Norway's legal aid system is facing scrutiny as the high-profile criminal case against Marius Borg Høiby has already cost taxpayers millions in defense lawyer fees. Newly released figures from Oslo District Court show state payments to three defense attorneys have surpassed two million Norwegian kroner, with the trial yet to conclude. The case highlights the substantial public expense of ensuring a robust defense in complex criminal proceedings, even for individuals connected to the royal family.
The Mounting Legal Bill
Court documents reveal the precise costs incurred so far. Defense lawyer Ellen Holager Andenæs has received 905,706 kroner for her work. Her co-counsel, Petar Sekulic, has been paid 516,138 kroner. Øyvind Bratlien, who served as Høiby's initial lawyer from his arrest in August 2024 until February 2025, was paid 602,434 kroner. These payments cover work on both the active charges and aspects of the investigation that were later dismissed. The lawyers have declined to comment on the payments.
This financial outlay comes before the main trial has begun in earnest. Høiby was arrested on August 4, 2024, and formally charged on August 18, 2025, following an extensive police investigation. He faces serious charges including four counts of rape, domestic violence, and sexual assault, which he denies. The case's high-profile nature, involving the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and its legal complexity guarantee a lengthy court process, suggesting the final cost will be significantly higher.
How Norway's Legal Aid System Works
In Norway, the right to a fair trial is enshrined in law, supported by a legal aid system designed to guarantee representation regardless of personal wealth. Individuals who meet specific financial criteria can have their defense costs covered by the state at regulated rates. This system is a cornerstone of the Norwegian justice model, intended to balance the power of the state prosecution. The costs are publicly funded and, as this case demonstrates, subject to transparency through court records.
Petter Skogstad Grannes, deputy head of the Norwegian Bar Association's Defense Group, explained the payment process in a general statement. "The main rule is that the money is paid out when the case is concluded," he said. "But the fee regulations allow for advance payments if a case is particularly long and time-consuming." He cited ongoing operational costs for law firms, such as salaries and rent, as a key reason for this provision. Grannes emphasized that if a judge later finds an advance payment was too high, the excess can be reclaimed by the state.
A National Conversation on Cost and Justice
The revelation of these costs is sparking a broader debate about the allocation of public resources within the justice system. Legal aid expenses in Norway run into the billions of kroner annually, covering thousands of cases. High-profile cases like this one act as a lens, focusing public attention on the tension between the imperative for a thorough defense and the responsible management of taxpayer funds. Experts note that complex cases involving serious charges naturally require more resources for document review, evidence analysis, and witness preparation.
"In larger investigations, there will generally be many case documents that must be reviewed and processed," Grannes noted, speaking about general principles. The Høiby case, with its long investigation period and serious charges, fits this description precisely. The cost reflects the man-hours required to prepare a defense against a state prosecution with vast resources. Critics, however, may question whether the sums are proportionate, even in a complex case.
The Path Ahead and Broader Implications
The case is far from over. With the trial pending, the legal fees will continue to accumulate. The final accounting will occur only after a verdict is reached and any appeals are exhausted. This ongoing expense ensures the case will remain a reference point in discussions about legal aid. It raises practical questions about cost controls and whether the current fee structure for state-appointed counsel is sustainable for marathon legal battles.
Beyond the numbers, the situation underscores a fundamental democratic principle. The state has the duty to prosecute crime, but it also has the duty to ensure the accused can mount a proper defense. A system where only the wealthy can afford a strong legal team against state charges would fundamentally undermine justice. The cost, therefore, is not just for Høiby's defense but for maintaining the integrity of the legal system itself. The challenge for policymakers is to ensure this integrity is preserved without blank checks.
As the proceedings continue at Oslo District Court, the meter is still running. The final cost of the case against Marius Borg Høiby will be a concrete number that quantifies the price of a principle. How Norway evaluates that price—as a necessary expense for justice or a burden on the public purse—will reveal much about the values underpinning its legal system. The coming trial will determine guilt or innocence, but the bills already paid have started a separate trial of the system that foots them.