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Defendants (criminal proceedings)

Austria

These factsheets explain what happens when someone is suspected or accused of a crime which is dealt with by a trial in court.

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Austria

Under Austrian law, you commit an offence only when you violate a specific legal provision in force at the time the act was committed. The right of prosecution is a right of the State. The prosecuting authorities and , under their direction, the criminal investigation department, as well as the courts, must determine the facts and clarify all circumstances that are of importance when assessing the facts.

Rights of defendants in criminal proceedings

These factsheets explain what happens when someone is suspected or accused of a crime which is dealt with by a trial in court.

Under Austrian law, you commit an offence only when you violate a specific legal provision in force at the time the act was committed. The right of prosecution is a right of the State. The prosecuting authorities and, under their direction, the criminal investigation department, as well as the courts, must determine the facts and clarify all circumstances that are of importance when assessing the facts.

In the following factsheets, you will learn about your rights as a defendant if criminal proceedings are brought against you in Austria. You have different rights during the different stages of the proceedings. The most important stages in the proceedings will be explained in summary form so that you can quickly access the information that you need.

Summary of the criminal proceedings

In principle, the criminal proceedings in Austria consists of three stages:

  • Investigation
  • Trial stage
  • Appeal

Details about all these stages in the proceedings and about your rights can be found in the factsheets. This information is not a substitute for legal advice and is intended to be for guidance only.

If you are the victim of a crime, you can find full information about your rights here.

Click on the links below to find the information that you need

My rights during the investigation

My rights during the trial

My rights after the trial

Last update: 02/06/2023

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