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If my claim (from another country) is to be considered in this country

Latvia

Content provided by:
Latvia

Which authority decides on a claim for compensation in cross-border cases?

Legal Aid Administration (Juridiskās palīdzības administrācija)
Pils laukums 4
Riga

Telephone: +371 67514208
Free phone line: +371 80001801
Fax : +371 67514209

E-mail : jpa@jpa.gov.lv
Website: https://www.jpa.gov.lv/par-mums-eng

Can I send my claim directly to the deciding authority in this country even in cross-border cases (without having to go via the assisting authority in my home country)?

You can send the request for State compensation directly to the Legal Aid Administration without applying to the competent authority of the European Union Member State that is your country of residence.

In which language(s) do the compensation authority(ies) accept the claim?

The Legal Aid Administration accepts claims for State compensation and the documents annexed to them in Latvian or English. Documents to be submitted to the Legal Aid Administration do not need to be legalised, and equivalent formalities do not apply to these documents.

If the compensation authority translates the claim/supporting documents from another EU country, who pays for this?

If it is necessary to translate the claim for State compensation and the documents annexed to it, the translation costs will be covered by the national budget funding granted to the Legal Aid Administration.

Are there administrative or other charges to be paid in this country for processing my claim (received from another EU country)? If so, how can I pay these?

You will not be charged for the review of the claim for State compensation received from another European Union Member State.

If I need to be present during the procedure and/or when my claim is being decided upon, can I be reimbursed for my travelling costs? How can I claim them? Who do I have to contact?

Your presence is not required for the process of reviewing the claim for State compensation and deciding on the payment of or the refusal to pay State compensation.

If the Legal Aid Administration finds that additional information is required to make the decision, you will be notified accordingly within seven days of receipt of the claim for State compensation.

The decision will be sent to the address specified in the claim for State compensation.

Is an interpreter provided, in case I have to be personally present?

Your presence is not required for the process of reviewing the claim for State compensation and deciding on the payment of or the refusal to pay State compensation.

Will medical certificates, given by doctors in my country of residence, be accepted or recognised – or will my health/injury have to be examined by your medical professionals?

The person directing the proceedings (the police, the prosecutor's office, the court) decides on the expert investigation. The Legal Aid Administration will ask the person directing the proceedings for information about the results of the expert investigation.

The expert opinion is based on medical records or other objective data.

Will I be reimbursed for my travelling costs, if I have to undergo a medical examination in this country?

If the person directing the proceedings (the police, the prosecutor's office, the court) has decided to request an expert investigation, your travel expenses will be covered (from the national budget) in accordance with the procedure and in the amount laid down by the laws and regulations of the Republic of Latvia.

How long does it take approximately to get a decision on compensation from the authority/body?

The Legal Aid Administration decides on payment of or the refusal to pay State compensation within one month from receiving the claim for State compensation and the decision is sent to the address indicated in the claim for State compensation.

If the Legal Aid Administration requires any additional information from you or the person directing the proceedings (the police, the prosecutor's office, the court), the decision-making period is suspended until all the information required is received.

In which language will I receive the decision on my claim?

The decision on the payment of or the refusal to pay State compensation will be sent to you in Latvian with a translation into a language which the European Union Member State in which you reside has indicated that it accepts.

If I am not satisfied with the decision, how can I challenge it?

You may contest the decision of the Legal Aid Administration on the payment of or the refusal to pay State compensation within one month from its entry into force by submitting an application to that effect to the Legal Aid Administration which will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice.

Can I get legal aid (help from a lawyer) under the other country's rules?

You do not need legal aid to request State compensation. The Legal Aid Administration provides the necessary assistance for the process of claiming State compensation.

Are there any victim support organisations in this country that can help me claim compensation in a cross-border case?

The association “Skalbes" offers a free helpline 116006 "Helpline for victims of crime" (every day from 7.00 to 22.00), providing emotional and psychological support to victims of criminal offences, information about the procedural rights of victims (for example, rights in criminal proceedings, rights to compensation of damages, State compensation etc.), available services and existing support services for victims.

Last update: 18/12/2023

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