Criminal
The Criminal Law with prosecutor-led cases and no jury
Criminal law is codified in the Criminal Law, with the Prosecutor's Office bringing charges. There is no jury; professional judges decide, and simplified procedures resolve many cases.
Key rules
- The Prosecutor's Office directs prosecution on police investigation.
- There is no jury trial; cases are decided by professional judges.
- Plea and simplified procedures dispose of many straightforward cases.
Governing law
- Criminal Law (Krimināllikums)
- Criminal Procedure Law
Penalties and consequences
- Fines, community service and imprisonment
In practice
Latvia has expanded settlement and expedited procedures to reduce court backlogs in criminal matters.