Criminal
1997 Penal Code with a 48-hour limit on pre-charge detention
The Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure of 1997 govern offences and process. A detained person must be released or brought before a court within 48 hours, and the court must decide on pre-trial detention within a further 24 hours.
Key rules
- Detention without a court order may not exceed 48 hours.
- Pre-trial detention requires a court order and is subject to periodic review.
- A suspect has the right to counsel and to remain silent from the first interview.
- The 2022 and 2023 amendments raised many maximum penalties, including life without parole in defined cases.
Governing law
- Penal Code (1997)Kodeks karny, as amended in 2022–2023.
- Code of Criminal Procedure (1997)Kodeks postępowania karnego.
- Fiscal Penal Code (1999)Tax and customs offences.
Penalties and consequences
- Fines calculated in daily units by the court.
- Restriction of liberty, including unpaid community work.
- Imprisonment from one month to 30 years, or life imprisonment.
In practice
Ask for a defence lawyer at the outset: statements made in the first interview are frequently the decisive evidence, and appointed counsel is available where means are insufficient.