

If detained or questioned as a suspect in Italy, you have the right to be informed of the charges, the right to remain silent (diritto al silenzio), and the right to a lawyer — communicated in a language you understand.

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