Main Investigation in Criminal Proceedings: What It Is, How It Is Conducted & Why It Is Crucial to a Criminal Case
What is the main investigation? What is the role of the Investigating Judge? What rights does the accused have? Everything you need to know about one of the most important stages of criminal proceedings
The main investigation is one of the most important stages of criminal proceedings, as it is during this phase that the evidence relating to a criminal case is gathered, examined, and evaluated. It is the judicial investigation that follows the initiation of criminal prosecution and often has a decisive impact on the subsequent course of the case.
During this stage, the Investigating Judge carries out a series of investigative acts aimed at establishing the truth and developing a comprehensive understanding of the facts of the case. Careful defence preparation and timely legal guidance become particularly important, especially in serious criminal cases or cases involving felony charges.
What is the main Investigation in Criminal Proceedings?
The main investigation is the stage of criminal proceedings during which the facts of a case are thoroughly examined following the initiation of criminal prosecution. It is conducted by the Investigating Judge and is intended to collect and assess all the evidence necessary for the judicial determination of the case.
This procedure is primarily applicable to more serious criminal cases, particularly felonies, where a more comprehensive investigation of the facts is required before any decision is made regarding the further criminal treatment of the accused.
When is the main Investigation ordered?
The main investigation follows the initiation of criminal prosecution in cases involving felony offences.
At this stage, the case file is placed under the responsibility of the Investigating Judge, who carries out all necessary investigative acts to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to refer the accused to trial.
What is the role of the Investigating Judge?
The Investigating Judge is a judicial officer whose role is to investigate the case and collect all evidence necessary for the proper administration of justice.
During the main investigation, the Investigating Judge may:
examine witnesses
receive statements from the accused
collect documents and other evidence
assess expert opinions and technical reports
carry out special investigative measures where required.
The purpose of the investigation is not only to identify evidence against the accused but also to examine any circumstances that may support the defence.
What does the main Investigation include?
The Statement of the Accused Before the Investigating Judge
The accused's statement before the Investigating Judge is one of the most important procedural steps in criminal proceedings. The accused has specific procedural rights, including the right to review the case file before providing a statement.
Examination of Witnesses
The Investigating Judge may examine witnesses who have knowledge of the facts of the case or who may assist in establishing the truth.
Collection of Documents and Digital Evidence
In modern criminal proceedings, electronic evidence, digital files, telecommunications data, and any other form of evidence capable of assisting the investigation play an increasingly important role.
Assessment of the Evidence
All evidence collected during the main investigation is carefully assessed in order to establish a complete understanding of the facts of the case and their legal evaluation.
The Statement before the Investigating Judge and the Importance of the Defence
Being summoned to provide a statement before the Investigating Judge is one of the most critical stages of a criminal case. The arguments presented, the documents submitted, and the overall defence strategy may have a substantial impact on the subsequent course of the proceedings.
For this reason, a thorough review of the case file and careful preparation before giving a statement play a significant role, particularly in cases involving serious criminal offences or felony charges.
How is the main Investigation connected to the Referral of a case to Trial?
The evidence gathered during the main investigation forms the foundation upon which the subsequent procedural steps are based.
Once the investigation has been completed, the case file is assessed by the competent judicial authorities, which determine whether the legal requirements for referring the accused to trial have been satisfied or whether a different procedural course should be followed.
Why Is the main Investigation a crucial stage of a Criminal Case?
The collection of evidence, the statement of the accused, the investigative acts carried out, and the procedural decisions taken during this stage may significantly influence the subsequent development of the case.
Timely preparation and the proper organisation of the defence can play an important role in shaping the overall presentation of the case before the judicial authorities.
Extensive experience in defending our principals before Investigating and Judicial Authorities
Effective legal representation during the main investigation requires an in-depth knowledge of criminal procedure, extensive experience in handling complex criminal cases, and a thorough understanding of the procedures followed before the Investigating, Prosecutorial, and Judicial Authorities.
Christos Terzidis, Attorney admitted before the Supreme Court of Greece (Areios Pagos), Criminal Defence Lawyer based in Thessaloniki, and PhD in Law from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a doctoral specialisation in drug-related criminal law, has many years of experience in handling complex and demanding criminal cases.
His professional background includes, among other roles, having participated as a member of the legal team of KETHEA (Therapy Centre for Dependent Individuals), where he represented programme participants before Investigating Judges, Public Prosecutors, and Criminal Courts in cases involving drug offences as well as a broad range of Criminal Law matters.
Our Greek Law office based in Thessaloniki, 19A Dodekanisou Street, undertakes cases across the full spectrum of Criminal Law, providing legal representation and strategic guidance at every stage of criminal proceedings, from the preliminary examination and preliminary investigation through the main investigation and trial before the competent criminal courts.
Read below about some of our law firm's significant court successes in Criminal Law cases, including acquittals, discontinuance of criminal proceedings, and successful protection of our principals' rights:
When should you seek legal advice during the main Investigation?
Being summoned to provide a statement before an Investigating Judge or being informed that a main investigation is underway are circumstances that require careful legal assessment and thorough preparation.
Every criminal case has its own factual background and legal complexities. For this reason, obtaining timely advice from a lawyer who regularly practises Criminal Law can assist in understanding the procedure, evaluating the case file, and planning an effective defence strategy.
Proper preparation before giving a statement and the development of a coherent defence strategy are often decisive factors in the subsequent course of the proceedings.
Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Thessaloniki
If you are facing a matter involving a main investigation, a summons to provide a statement before an Investigating Judge, restrictive conditions, pre-trial detention, or any other Criminal Law issue, obtaining timely legal advice and case-specific guidance can be of crucial importance.
Our law firm provides legal representation in Criminal Law cases at every stage of criminal proceedings, from the preliminary examination and preliminary investigation through the main investigation and trial before the competent criminal courts.
You may call us on +30 697 742 4779 or via Viber or WhatsApp using the same number to arrange a consultation or receive initial legal guidance.
Alternatively, you may send documents and any other relevant material for legal assessment by email at terzidislaw@yahoo.gr.
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