1. Protection of the Accused Person’s Rights During the Investigation
The lawyer protects the accused person’s rights during arrest, formal charging, and investigative actions. The services include reviewing case materials, participating in questioning, preparing motions, and challenging unlawful actions.
Learn more: Protection of the Accused Person’s Rights During the Investigation
2. Development of a Defense Strategy and Conducting an Alternative Investigation
After examining the circumstances of the case and the evidence, the lawyer develops an individual defense strategy. An alternative investigation includes obtaining information and evidence relevant to the defense through legally permitted means, interviewing witnesses, and arranging any necessary expert examinations.
Learn more: Development of a Defense Strategy and Conducting an Alternative Investigation
3. Protection of a Witness’s Rights
The lawyer explains the witness’s rights and obligations and participates in interviews or questioning. The purpose of legal assistance is to protect the witness from unlawful pressure and from being compelled to testify against themselves or a close relative.
4. Representation at a Hearing on a Measure of Restraint
The lawyer protects the accused person’s interests during the consideration of pretrial detention, bail, and other measures of restraint. The lawyer evaluates whether the prosecution’s request is substantiated and presents arguments and evidence to prevent detention or to modify the measure of restraint already imposed.
Learn more: Representation at a Hearing on a Measure of Restraint
5. Defense Before a Court of First Instance
The lawyer defends the accused person at the pretrial hearing and during the trial on the merits. The services include challenging the admissibility of evidence, examining witnesses, presenting defense evidence, and preparing the closing argument.
6. Representation in Plea Agreement Proceedings
The lawyer evaluates the terms of the plea agreement and explains its legal consequences to the accused person. The lawyer participates in negotiations with the prosecutor and in the court’s consideration of the agreement so that the accused person can make an informed and voluntary decision.
7. Representation Before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court
The lawyer examines the judgment and case materials, assesses the grounds for appeal, and prepares an appellate or cassation appeal. Representation includes substantiating the defense position while taking into account the powers of the relevant court and the admissibility requirements applicable to the appeal.
Learn more: Representation Before the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court
8. Protection of a Victim’s Rights
The lawyer assists a person harmed by a criminal offense in exercising their rights during the investigation and in court. The services include requesting recognition as a victim, submitting evidence, preparing applications, and challenging decisions in cases provided by law.
9. Protection of a Minor’s Rights
Legal assistance to a minor is provided with due regard for their best interests, age, and individual needs. In accordance with the minor’s procedural status, the lawyer protects their rights during interviews, questioning, arrest, and court proceedings.
10. Protection of a Convicted Person’s Rights
The lawyer protects the convicted person’s rights while they are serving their sentence, including in matters concerning medical care, safety, and appeals against decisions of the penitentiary institution. The services also include legal assistance concerning parole, replacement of the sentence, and pardon.
11. Protection of a Wanted Person’s Rights
The lawyer verifies the grounds for the search, determines the person’s procedural status, and assesses the risks of arrest and detention. The services include communicating with the investigation, planning a voluntary appearance, and defending the person during arrest and subsequent procedural actions.
12. Protection of the Rights of a Person Subject to Extradition
The lawyer protects the person’s rights in Georgia during extradition arrest, detention, and proceedings concerning the admissibility of extradition. The lawyer examines the foreign state’s request, assesses the legal circumstances preventing the surrender of the person subject to extradition and the risks of human rights violations, and prepares the relevant appeals.
Learn more: Protection of the Rights of a Person Subject to Extradition
13. Representation Before the European Court of Human Rights
The lawyer assesses possible violations of rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and the admissibility requirements applicable to an application. The services include preparing an application to the Strasbourg Court, representation during the proceedings, and requesting an interim measure in exceptional and urgent cases.
Learn more: Representation Before the European Court of Human Rights