Best Sex Crime Lawyers in Arta

About Sex Crime Law in Arta, Greece

Sex crime cases in Arta are handled under Greek national law, primarily the Greek Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. Greece recognizes consent as the foundation of lawful sexual activity, and any sexual act without free and informed consent can be criminal. Offenses include rape, sexual coercion, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, offenses involving minors, grooming, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material, and non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. Proceedings are criminal in nature and are led by the public prosecutor, with local policing and courts in Arta responsible for investigation and adjudication. Penalties can include significant prison sentences, fines, and restrictive measures. Victims and suspects have defined procedural rights, including the right to legal representation and interpretation services.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are the victim of a sexual offense and want to report the incident, preserve evidence, request protective measures, or claim compensation. A lawyer can explain your rights, guide you through medical and forensic steps, communicate with the police and prosecutor, and protect your privacy. If you are accused or under investigation, immediate legal assistance is critical to protect your right to remain silent, prepare a defense, attend interviews or hearings, challenge detention, apply for bail or restrictions instead of remand, preserve digital and physical evidence, and avoid inadvertent violations such as contacting the complainant. You may also need counsel in related civil or administrative issues, such as restraining orders, workplace matters, school or university proceedings, immigration consequences, or data protection complaints involving intimate images.

Local Laws Overview

Consent is central in Greek law. A sexual act without freely given consent is criminal, including situations involving violence, threats, fear, intoxication, incapacity, or exploitation of vulnerability. Marital or partner status does not create consent. The age of consent in Greece is 15, with stricter rules and heavier penalties when a minor is involved, and additional offenses exist where an adult abuses a position of trust or provides remuneration to obtain sexual acts from a minor. Rape and serious sexual offenses are prosecuted ex officio, meaning authorities pursue the case regardless of a victim’s later wish to withdraw. Many cases involving minors receive enhanced protection, and limitation periods are longer and may not start running until the minor turns 18.

Non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, including threats to publish such material, is criminal. Online grooming, solicitation of minors, and possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material are felonies with severe consequences. Sexual harassment and violence in the workplace can trigger both criminal liability and employer duties under labor and health and safety regulations. Victims have rights to information, interpretation, accompaniment, psycho-social support, privacy protections, and to request closed-door hearings in sensitive cases. Suspects have the right to counsel, an interpreter, medical assistance if needed, and to be informed of the charges. For serious felonies, an investigating judge may be assigned after the prosecutor files charges. Pre-trial decisions can include release, bail, or remand with restrictions like reporting duties or no-contact orders.

Evidence can include forensic medical findings, witness statements, digital communications, social media records, geolocation or CCTV, and expert assessments. A forensic examination should ideally be done promptly at a public hospital or forensic unit. You can report to any police station in Arta or directly to the prosecutor. Emergency help is available at any time through national numbers. Low-income individuals may qualify for state legal aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as consent under Greek law

Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and reversible. A lack of resistance is not consent. Consent cannot be given where there is violence, threat, coercion, fear, incapacity, intoxication, or exploitation of vulnerability. Being married or in a relationship does not imply consent.

Is marital or partner rape a crime

Yes. Sexual acts without consent are criminal regardless of marital or relationship status. Greek courts can order protective measures and privacy safeguards in such cases.

What should I do immediately after a sexual assault

If you can, go to a safe place and seek medical help as soon as possible. Consider not washing or changing clothes to preserve evidence, but your health comes first. You can go to a public hospital and ask for a forensic examination, and you can report to the police or the prosecutor. If you have already washed or time has passed, you can still report and seek help.

Do I have to press charges for authorities to act

Serious sexual offenses, including rape and crimes against minors, are prosecuted ex officio. You do not need to file a private complaint for the state to proceed, although your statement and cooperation are often important to the case.

What is the age of consent and how do laws protect minors

The age of consent in Greece is 15. Sexual activity with minors, exploitation, grooming, or using a position of trust or remuneration to obtain sexual acts is heavily penalized. Cases involving minors receive special procedural protections, including testimony safeguards and enhanced privacy.

What are my rights as a victim during the process

Victims have the right to information, interpretation, accompaniment by a lawyer or support person, medical and psycho-social support, protection of identity and privacy, and to request measures to avoid contact with the accused. You can seek compensation for moral and material damages within the criminal case or separately in civil court.

I am accused. Should I speak to police before I have a lawyer

You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer and to an interpreter if needed. It is generally advisable to consult a lawyer before giving any statement, signing documents, or providing devices or passwords, unless a court order compels production.

Can the case be settled privately or dropped

For serious sexual offenses and offenses against minors, private settlements do not stop a criminal case and prosecutors proceed regardless. Attempts to influence or contact the complainant can lead to additional charges or restrictive orders.

How long do I have to report a sex crime

Serious sex crimes often have long limitation periods. For crimes against minors, the limitation may be suspended until the victim turns 18 and then runs for several years. Some lesser offenses may have shorter deadlines for filing a complaint. A lawyer can identify the applicable period for your situation.

What evidence is useful and how is digital evidence handled

Useful evidence can include medical records, photos of injuries, communications like messages or emails, call logs, social media content, location data, and witness testimony. Preserve phones and devices, avoid altering or deleting content, and document dates and times. Authorities can obtain records through lawful requests and forensic analysis.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - emergency number 100 - report a crime or request immediate assistance in Arta or anywhere in Greece.

European emergency number 112 - available 24-7 for police, medical, and fire emergencies.

Prosecutor of the Court of First Instance of Arta - you can file a report directly with the prosecutor during working hours.

Court of First Instance of Arta - criminal cases are heard locally with felonies investigated by an investigating judge when applicable.

General Hospital of Arta - emergency department can arrange medical care and forensic examination or referral to the nearest forensic unit.

SOS Helpline 15900 - national helpline for gender-based violence, counseling, and referral to shelters and legal support.

National Social Solidarity Center 197 - psycho-social support and emergency accommodation referrals for adults and minors.

Child Helpline 1056 - 24-7 support operated by a child protection organization for minors and families.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - for complaints related to unlawful processing or dissemination of intimate images and personal data.

Local bar associations and legal aid services - ask about free or low-cost legal counsel if you meet financial criteria.

Next Steps

If you are in danger, call 100 or 112. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and ask for a forensic examination. Preserve evidence by keeping clothing and digital communications and avoid deleting or modifying content.

Contact a criminal defense or victim-advocacy lawyer experienced in sex crimes in Arta. Ask about urgent protective measures, how to give a statement, and what to expect at each procedural stage. If you cannot afford a lawyer, inquire about state legal aid.

Report the incident to the Hellenic Police or the prosecutor. Provide as much detail as you can and share any evidence. For minors or particularly vulnerable persons, request special accommodations for testimony and privacy.

Follow up with support services. Consider counseling and social support through local or national helplines and services listed above.

Important disclaimer - this guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and individual facts matter. Consult a qualified lawyer in Arta for advice tailored to your situation.