Acquittal of a Juvenile Defendant by the Single-Member Juvenile Court of Thessaloniki

The Single-Member Juvenile Court of Thessaloniki accepted our defence arguments and acquitted our juvenile principal, highlighting the importance of an individualised approach in Criminal law cases

Cases involving juvenile defendants require particular attention and specialised handling, as Juvenile law is governed by distinct legal principles and a fundamentally different approach compared to cases involving adult defendants. The proper assessment of the factual circumstances and the implementation of an effective defence strategy can play a decisive role in the outcome of the proceedings.

A recent case handled by our Greek law office before the Single-Member Juvenile Court of Thessaloniki serves as a characteristic example. The Court accepted our defence arguments and proceeded to acquit our juvenile principal.

Acquittal in a Case Involving a Juvenile Defendant

In this particular case, I appeared before the Single-Member Juvenile Court of Thessaloniki as a defence counsel, representing the juvenile defendant.

Following an assessment of the factual circumstances and the arguments presented during the proceedings, the Court accepted our defence position and acquitted our principal of all charges.

The Importance of Effective Defence Representation in Juvenile law Cases

Juvenile law possesses unique characteristics and is governed by special statutory provisions that significantly differentiate the handling of juvenile cases from criminal proceedings involving adults.

Every allegation requires a tailored defence approach, while the specific circumstances of each case may substantially affect the legal assessment of the alleged conduct and the Court's final determination.

Timely legal assistance from a lawyer experienced in Criminal Law and, more specifically, in Juvenile Justice matters can prove particularly important from the earliest stages of the proceedings.

A Juvenile Defendant Has Been Summoned? What You Should Know

The involvement of a juvenile before police, prosecutorial, or judicial authorities naturally causes concern for both the young person and their family. However, the existence of criminal allegations does not predetermine the final outcome of the case.

Read our law firm's articles below to learn more about Juvenile law in Greece:

• Juvenile Criminal Law in Greece: Defence of Minors & Legal Representation in Thessaloniki

• Juvenile Criminal Law in Greece – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Legal Representation in Criminal Law and Juvenile law Cases

Christos Terzidis, Attorney admitted before the Supreme Court of Greece (Areios Pagos), Criminal Defence Lawyer in Thessaloniki, and Doctor of Laws (PhD) from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with specialisation in drug-related criminal offences, possesses extensive courtroom experience and in-depth knowledge of Criminal Law.

He undertakes Criminal Law cases in Thessaloniki and throughout Greece, providing comprehensive legal representation in a broad range of criminal matters.

With continuous practice in Criminal Law since 2010, he specialises in representing defendants before Criminal Courts and Juvenile Courts across Greece.

Juvenile Justice Lawyer in Thessaloniki

If you require legal assistance in a case involving a juvenile defendant, or in any Criminal Law matter, you may contact our Greek law office:

📞 Telephone:  +30 697 742 4779

📧 Email:  terzidislaw@yahoo.gr

📱 Viber /  WhatsApp:   +30 697 742 4779

Juvenile Justice in Greece: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is considered as a juvenile defendant?

A juvenile defendant is a person who had not reached the age of 18 at the time the alleged offence was committed.

The age of the accused at the time of the alleged conduct is the primary criterion for the application of Juvenile law provisions.

2. Which court is responsible for hearing cases involving juvenile defendants?

Cases involving juvenile defendants are heard by the competent Juvenile Courts, which apply special legal provisions and procedures designed to take into account the age and personality of the juvenile.

3. Are juvenile court proceedings open to the public?

No.

Proceedings before Juvenile Courts are generally conducted in private in order to protect the juvenile's personality, dignity, and right to privacy.

4. If the defendant becomes an adult before trial, does the Juvenile Court remain competent?

Yes.

Even if the defendant has reached the age of 18 by the date of the hearing, the Juvenile Court remains competent, provided that the alleged offence was committed while the defendant was still a minor.

5. Can a juvenile defendant be imprisoned?

Under certain legal conditions, Greek law provides for the possibility of confinement in a special detention facility for young offenders.

However, the primary emphasis of Juvenile law is generally placed on reformative and/or therapeutic measures rather than custodial sanctions.

6. Can a juvenile defendant be held in pre-trial detention?

Yes.

In certain cases and subject to the legal requirements established by law, pre-trial detention may be imposed on a juvenile defendant following examination before the Investigating Judge.

7. When should someone consult a Criminal Defence Lawyer in a Juvenile law case?

Legal assistance is advisable from the earliest stages of the proceedings in order to assess the circumstances of the case promptly and develop an appropriate defence strategy.