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Criminal Law
Criminal law governs conduct defined as an offence and the sanctions applied to it. Legal representation may be sought at any stage of the process, whether as a suspect, a defendant or an injured party.
Investigation stage
The investigation is the stage at which the prosecutor examines a suspicion of crime. Counsel may attend questioning, submit evidence and statements to the file, and object to protective measures such as detention or arrest.
How a first statement is given often shapes everything that follows. For that reason it matters to speak with a lawyer before giving a statement when summoned by the police or the prosecutor.
Trial and appeals
Proceedings begin when the indictment is accepted and the file passes to the court. This stage covers conducting the defence at hearings, calling witnesses, challenging expert reports and making final submissions.
A judgment may be taken to the regional appellate court and, where the conditions are met, to the Court of Cassation. Appeal periods are strict and missing one forfeits the right.
Representing victims and intervening parties
Those harmed by an offence may file a complaint, submit evidence, join the proceedings as an intervening party and claim compensation for their loss.
For certain offences the right to complain is time-limited, and once the period expires no investigation can be opened. Early legal assessment therefore matters.