I need a lawyer.
'Avvocato' — av-vo-CA-to. Double 'v'; stress on the third syllable. Four syllables.
Say this if you are arrested, involved in an accident where you may be liable, or embroiled in a legal dispute in Italy. You have the right to legal representation and to contact your country's consulate.
'Avvocato' is the Italian for lawyer or solicitor. 'Avvocatessa' is the feminine form. Under Italian law, anyone detained by police has the right to remain silent ('mi avvalgo del diritto al silenzio') and to have a lawyer present during questioning. Invoking this right immediately is important.
Voglio contattare il mio consolato.
I want to contact my consulate.
Your consulate can help find a lawyer and monitor your case.
Non firmerò nulla senza un avvocato.
I will not sign anything without a lawyer.
State this clearly and firmly in a legal situation.
Ho diritto a un avvocato d'ufficio?
Am I entitled to a court-appointed lawyer?
In criminal proceedings, yes — 'difensore d'ufficio'.
Italian criminal procedure guarantees the right to a defence lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the state provides a 'difensore d'ufficio' (public defender). As a foreign national you also have the right under the Vienna Convention to notify your country's consulate — police must allow this if requested.