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Lawyer, specializing in defense in criminal proceedings regarding serious and especially serious crimes - against life and health, sexual integrity, war crimes with aggravating circumstances, as well as in cases related to violations in the field of taxation
Statement to the State Bureau of Investigation about the commission of a crime
When it becomes necessary to file a crime report with the SBI, it is important not only to properly describe the circumstances of the case but also to ensure appropriate legal support. Prikhodko & Partners Law Firm provides professional assistance in preparing submissions to the State Bureau of Investigation, analyzing evidence, and protecting clients’ interests at all stages of criminal proceedings. The company’s experienced attorneys will help develop an effective legal strategy and ensure an appropriate response from law enforcement authorities to your report.
What Does the State Bureau of Investigation Do?
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is a law enforcement agency responsible for conducting pre-trial investigations of certain categories of criminal offenses.
The SBI has jurisdiction over crimes committed by:
- law enforcement officers;
- judges;
- prosecutors;
- military personnel;
- high-ranking officials;
- employees of anti-corruption bodies in cases provided by law.
If a person has become a victim of unlawful actions by the above-mentioned individuals, a crime report filed with the SBI may serve as the basis for initiating criminal proceedings.
Crime Report to the SBI
The Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine guarantees everyone the right to report a criminal offense.
A report submitted to the SBI should preferably include:
- a description of the circumstances of the incident;
- the date, time, and place of the offense;
- information about possible persons involved;
- available evidence;
- witnesses to the incident;
- other facts that may be relevant to the investigation.
After receiving the report, the authorized official must review it and, if there are sufficient grounds, enter the relevant information into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations.
In cases of inaction by a law enforcement authority, an attorney may prepare a complaint to the investigating judge regarding the failure to enter information into the URPI.
SBI and AWOL Cases
In recent years, the number of cases related to absence without leave (AWOL) has significantly increased.
In criminal proceedings concerning AWOL, the SBI conducts pre-trial investigations and carries out a range of procedural actions aimed at determining the servicemember’s whereabouts, establishing the reasons for leaving service, and assessing whether the elements of a criminal offense are present.
Who Conducts the Search for AWOL Personnel?
The search for military personnel who have unlawfully left their military unit is carried out by authorized law enforcement agencies in cooperation with military command and investigative units.
Depending on the specific circumstances, search activities may involve the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Police of Ukraine, the Military Law Enforcement Service, and other authorized authorities.
Each case requires an individual analysis, as the procedural status of the person and the scope of search measures may differ significantly.
How to Check Whether You Are Wanted by the SBI?
In most cases, official information regarding a wanted status can be obtained by:
- submitting attorney requests;
- obtaining information within the framework of criminal proceedings;
- reviewing court decisions;
- verifying a person’s procedural status through legal counsel.
It is often difficult to independently obtain complete information about criminal proceedings, so it is advisable to engage an attorney to conduct a legal analysis of the situation.
Filing a Complaint with the SBI Against a Police Officer
One of the most common categories of reports involves filing a complaint with the SBI against a police officer.
Grounds for submitting such a complaint may include:
- abuse of authority;
- use of unlawful force;
- fabrication of evidence;
- unlawful detention;
- solicitation of an unlawful benefit;
- other illegal actions.
A properly prepared complaint should contain a specific description of the events and supporting materials. General allegations without evidence often complicate further investigation.
Complaint Against an Investigator to the SBI
If the rights of participants in criminal proceedings have been violated, a complaint against an investigator may be filed with the SBI.
Most often, such complaints concern investigator inaction; unlawful procedural decisions; concealment of evidence; violation of investigation deadlines; abuse of authority; and other unlawful actions during the pre-trial investigation.
Before filing a complaint, it is advisable to conduct a legal analysis of the situation and determine whether there are sufficient grounds for such an appeal.
Cost of Legal Assistance in SBI Cases
The cost of legal assistance depends on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, the number of procedural actions, and the stage of the criminal proceedings.
| Service | Starting Price |
| Consultation | UAH 4,200 |
| Preparation of a Criminal Offense Report | UAH 8,000 |
| Preparation of an Attorney Request | UAH 5,000 |
| Preparation of a Complaint Within Criminal Proceedings | UAH 15,000 |
| Participation in Investigative Actions | UAH 12,000 |
| Representation of the Client’s Interests in Court | UAH 15,000 |
Why Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Cases involving the State Bureau of Investigation often have a complex procedural nature. Mistakes made while preparing a report or during further interaction with law enforcement authorities may negatively affect the outcome.
A lawyer will help properly prepare a crime report to the SBI, provide legal support during the investigation, challenge unlawful decisions, and protect your rights at all stages of criminal proceedings.
Contacting the State Bureau of Investigation may become a crucial step in protecting your rights; however, the result largely depends on the quality of document preparation and the chosen legal strategy. This is especially relevant in cases involving unlawful actions by law enforcement officers, military criminal offenses, and issues related to AWOL.
The team at Prikhodko & Partners Law Firm has practical experience handling cases under the jurisdiction of the State Bureau of Investigation. We will help assess the prospects of your case, prepare a legally substantiated report, protect your interests during the pre-trial investigation, and ensure an appropriate response to violations committed by officials.
Do not postpone solving your problem. Contact our attorneys today to receive a calculation of the legal service costs specifically for your situation.
Calculate the cost of services
1 question
Do you believe that a crime has been committed against you?
2 question
Is your case related to the actions of officials or law enforcement officers?
3 question
Are law enforcement agencies refusing to respond appropriately to your appeal?
4 question
Do you need a lawyer's help to prepare an application to the State Bureau of Investigation?
5 question
Are you located in Kyiv or Kyiv region?
What to do if the SBI investigator refuses to accept a statement about a crime?
Refusal to accept a criminal complaint is unlawful. In such a situation, it is worth recording the fact of refusal and seeking legal assistance to further challenge the actions of officials.
Can I file a complaint with the State Bureau of Investigation regarding illegal detention by police officers?
Yes. If during the detention the requirements of the law were violated, violence was used, or official authority was exceeded, the person has the right to apply to the State Bureau of Investigation with a corresponding statement about the commission of a criminal offense.
Will the State Bureau of Investigation open criminal proceedings based solely on a complaint?
The mere fact of filing a complaint does not guarantee the automatic initiation of an investigation. However, if there is information that may indicate the commission of a crime, the information must be entered into the ERDR in accordance with the procedure established by law.
Can a lawyer check the existence of criminal proceedings or a wanted person through the State Bureau of Investigation?
Yes. The lawyer has procedural tools to obtain the necessary information, send legal requests, and establish the procedural status of a person within a specific case.
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