Criminal
The 2019 Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure with an investigating judge
Greece enacted new Penal and Criminal Procedure Codes in 2019, reducing sentence severity and simplifying procedure. Serious cases are investigated by an investigating judge, and mixed courts of judges hear the gravest offences.
Key rules
- The 2019 Penal Code abolished the old category of the most severe felony sentences in several offences.
- An investigating judge conducts the main inquiry in serious cases under prosecutorial supervision.
- Pre-trial detention is subject to constitutional maximum durations.
Governing law
- Penal Code (Poinikos Kodikas) (Act 4619/2019)
- Code of Criminal Procedure (Act 4620/2019)
Penalties and consequences
- Imprisonment, including life imprisonment for the gravest offences.
- Fines in daily units, community service and suspension of sentence.
In practice
Because the 2019 codes were more lenient in places, the more favourable law applies to conduct predating them.