Website design By BotEap.comCriminal law is a set of rules that indicate actions that society disapproves of. A criminal offense differs from a civil offense. Precisely, a criminal offense denotes an action that inexcusably and unacceptably threatens or causes harm to people or society. Criminal law focuses on protecting society and discouraging criminal acts, by imposing punishments on people who carry out these actions. It is notable that the criminal law regulations in Cyprus largely reflect the fundamental principles and main offenses of English common law.

Website design By BotEap.comThe Penal Code (Cap. 154) includes all major criminal offenses and responsibilities. On the other hand, the Criminal Procedure Law (Cap. 155) regulates all matters related to criminal proceedings. Precisely, the structure of the Criminal Procedure Law provides support for all the important provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, the European Convention on Human Rights and other international treaties. This ensures the application of the law in a way that protects the rights of citizens and at the same time does not impede the protection of individuals against criminal offenses and the granting of justice.

Website design By BotEap.comLiability and criminal proceedings:

Website design By BotEap.comBefore proceeding with the general guidelines for criminal liability in Cyprus, it should be clarified that a person under the age of 10 cannot be held criminally liable for any crime committed. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, any person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, the prosecution must prove that the accused person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In other words, the burden of proof falls on the prosecution. Furthermore, it should be noted that criminal liability and / or sanctions are imposed only if there is a clear criminal intent.

Website design By BotEap.comCriminal proceedings are generally instituted by the state. According to the Constitution, the Attorney General of the Republic, who is an independent government official, can institute, direct, take control, continue and suspend any proceeding for a crime against any person in the Republic of Cyprus. In addition, the police may initiate proceedings through the district division police commander in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act (Cap. 285). These cases tend to have a public element and are always under the supervision of the Attorney General.

Website design By BotEap.comSpecifically, in Cyprus, criminal justice is applied through:

• District courts
• Assize Court
• Supreme Court of Cyprus

Website design By BotEap.comThere is a wide spectrum of acts that are understood as a criminal offense and are punishable in the Republic of Cyprus, some of them are listed below:

• Violent crime
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Stole
• Drug trafficking and possession
• Fraud and money laundering
• Drunk driving and other traffic offenses

Website design By BotEap.comPunishments:

Website design By BotEap.comPunishments are defined according to the seriousness of the crime committed. Some surprising examples of punishment are:

• Penalty fee
• Suspended sentence
• Home incarceration
• Conditional freedom
• Prison.

Website design By BotEap.comCriminal proceedings require the immediate involvement of experienced and dedicated attorneys. An experienced attorney will study your case thoroughly and provide you with the appropriate legal support.