Criminal procedure guide

Criminal Procedure in Georgia

A stage-by-stage guide to investigation, arrest, restraint, evidence, trial and review.

English legal guideTbilisi · Georgia-wide
Short answer

A stage-by-stage guide to investigation, arrest, restraint, evidence, trial and review.

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Use this section by event, accusation or role

A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

A participant needs to identify the current stage, the next decision-maker and which rights or deadlines need immediate attention. The correct legal route depends on the documents, the participant's procedural status, the investigating authority and the current stage—not simply the label attached to the accusation.

Our organising principles

01

Identify stage and participant status

02

Check deadlines against the consolidated Code

03

Distinguish investigator, prosecutor and court functions

04

Prepare evidence before the relevant hearing

Complete topic directory

Explore Criminal Procedure in Georgia

Every guide connects practical action, Georgian procedure, evidence and related primary sources. The directory is intentionally deeper than a list of Criminal Code provisions.

01

How a Criminal Case Starts

How a Criminal Case Starts in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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02

Investigation

Investigation in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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03

Witness Examination Before a Magistrate Judge

A person invited to a voluntary interview may refuse, but cannot personally compel examination before a magistrate judge. A prosecution or defence motion, statutory grounds and a judicial decision are required under Articles 113–115 of Georgia's Criminal Procedure Code.

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04

Arrest

Arrest in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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05

Rights After Arrest

Rights After Arrest in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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06

Right to a Lawyer

The Constitution and Criminal Procedure Code protect access to a lawyer. Investigators, prosecutors and judges may not recommend a particular defence lawyer.

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07

Right to Remain Silent

An accused may use the right to silence at any time, and silence may not be treated as evidence of guilt. A witness's position is different, so status matters.

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08

Interpreter

An interpreter is called when a participant has no or insufficient command of the language of proceedings or needs sign-language communication.

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09

Evidence

Evidence in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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10

Defence Evidence

Defence Evidence in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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11

Search

Search in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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12

Seizure

Seizure in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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13

Restraint Measures

Restraint Measures in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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14

Bail

Bail in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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15

Pre-Trial Detention

Detention is not automatic. The total detention period for an accused may not exceed nine months, and the statutory risks must be assessed individually.

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16

Plea Bargain

A plea bargain requires defence counsel, the accused's consent and court approval. The judge reviews voluntariness, understanding, evidence and fairness.

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17

Pre-Trial Hearing

Pre-Trial Hearing in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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18

Trial

Trial in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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19

Jury

Jury in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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20

Judgment

Judgment in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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21

Appeal

Appeal in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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22

Cassation

Cassation in Georgia: A structured guide to Georgian criminal proceedings from investigation through restraint, evidence, trial, judgment and review.

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