Low Crime, High Enforcement: Monaco has virtually no street crime, but white-collar offenses are vigorously prosecuted. Financial crimes, tax-related issues (for French citizens), and regulatory violations receive serious attention.
Legal System Overview
Monaco has its own independent legal system based on French civil law traditions but with distinct Monegasque codes. The Prince retains significant authority, including the power of pardon.
Court Structure
- Justice of the Peace (Juge de Paix): Minor civil and criminal matters
- Court of First Instance (Tribunal de Première Instance): Criminal and civil cases
- Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel): Appeals from lower courts
- Court of Revision (Cour de Révision): Final court of appeal
- Criminal Court (Tribunal Criminel): Serious criminal offenses
Key Differences from US
- No jury trials: Professional judges decide cases
- Inquisitorial system: Judges actively investigate, unlike adversarial US system
- Examining magistrate: Conducts pre-trial investigation
- Civil law tradition: Code-based rather than precedent-based
Common Offenses for Expats
Driving Offenses
| Offense |
Penalty |
| DUI (0.05% BAC limit) |
Fine €700-4,500 (~$756-4,860 USD), license suspension, potential jail |
| Speeding (severe) |
Fines up to €3,000 (~$3,240 USD), license suspension |
| Reckless driving |
Fine and potential imprisonment |
| Driving without license |
Fine €1,500-4,500 (~$1,620-4,860 USD) |
BAC Limit
Monaco's blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.5g/L)—lower than the US 0.08%. One or two drinks can put you over. The only safe amount is zero.
Financial Crimes
Monaco takes financial crimes extremely seriously:
- Money laundering: Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Fraud: Up to 5 years imprisonment
- Tax evasion: Primarily applies to French citizens under treaty
- Insider trading: Criminal penalties and fines
- Corruption: Actively prosecuted
US Tax Crimes Are US Crimes
Monaco has no obligation to prosecute US tax crimes, but the US does. Failing to report Monaco bank accounts (FBAR), evading US taxes, or hiding assets from the IRS are federal crimes prosecuted in the US regardless of where you live. Monaco's bank secrecy does NOT protect you from the IRS.
Drug Laws
Monaco has strict drug laws, stricter than many European countries:
Penalties
- Possession (personal use): Up to 1 year imprisonment + fine
- Possession with intent to supply: Up to 5 years imprisonment
- Trafficking: 5-20 years imprisonment
Cannabis
Unlike some European jurisdictions, Monaco does not tolerate cannabis:
- No decriminalization—possession is illegal
- Medical cannabis not legally available
- Enforcement is active
Prescription Medications
Bring documentation for prescription medications, especially controlled substances. Some medications legal in the US may be restricted. Consult Monaco authorities if bringing significant quantities.
Rights When Arrested
Your Rights
- Legal counsel: Right to an attorney (can be court-appointed)
- Consular notification: Right to contact US Embassy
- Interpreter: Right to interpretation if you don't speak French
- Silence: Right to remain silent (though consequences differ from US)
Detention (Garde à Vue)
- Initial detention: Up to 24 hours
- Extension: Up to 48 hours with prosecutor approval
- Serious crimes: Further extensions possible
- Attorney access: After initial questioning period
What to Do If Arrested
- Remain calm and polite
- Request to contact the US Embassy
- Ask for a lawyer (avocat)
- Request an interpreter if needed
- Do not sign documents you don't understand
- Do not resist—it creates additional charges
Monaco Jail: Monaco has its own prison facility (Maison d'Arrêt de Monaco) for short sentences. Longer sentences may be served in France under agreement. Conditions are generally reasonable but detention is detention.
Privacy and Defamation
Monaco has strong privacy protections:
Privacy Rights
- Photographing people without consent can be illegal
- Publishing private information can lead to civil and criminal liability
- Celebrity protection is particularly strong
Defamation
- Both civil and criminal offense
- Truth may not be a complete defense
- Different from US First Amendment protections
- Social media posts can create liability
Social Media Caution
Public criticism of Monaco residents, officials, or the Prince can create legal exposure. The culture values discretion—and the law reinforces it.
Residency Implications
Criminal conduct affects your Monaco residency:
Grounds for Revocation
- Conviction for serious crimes
- Conviction for crimes involving dishonesty
- Behavior deemed incompatible with Monaco residency
- Financial crimes, even if prosecuted elsewhere
Process
- Residency decisions are at government discretion
- No automatic right to remain after conviction
- May be required to leave Monaco
- Appeals possible but government has wide latitude
Extradition
Monaco has extradition treaties with various countries:
US-Monaco Relations
- Monaco has extradition arrangements with France
- US can request extradition through French treaty
- Financial crimes, fraud, money laundering typically extraditable
- Tax crimes increasingly subject to international cooperation
No Hiding from the IRS
If you're fleeing US tax or financial crime charges, Monaco is not a safe haven. International cooperation on financial crimes has increased dramatically. Monaco's reputation depends on not being seen as a refuge for criminals.
View Enforcement Tracker: Americans Prosecuted in Monaco →
Finding Legal Help
Monaco Bar Association
The Ordre des Avocats de Monaco maintains a list of licensed attorneys. All Monaco attorneys are trained in French-style civil law.
English-Speaking Attorneys
Many Monaco attorneys speak English, particularly those serving international clients. The US Embassy in Paris maintains a list of attorneys in the region.
Costs
- Consultation: €200-500/hour (~$216-540 USD)
- Criminal defense: €5,000-50,000+ (~$5,400-54,000+ USD) depending on complexity
- Court-appointed counsel available for those who qualify
Disclaimer: This is educational information only, not legal advice. If you face criminal charges in Monaco, immediately contact a Monaco attorney and the US Embassy. Criminal law is serious—do not rely on internet summaries. Information current as of January 2026.