Sentence Consolidation in Greece: When and How It Can Be Granted

When and How Sentence Consolidation Can Be Granted – Legal Guidance from an Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer

What Is Sentence Consolidation?

Sentence consolidation is a legal procedure provided under the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, through which multiple criminal sentences imposed on the same person are merged into one overall sentence. This procedure applies when there are multiple convictions concerning different criminal offences.

When Is Sentence Consolidation Permitted?

Sentence consolidation may be requested when:

• there are multiple criminal convictions, and

• the sentences have not yet been fully served

The competent court retains the most severe sentence as the base sentence and increases it by adding part of the remaining sentences. In this way, a single overall sentence is formed.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The procedure begins with the submission of an application before the competent court. The court examines the individual sentences and determines the new overall sentence in accordance with the provisions of the Greek Penal Code.

The Relationship Between Sentence Consolidation and Release from Prison

Sentence consolidation directly affects the duration of imprisonment. In many cases, it constitutes an essential step before conditional release proceedings, as it determines the total custodial sentence to be served.

The Importance of Proper Legal Assessment

Every criminal case has its own particular characteristics and requires an individualised legal approach. For this reason, the assessment of the factual circumstances and legal support from an experienced criminal defence lawyer are essential for the proper evaluation of the case.

A Criminal Law attorney plays a substantial role in determining the appropriate legal strategy.

What does a Criminal Defence Lawyer do in Sentence Consolidation cases and how can they help?

The sentence consolidation procedure requires a proper legal assessment of the criminal convictions and the factual background of each individual case. A Criminal Defence Lawyer with experience and specialised legal knowledge reviews all sentences under which the person is currently detained, obtains copies of the relevant court decisions, and prepares and submits the sentence consolidation application together with all necessary supporting documents.

At the same time, the Criminal Defence Lawyer evaluates the total sentence that may result from the consolidation process and the way in which it may affect the duration of imprisonment, as well as the possibility of conditional release.

Proper legal guidance at this stage is particularly important, as every case is assessed based on its own specific factual circumstances. The assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer can contribute significantly to the proper preparation of the procedure and the accurate evaluation of the available legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When does sentence consolidation apply?

Sentence consolidation applies when a person has been convicted and sentenced for multiple different criminal offences.

2. Can I request sentence consolidation for old convictions?

Yes. An application may also be submitted for sentences imposed years ago, provided that the sentences have not been fully served or otherwise legally extinguished. For a proper legal assessment of your case, immediate legal assistance from an experienced criminal defence lawyer is strongly recommended.

3. Can sentence consolidation actually reduce prison time

Yes. Sentence consolidation determines the overall sentence to be served and is often connected to conditional release procedures. Consulting an experienced criminal lawyer for a legal strategy aimed at reducing imprisonment time is considered essential.

4. How long does it take for a sentence consolidation decision to be issued?

The timeframe depends on the workload of the competent court. In most cases, hearings are scheduled within a relatively short period of time.

Timely and proper legal assistance from a lawyer practising Criminal Law may help accelerate the process.

5. Is a lawyer always required for the procedure?

Yes. Proper legal support is necessary for the correct submission of the application and the legal assessment of the sentences involved.

For this reason, timely legal guidance from a Criminal Defence Lawyer contributes substantially to the effective handling of the procedure.

6. How does sentence consolidation affect the duration of imprisonment?

Sentence consolidation determines the total sentence that must ultimately be served.

7. How can I contact your law office?

You may contact us directly at +30 6977424779 or via Viber / WhatsApp on the same number.

Alternatively, you may send us an email at terzidislaw@yahoo.gr

8. Have you previously handled sentence consolidation cases?

Yes. Our law office has extensive experience in handling cases across the full spectrum of Criminal Law matters.

Contact a Criminal Defence Lawyer for Sentence Consolidation Cases

Sentence consolidation is an important legal procedure under the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, which may substantially affect the total sentence to be served. Proper legal assessment of the criminal convictions and the legal requirements provided by law is crucial for the successful submission of a sentence consolidation application.

Each case presents its own particularities and requires careful examination of the court decisions, the severity of the sentences imposed, and the procedure that must be followed before the competent court.

For further information regarding the sentence consolidation process and the possibility of submitting a relevant application, you may contact our law office for legal advice.

Contact telephone number:  +30 6977424779