Rights become practical only when status, language and the next action are clear
An accused person has rights including defence, silence, information about the accusation, interpretation where required, participation in specified actions, presentation of evidence and judicial review. The content and timing of each right should be checked against the current Code and the particular action.
Mandate in a criminal case
The accused should understand the allegation and procedural status before substantive questioning; communicate confidentially with qualified counsel; use an interpreter where command of Georgian is insufficient; receive and challenge relevant decisions; and participate effectively in hearings and the defence case.
What this page must not imply
Silence is not obstruction, and requesting counsel or interpretation is not an admission. At the same time, rights do not authorise destruction of evidence, breach of a court order, witness pressure or non-compliance with a lawful compulsory measure. Voluntary and compulsory acts must be distinguished before responding.
Questions and actions that organise the file
Documents to request or preserve
- Rights notification and accusation
- Appointment order and lawyer certificate
- Interpreter identification and translated record
- Interview or interrogation record
- Applications, rulings and proof of service
Counsel should decide which rights must be exercised immediately and which remedy preserves the issue. A general assertion that rights were violated is less effective than identifying the act, record, objection, prejudice and relief sought.
Primary sources for this guide
Institutional structures, consolidated legislation and procedures can change. Verify the responsible body, current Georgian text and the actual document served before relying on this guide.
Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia↗︎Constitution of Georgia↗︎Law of Georgia on Lawyers↗︎