If you are the victim of a crime — you were beaten, robbed, cheated or threatened — the first step is to report it. By law, once an investigator or prosecutor learns of a crime, they must open an investigation (Criminal Procedure Code, Article 100).
Where to report
- 112 — in an emergency
- At the nearest police station — orally or in writing
- At the prosecutor's office — with a written statement
- Domestic violence — also 112: the police can issue a restraining order
How a report is recorded
- A report can be written or oral; for an oral report a record is drawn up and signed by you and the person who took it
- You have the right to a written confirmation that your report was received — ask for it
- An investigation can also start on an anonymous tip, but no one may be prosecuted on an anonymous tip alone
- Anyone aged 14 or over is warned about liability for a false report (Article 101)
What to put in the statement
- What happened, where and when
- Who the suspect is, if you know
- Witnesses
- Evidence: photos, videos, messages, a doctor's note, receipts
- What harm you suffered
If you were beaten or injured, see a doctor promptly — recording the injuries is key evidence. Camera footage is often deleted quickly, so give the exact place and time.
Victim status
Opening an investigation doesn't automatically make you a victim in the legal sense — the prosecutor decides this by a ruling, on their own initiative or on your application. If the prosecutor hasn't granted your application within 48 hours, you can go to the senior prosecutor and then to court (Article 56). A victim has the right to (Article 57):
- Know the substance of the charge
- Get information on the investigation and see the case file, unless this harms the investigation
- Ask for protection if they are in danger
- Tell the court about the harm suffered
- Get back property seized for the case
If the investigation is closed
The prosecutor must send you a copy of the decision to close the investigation within 1 week. A victim can appeal it once to the senior prosecutor. For especially serious crimes, domestic violence and family crimes, if the senior prosecutor refuses, you can also go to court (Article 106).
Assault: the penalty
Beating or other violence causing physical pain is punished under Article 126 of the Criminal Code — by a fine, community service, house arrest or up to 1 year in prison. As a group, repeatedly, against two or more people or against a minor — up to 2 years; systematic beating — 1 to 3 years. Violence against a family member falls under Article 126¹, and bodily harm under Articles 117–120.
False reports
A false report of a crime is itself a crime (Article 373): from a fine up to 4 years in prison, and more if you falsely accuse someone of a serious crime or fake evidence. So only write what you actually know.
How we help
- We draft your statement and help gather evidence
- We apply for victim status and access to the case file
- We appeal a closed or stalled investigation
- We represent you in court and in claiming compensation
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from a lawyer on your specific case.
Every case is different — don't rely on general information. Contact a lawyer for advice.
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