Criminal law in Greece

Greek criminal law is based mainly on written legislation, including the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. It identifies prohibited conduct and the procedures used to investigate and decide a case. Offences differ in seriousness and required elements. Liability commonly depends on what happened, the person’s state of mind, any legal justification, and the quality of the evidence. Police gather information and evidence, while prosecutors supervise or direct important parts of criminal proceedings. An investigating judge may have a role in serious cases. A suspect or accused person has fundamental defense rights. These include understanding the accusation, obtaining legal assistance, using an interpreter where required, and challenging evidence through lawful procedures. Arrest and detention are controlled by legal safeguards and judicial oversight. Anyone detained should ask to contact a lawyer and should not sign a document that they do not understand. Victims can report an offence and provide evidence. Depending on the case, they may also seek protection, information, participation in proceedings, or compensation. Evidence can include witness accounts, documents, digital records, expert findings, physical objects, and official reports. The way evidence is collected, preserved, and presented can affect whether it is usable and persuasive. A criminal case may pass through reporting, preliminary inquiry, prosecution, investigation, trial, judgment, and possible appeal. Not every report reaches every stage because authorities assess legal sufficiency and evidence. Possible consequences include imprisonment, financial penalties, restrictions, or other measures recognized by law. The result depends on the offence, circumstances, individual responsibility, and applicable sentencing rules. Criminal proceedings are separate from private compensation claims, although the same event can create both criminal and civil issues. Specialist advice helps coordinate the available routes.