Criminal law in Ukraine

Criminal law in Ukraine explains which conduct is a criminal offence and what sanctions may follow. The main source is the Criminal Code of Ukraine, called Кримінальний кодекс України or ККУ. Criminal procedure is mainly governed by the Кримінальний процесуальний кодекс України or КПК. Police, investigators, prosecutors, and courts have different roles. An investigator collects evidence and conducts procedural actions, a prosecutor supervises or leads prosecution within the legal framework, and a court decides questions reserved for the judiciary and determines guilt after trial. A report of a possible offence can begin the process. The investigation is recorded in the ЄРДР, the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations. A person may become a потерпілий, meaning victim, or a підозрюваний, meaning suspect, depending on the facts and the formal procedural decision. The usual structure includes reporting, pre-trial investigation, notice of suspicion when the legal conditions are met, collection and testing of evidence, possible detention or preventive measures, and either closure, a prosecutor's indictment, or another lawful outcome. A suspect has the right to know the accusation, remain silent, communicate with a lawyer, and challenge unlawful actions. A victim may have rights to information, participation, evidence, representation, and compensation within the procedure. The exact rights depend on the person's formal status. Detention, search, seizure, questioning, and other intrusive measures are controlled by procedural rules. Some measures require court authorization, while urgent situations may have special procedures. The person should ask what action is taking place and under which legal status. Evidence may include documents, objects, digital information, expert findings, recordings, and witness statements. Evidence must be collected and assessed according to legal rules, and a statement or document may be challenged if it was obtained unlawfully or is unreliable. The case may end through closure, acquittal, conviction, or another procedure provided by law. A judgment or important procedural decision can usually be challenged through the available appeal process, subject to the applicable rules. Criminal cases can affect liberty, reputation, property, immigration status, and family life. Do not discuss the facts in detail with investigators without understanding your status and right to counsel, and contact an адвокат, a licensed lawyer, as early as possible.