Rights of defendants in criminal proceedings - Slovakia
These factsheets explain what happens when a person is suspected of or accused of a crime which is dealt with by a trial in court. For information on minor offences like road traffic offences, which are usually dealt with by a fixed penalty like a fine, go to Factsheet 5.
If you are the victim of a crime, you can find full information about your rights here.
Summary of the criminal process
The following is a summary of the normal stages in the criminal process in the Slovak Republic:
The pre-trial process consists of the following stages:
- Prior to criminal prosecution;
- Investigation (preparatory proceedings).
The trial process consists of the following stages:
- Preliminary review and examination of the indictment;
- Main trial;
- Appeal;
- Appeal to the Supreme Court;
- Reopening of the case and other legal options;
- Execution process that is carrying out the sentence.
Click on the links below to find the information that you need
2 – My rights during the investigation process
- Launching of an investigation and bringing charges
- Questioning of the defendant
- Detention and arrest (including the European Arrest Warrant)
- Being taken into custody and release
- Course of the investigation
- Completion of the investigation
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Last update: 18/05/2020