Defendants (criminal proceedings)

A. Where will the trial take place?

The trial will take place at the premises of the court with territorial jurisdiction. The place of trial may be changed in the event of a serious threat to public order.

B. Can the charges be modified? If so, what is my right to information in this regard?

The charges may not be modified. The accused person or their defence counsel is entitled to study the indictment and investigation documents.

C. What are my rights during the court appearances?

i. Am I required to be present in the court? What are the conditions for me to be absent during the court case?

The accused person must appear in person at the hearing and may also appoint a lawyer to defend them in proceedings for both misdemeanours and felonies.

ii. What are my rights to an interpreter and translated documents?

At any stage of the criminal proceedings, when a suspect, accused person or witness who does not speak or understand Greek sufficiently well is to be heard, interpretation must be provided without delay. Where necessary, interpretation is available for communication between accused persons and their defence counsels at all stages of the criminal proceedings.

iii. Do I have the right to a lawyer?

In the case of felonies, the President of the Court must appoint a defence counsel for those accused persons who do not have one. A juvenile judge must do the same in cases where a minor is accused of an act which, if they were of age, would be a felony. Accused persons may not refuse to be defended by the defence counsel(s) appointed by the President of the Court. They may, however, in cases where more than one defence counsel has been appointed, submit a reasoned request asking the court to revoke the appointment of only one defence counsel, whereupon they will continue to be defended by the others.

iv. Which other procedural rights should I be aware of? (e.g. appearance of suspects before the court)

In cases where an absent witness is unable to appear in court, their sworn testimony given at the pre-trial stage is read in court, provided that the accused person or their defence counsel representing has expressly given their consent, in a statement to be recorded in the minutes.

D. Possible sentences

Imprisonment is temporary. Exceptionally, if explicitly stipulated by law, it is for life. The duration of temporary imprisonment is not more than fifteen years or less than five years. The duration of custody is not more than five years or less than ten days. Unless otherwise provided, the duration of community service is not over 720 hours or less than 100 hours. Financial penalties may not be higher than: (a) 90 daily units, where the penalty is the only principal punishment or is ordered in conjunction with a penalty of community service; (b) 180 daily units, where the penalty is ordered in conjunction with a custodial sentence; and (c) 360 daily units, where the penalty is ordered cumulatively with a custodial sentence. Unless otherwise provided in specific provisions, the amount of each daily unit may not be less than €1 or more than €100.