Important rules of conduct in criminal proceedings

If you are a suspect in a criminal proceeding, you are not obligated to speak about the case! Whether the police contact you, you receive an indictment or a penalty order, or a relative is in pretrial detention, follow these basic rules:

1. Stay calm: No matter how unsettling the situation, keep a cool head.

2. Exercise your right to remain silent: You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to give any statements to the police or other authorities. Any statement made without consulting your lawyer could harm you later. Your silence cannot be used against you.

3. Call a defense lawyer immediately: At any stage of the proceedings, you have the right to speak with your lawyer. Do not wait – contact your lawyer as early as possible so they can provide you with legal assistance.

Before making any statements, it is crucial that your lawyer reviews the investigation files. Without a precise understanding of the evidence, you may harm yourself with premature statements.

Tips for dealing with specific coercive measures

1. House search

If your home is searched, follow these steps:

Ask to see the search warrant: Request to see the judicial warrant and ensure it is no older than six months and specifies the alleged offense.
Do not make any statements about the case: Under no circumstances discuss the allegations with the police. Even if officers try to engage you in casual conversation, stick to your right to remain silent. The police are not allowed to use your refusal to speak against you. Regardless of how long the search takes, do not comment!
Call a defense lawyer: Immediately contact your lawyer so they can monitor the course of the search.

2. Seizure of items

If items are seized:

Do not consent to the seizure: Do not sign anything. If the police take items, clearly state that you object to the seizure. This must be recorded in the protocol.

3. Arrest and pretrial detention

If you are arrested or placed in pretrial detention:

Ask to see the arrest warrant: Request to see the arrest warrant, which must not be older than six months.
Call a lawyer immediately: You have the right to speak with a lawyer at any time. Contact your defense lawyer immediately and do not make any statements about the case.

Do not make any statements: Refrain from any statements until you receive legal assistance. Your silence cannot be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Any statement, even seemingly harmless remarks, could later be used against you.

These rules are crucial to protecting your rights. Your silence can never be negatively interpreted, and you are entitled to consult your lawyer at any stage of the proceedings. Ensure that you have legal representation in any critical situation before making any statements or agreements.