Criminal law in Romania

Romanian criminal law separates the definition of an offence from the rules used to investigate and decide a case. The Criminal Code is called Codul penal, while criminal procedure is called Codul de procedură penală. A criminal matter may begin after a complaint, a report, a referral, or information received by authorities. Police officers and prosecutors can carry out different parts of the investigation, under the control required by law. A person may have different procedural statuses, including witness, suspect, or defendant, called inculpat. The status matters because the person’s rights, duties, and access to information can change. Important protections include the presumption of innocence, the right to a defense, the right to remain silent in relevant situations, and the right to challenge certain measures or decisions. A person should understand what authority is asking and in what capacity. Prosecutors, called procurori, work within the prosecution system, often referred to as Parchet. Courts decide criminal cases and apply the procedural safeguards required for a fair hearing. Possible measures during a case can include questioning, searches, seizure of objects, judicial control, or detention, depending on the legal conditions and the facts. These measures are not the same as a final conviction. Victims may have rights to report an offence, participate in proceedings, seek protection, and claim compensation through the appropriate legal route. Witnesses should give truthful information and should ask about protection when they fear retaliation. Criminal cases are fact-sensitive and can move quickly at important moments. Anyone questioned as a suspect or defendant, arrested, searched, or facing a serious accusation should contact a criminal lawyer promptly and avoid destroying evidence or discussing confidential strategy publicly.