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This guide provides an overview of criminal defense for people living in or near Melissia, a suburb of Athens in the region of Attica, Greece. Criminal law in Greece is part of a civil law system governed mainly by the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Cases are typically investigated by police and public prosecutors, and decided by criminal courts that operate at different levels depending on the seriousness of the alleged offense.
In practice, criminal matters involve interactions with local police stations, prosecutors, and courts in the Attica region. A defense lawyer represents the accused at every stage - from police questioning and pre-trial investigation to trial and appeal. The right to a defense lawyer is protected under Greek law and by international human-rights standards that Greece has ratified.
Note - this guide is for informational purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified lawyer who knows the details of your case.
Criminal matters carry significant risks, including fines, criminal records, and imprisonment. You should consider getting a lawyer if any of the following apply:
- You have been arrested or taken into police custody.
- You are under formal investigation or have been charged with an offence.
- You are summoned to appear before a prosecutor or a court.
- You face serious allegations such as assault, theft, drug offenses, sexual offenses, driving-related crimes, fraud, or domestic violence.
- You are a witness who may be exposed to criminal liability or asked to give a statement that could be used against you.
- You are accused of violating conditions of probation or parole.
- You are a foreign national in need of an interpreter or consular assistance.
A lawyer helps protect your rights, explains the charges and possible outcomes, advises on whether to speak to police, gathers and preserves evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, represents you at hearings, and prepares appeals if necessary.
Key aspects of criminal law and procedure in the Melissia/Attica area that are relevant to defendants include the following.
- Types of offences - Greek law generally distinguishes between petty offences, misdemeanors, and felonies. The classification affects which court will hear the case and the maximum penalties that apply.
- Presumption of innocence - Every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty according to the law. The prosecution bears the burden of proof.
- Arrest and police procedures - Police may detain individuals for questioning. Detainees have the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, the right to remain silent, and the right to consult with a lawyer. Police searches and seizures generally require a judicial order unless there are urgent circumstances.
- Investigative stages - Investigations can be conducted by the police under the supervision of a public prosecutor. Serious cases may involve a judicial investigator or examining magistrate. During the investigation, prosecutors decide whether to press charges and which charges to file.
- Evidence rules - Evidence must be gathered lawfully to be admissible. Confessions taken without proper legal warnings or without the presence of a lawyer may be challenged. Forensic evidence, witness testimony, documentary records, and expert reports all play roles in prosecutions and defenses.
- Pre-trial detention and release - Courts may order pre-trial detention when there is a risk of flight, evidence tampering, or repeat offending. In other cases, courts may release defendants on conditions such as bail, travel restrictions, regular reporting, or sureties. The availability and terms of release vary by case.
- Trials and appeals - Criminal trials are usually public and may be heard by single judges, panels, or juries depending on the offense. Convictions can be appealed to higher courts. Appeals can challenge factual findings, legal rulings, or procedural errors.
- Sentences and alternatives - Penalties include fines, imprisonment, suspended sentences, and community-based sanctions. Courts may apply mitigating or aggravating factors when sentencing. There are legal provisions for probation, conditional release, and alternatives to incarceration in certain cases.
- Special procedures - Juvenile defendants are subject to special procedures and protections. Foreign nationals have rights to consular assistance and, where needed, interpretation services.
- Statutes of limitations - Time limits apply to the prosecution of many offences. These limits depend on the nature and severity of the alleged crime.
Stay calm and ask for a lawyer right away. You have the right to be informed of the reason for your arrest and to contact a lawyer and, if you wish, family members or your consulate. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal advice. Do not sign documents or make statements without your lawyer present.
Yes. If you cannot afford a private lawyer you should request legal aid. Legal aid may be available through the local bar association or state legal-aid services. A court can appoint a defender in certain proceedings. Ask the police, prosecutor, or a local lawyers' association about how to apply for legal aid.
