Examination Before the Investigating Judge in Greece: What You Need to Know


The Role of the Defendant’s Examination Before the Investigating Judge and Its Importance for the Course of Criminal Proceedings







The examination of a defendant before the Investigating Judge constitutes a critical stage of criminal proceedings, as the defendant is called upon to respond to the charges brought against them and present their position.



The defendant’s examination, together with the evidence contained in the case file, is taken into consideration in the context of subsequent procedural steps, including the imposition of restrictive measures or, where the statutory requirements are met, pre-trial detention.



This article examines the role of the Investigating Judge, the importance of the defendant’s examination, the preparation required by the defendant, and the role of a criminal defence lawyer during the investigative stage of criminal proceedings.










The Defendant’s Examination Before the Investigating Judge as a Critical Stage of Criminal Proceedings


The examination of a defendant before the Investigating Judge constitutes one of the most substantive and decisive stages of criminal proceedings.


At this stage, the defendant is called upon to respond to the charges brought against them and to present their own account of the facts.



The examination is particularly important, as it may affect decisions concerning:


  • the possibility of pre-trial detention

  • whether restrictive measures will be imposed

  • the imposition of house arrest with electronic monitoring (an electronic monitoring “bracelet”)

  • the overall course of the case file towards trial










What Does the Investigating Judge Examine During the Defendant’s Examination?


The Investigating Judge does not act merely as a matter of formality, but undertakes a substantive assessment of the case and of the defendant’s position.








The Strength of the Evidence and Indications Against the Defendant


One of the key matters examined is the adequacy and seriousness of the evidence and indications against the defendant.


The Investigating Judge assesses the evidentiary material contained in the case file and the weight of the available evidence before reaching a decision concerning the subsequent procedural measures.









The Defendant’s Conduct and Position


The defendant’s conduct and position during the examination also play an important role.


Their cooperation with the authorities, consistency in their explanations, and the overall picture emerging from their statement are taken into consideration when forming the relevant assessment.









The Evidence Contained in the Case File


The Investigating Judge takes into account the case file as a whole, including witness statements, documents and other evidentiary material.


The defendant’s examination is always assessed in conjunction with the existing evidence and not in isolation.










The Importance of Preparation Before the Examination


The examination is not a mere formal or routine procedural act, but a critical stage of criminal proceedings that requires thorough preparation. Its outcome may determine whether the defendant will be placed in pre-trial detention pending trial.


The defendant must have a comprehensive understanding of the case file and the relevant factual circumstances in order to present their position clearly and with legal accuracy.


Any statement made at this stage is recorded and may be used at a later stage of the proceedings, making proper preparation particularly important.










The Role of the Lawyer During the Defendant’s Examination Before the Investigating Judge


The presence of a criminal defence lawyer during the defendant’s examination is of decisive importance.


His role is not limited to formal representation, but includes active involvement in developing and presenting the defence strategy.







Legal Guidance for the Defendant


The lawyer explains the defendant’s legal position, analyses the case file and prepares the defendant for the examination procedure.








Developing the Defence Strategy


Based on the circumstances and evidence of the case, the appropriate legal strategy is developed so that the defendant’s examination is consistent, properly substantiated and legally effective.








Protecting the Defendant’s Rights


The lawyer ensures that all of the defendant’s procedural rights are respected and that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the law.











Representation During the Examination Before the Investigating Judge


The role of defence counsel during the defendant’s examination is not merely “decorative”.



Defence counsel monitors compliance with the applicable procedural requirements and intervenes where necessary, for example if any of the defendant’s rights are violated or in order to ensure that the defendant’s statements are accurately recorded as they were made.



At the conclusion of the examination, defence counsel sets out the legal arguments of the defence.











Why the Defendant’s Examination Before the Investigating Judge Is Particularly Important


The examination before the Investigating Judge constitutes one of the most critical stages of criminal proceedings, as it may directly affect the course of the case.


Timely and thorough preparation, together with the assistance of a criminal defence lawyer, may contribute to the effective exercise of the defendant’s rights and to the development of an appropriate defence strategy.











Legal Assistance in Proceedings Involving Examination Before the Investigating Judge


Every criminal case involves particular legal and factual circumstances and requires an individual assessment based on the facts of the case, the contents of the case file and the applicable procedural framework.



The examination before the Investigating Judge constitutes a particularly important stage of criminal proceedings. Appropriate preparation requires prior examination of the case file, assessment of the available evidence and development of an appropriate defence strategy.



For immediate legal assistance in the event of an arrest, a summons to appear for examination before the Investigating Judge, or any other criminal law matter, you may contact our law firm at  +30 697 742 4779  or  via Viber  WhatsApp  at the same number.




Christos Terzidis, Attorney at Law before the Supreme Court (Areios Pagos), Criminal Defence Lawyer and Doctor of Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, holds a PhD in the field of drug-related offences. He undertakes criminal law cases, with particular emphasis on drug offences, providing individualised legal assistance at all stages of criminal proceedings.



Having served for many years as a member of the team of lawyers of KETHEA (Centre for the Treatment of Dependent Individuals), he has substantial experience and expertise in Criminal Law, particularly in matters concerning drug legislation.










Useful Legal Articles on Criminal Proceedings


Criminal proceedings consist of individual stages and involve complex legal issues, for which timely and reliable information can be particularly useful.



Our law firm specialises in Criminal Law and drug-related cases and regularly publishes useful informational articles concerning issues of criminal procedure.



For a more comprehensive overview of Criminal Law matters and drug-related cases, you may also read our related articles:











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