Criminal law in Slovakia

Criminal law in Slovakia is based on rules that describe criminal offenses, responsibility, possible penalties, and criminal procedure. The main Slovak terms are Trestný zákon for the Criminal Code and Trestný poriadok for criminal procedure. A trestný čin is a criminal offense. A priestupok is generally a less serious offense handled outside the criminal court system, often through an administrative process. The police investigate suspected crimes, the prokurátor, or prosecutor, supervises and brings the case forward, and courts decide guilt and consequences. These bodies have different roles and must follow formal procedures. A person may be described as a suspect, obvinený, or obžalovaný as the case develops. A person is presumed innocent until guilt is established by a final court decision. Important rights include knowing the accusation, remaining silent, consulting an obhajca, or defense lawyer, and challenging unlawful actions. Language assistance may be available when a person cannot understand the proceedings. A victim, often called a poškodený, may report the offense, provide evidence, seek information, and claim compensation within the applicable procedure. Personal safety and medical needs should be addressed first. A case may involve reporting, investigation, questioning, expert evidence, a prosecutor’s decision, a court hearing, and an appeal. Detention, called väzba, is a separate measure and is not the same as a sentence. Possible outcomes include acquittal, conviction, a penalty, another lawful measure, or a decision to end the case. The result depends on the evidence and the exact legal classification.