No. Greek procedure provides limits on detention without charge. Authorities must bring detainees before a prosecutor and follow required time limits for custody and judicial review. If the prosecutor decides not to press charges, you may be released. If charges are brought, the court will address pre-trial detention according to the law. Consult a lawyer promptly to challenge unlawful detention.
It is generally advisable to avoid making voluntary statements without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used in evidence. You may provide basic identifying information, but politely refuse to answer questions until you have legal advice. If you do speak, try to keep answers brief and accurate.
The first hearing usually involves the reading of charges and decisions on procedural matters such as bail, pre-trial detention, or interim measures. Your lawyer will advise you on plea options, evidentiary issues, and immediate defense steps. The court may schedule further hearings or order additional investigation.
Yes. Defence lawyers routinely discuss evidence and possible resolutions with prosecutors. Negotiations may lead to reduced charges, alternative penalties, or plea arrangements in appropriate cases. The range of possible agreements depends on the strength of the evidence, the seriousness of the offence, and applicable procedural rules.
Key evidence types include witness testimony, forensic reports, documents, electronic records, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. The legality of how evidence was obtained is also critical - unlawfully obtained evidence may be challenged and excluded. A lawyer can review evidence and instruct investigators or experts as needed.
Case duration varies widely depending on complexity, the court's calendar, whether pre-trial detention is involved, and whether the case proceeds to trial and appeal. Minor cases can be resolved relatively quickly, while serious matters may take months or years. Your lawyer can give a more accurate estimate based on the specific facts and local court practice.
Foreign nationals have the same basic procedural rights as Greek citizens, including the right to a lawyer and to interpretation services if they do not understand Greek. You may also request consular assistance from your embassy. Inform authorities of your nationality and ask for language assistance early.
Yes. Most convictions and sentences can be appealed to a higher court within specified time limits. Appeals can argue errors of law, procedural violations, or incorrect factual findings. Some cases may also be taken to higher judicial bodies or international courts after domestic remedies are exhausted. Speak with your lawyer immediately to protect appeal rights and meet deadlines.
When you need further information or formal help, these local and national bodies and organizations can be useful:
- The local Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal aid services in Attica.
- Hellenic Police - for information about arrest and detention procedures at local stations.
- Public Prosecutor's Office - handles criminal investigations and decides on charges.
- Ministry of Justice - for general information about courts, legal aid schemes, and procedural rules.
- Hellenic Ombudsman - for complaints about public authorities and rights violations.
- Human rights organizations and legal clinics - some local NGOs provide support in cases of rights violations, vulnerable persons, or complex human rights issues.
- European Court of Human Rights - as a last resort after domestic remedies are exhausted for alleged breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights.
If you or someone you care about needs criminal defense assistance in Melissia, consider these practical steps:
1. Act quickly - time limits and procedural steps can be decisive. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
2. Protect rights - remain calm, ask for a lawyer, and avoid answering detailed police questions without legal advice.
3. Gather information - write down names, times, locations, and the names of officers or witnesses. Keep any documents, receipts, messages, or photos that relate to the matter.
4. Seek legal representation - request a private lawyer or ask about legal aid through the local bar association or court. Ask potential lawyers about experience in criminal defense, fees, and case strategy.
5. Preserve evidence - if you have physical or electronic evidence, preserve it and provide copies to your lawyer. Avoid deleting messages, destroying documents, or altering physical evidence.
6. Attend all proceedings - missing hearings can lead to negative consequences. Coordinate with your lawyer and attend every scheduled court or prosecutor appointment.
7. Follow your lawyer's guidance - your lawyer will advise on whether to negotiate, seek dismissal, prepare for trial, or file appeals. Be honest and provide all relevant facts to enable an effective defense.
8. Ask about next steps and costs - clarify the likely timeline, possible outcomes, and the lawyer's fee structure. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid or pro bono options.
If you need help locating a criminal defense lawyer in Melissia, start with the local bar association or ask for recommendations from people you trust. Early legal advice significantly improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
