Have you been accused of fraud? Are you worried about being charged with embezzlement? Or are you a suspect in a theft? Has the police contacted you to provide an explanation or attend an interrogation? Are you already facing trial? In such cases, it is better to be represented by a lawyer specializing in criminal law who will help you with the entire situation. Their role is to ensure the most favorable outcome for the client in criminal proceedings. This is fundamentally achieved by overseeing the legality of the procedures of law enforcement authorities (police, public prosecutor, court) and ensuring the rights of the accused are respected. More importantly, they will develop a comprehensive defense strategy and perform the actions described below.
Roles of a Lawyer – Defense Attorney in Criminal Proceedings
The primary goal of a defense attorney is to PROVE THE INNOCENCE OF THE ACCUSED. Therefore, they seek evidence in the client’s favor, contest and refute evidence against them, ask appropriate questions to witnesses and victims, and utilize their thorough knowledge of laws and judicial case law.
In some cases, the evidence against the accused is difficult to challenge; therefore, the defense attorney strives to ensure the outcome of the criminal proceedings is at least as lenient as possible. This means the defense attorney’s task is to SECURE A CONVICTION FOR A LESS SERIOUS OFFENSE and a LIGHTER SENTENCE.
Criminal Proceedings for Property Crimes
In property crimes, the amount of damage caused is usually crucial. Based on this, it is determined whether the act constitutes a misdemeanor, a felony, or a particularly serious felony, with each category offering different defense strategies. In property crimes, guilt and sentencing are often based on statements from victims, witnesses, expert reports, contracts, invoices, delivery notes, handover protocols, or bank statements. If a crime is suspected, the police first invite those involved to provide an explanation. If they subsequently believe a person has committed a crime, they initiate criminal prosecution and issue a resolution to that effect. The accused may file a complaint against this resolution within 3 days, which is reviewed by the supervising public prosecutor. If the criminal proceedings continue, a second visit to the police follows for the statement of the accused, known as an interrogation. After the interrogation, the defense strategy determines whether to seek an agreement with the public prosecutor and the victim—such as a plea bargain, conditional suspension of criminal prosecution, or a settlement agreement—or to go to court and fight for the client’s innocence.
Choose a Lawyer – Defense Attorney as Soon as Possible
Criminal proceedings consist of several sequential parts. For the best outcome of the client’s case, it is essential for their defense attorney to be involved from the very beginning. If a lawyer joins the defense at a later stage, it may no longer be possible to help the client fully, only to mitigate the consequences.
I Am a Victim or an Injured Party of a Crime
The Law Office of JUDr. Marek Matěna in Olomouc, Ostrava, Pardubice, Frýdek-Místek, and Zlín also assists victims and injured parties of criminal activity. A victim can only be a natural person who has suffered physical, psychological, or property harm. An injured party can also be a legal entity. If a client chooses us as their legal representatives, we will ensure the court awards them compensation for damages and non-pecuniary harm suffered as a result of the crime.
AK Matěna helps its clients in difficult times
The Law Office of JUDr. Marek Matěna in Olomouc, Ostrava, Pardubice, Frýdek-Místek, and Zlín has long specialized in criminal law. Therefore, if you are dealing with providing an explanation or a police interrogation, facing a main trial, have received a penal order, or are conversely an injured party or victim of a crime, or have any other legal problem, do not hesitate to contact us. Our law firm will attend to you immediately and assist you with everything.
