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Summary of the criminal process
The following is a summary of the normal stages in the criminal process.
1. Preparatory process
The preparatory process is the first stage of the criminal process. It has two parts:
- The procedures of the authorities responsible for the criminal process prior to the start of a criminal prosecution, known as the examination stage; and
- The investigation stage, the part of the criminal prosecution from its start to the filing of a charge or its termination in a different manner (see )#Podstránka_2.
2. Preliminary discussion of the charge
During the preliminary discussion the court will examine whether the case was properly clarified in the preparatory process and whether the charge provides a proper basis for further proceedings. It also decides whether the court has jurisdiction to decide the case.
3. The trial itself
This is the most important part of the criminal process. Evidence is examined and a decision in the case is made. During this stage of the criminal process the defendant(s) and any witnesses and the injured party or parties are questioned in court. The trial is public, oral and is conducted in Czech. If you do not speak Czech, you have the right to an interpreter.
4. Appeal proceedings
The defendant, his family, lawyer, public prosecutor or the injured party have the right to appeal within 8 days. If an appeal is lodged, the court of appeal reviews the decision of the court of first instance
Role of the European Commission
Please note that the European Commission has no role in criminal proceedings in Member States and cannot assist you if you have a complaint. Information is provided in these factsheets about how to complain and to whom.
Click on the links below to find the information that you need
2 – My rights during the investigation of a crime and before the case goes to court
- Examination
- Investigation
- Custody
- Decision in the preparatory process, a charge
- Abbreviated preparatory process
3 – My rights during the trial
- Court trial
- Sentences; rights of the victim
4 – My rights after the court makes its decision
5 – Traffic and other minor offences
Related links
Last update:
16/09/2020
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