Criminal
2005 Criminal Code with a specialised anti-corruption court
The Criminal Code of 2005 introduced a three-strikes rule for repeat serious offenders. Corruption, organised crime and offences by senior officials are tried by the Specialised Criminal Court in Pezinok, and a contested 2024 amendment reduced several penalties and abolished the Special Prosecutor's Office.
Key rules
- Detention without a court decision may not exceed 48 hours, or 96 in terrorism cases.
- The Specialised Criminal Court has nationwide jurisdiction over corruption and organised crime.
- Legal entities are criminally liable under the 2016 statute.
- A three-strikes provision mandates severe sentences for defined repeat offences.
Governing law
- Criminal Code (300/2005)As amended in 2024.
- Code of Criminal Procedure (301/2005)Investigation and trial.
- Act on criminal liability of legal persons (91/2016)Corporate liability.
Penalties and consequences
- Fines from EUR 160 to EUR 331,930.
- Community service between 40 and 300 hours.
- Imprisonment, with life imprisonment available for the gravest offences.
In practice
The 2024 amendment changed limitation periods and thresholds, so the version of the Code in force at the time of the alleged act must be checked before advising on exposure.