A criminal case in Georgia while you are abroad

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, if an accused is hiding, a motion for detention can be filed with the court. After the arrest, the accused must be brought before a magistrate judge no later than 48 hours after being taken to the place of investigation; if the wanted person was arrested abroad — no later than 48 hours after being brought to the place of investigation in Georgia (Article 206, Part 10).

We find out your status in the case, what the charge is and whether you are wanted; we protect your interests in the investigation and in court, and plan your return so that you have a lawyer from the very first minute.

A trial in absentia

• If the accused avoids appearing in court, the case may be heard in their absence (Article 189)
• In such a case the participation of the accused's lawyer is mandatory (Article 189)
• A guilty verdict given in absentia can be appealed within 1 month — from the arrest or from appearing before the relevant authority; or from the announcement of the verdict, if you ask for the appeal to be heard without you (Article 292, Part 3)

Being wanted and your passport

The passport of a wanted accused or convicted Georgian citizen can be suspended by a court ruling on the prosecutor's motion. This restricts the right to leave Georgia and to travel abroad. The suspension lasts until the sentence is enforced or the prosecution ends, but the prosecutor can lift it at any time. The ruling can be appealed (Articles 164 and 165).

If you are arrested abroad

If you are arrested in another country at Georgia's request, that country decides on handing you over under its own law and international treaties. Within 48 hours of being brought to Georgia you must be taken before a court, which cancels, changes or keeps the preventive measure (Article 206, Part 10).