Attorney
Lawyer, Master of Laws. Expert in criminal and international law. Provides strategic client protection and minimizes criminal legal risks. Practice includes defense in criminal proceedings, business support, and representation of interests in courts.
Changing the preventive measure during the pre-trial investigation
The main grounds for choosing a preventive measure are the sufficiency of evidence and reasonable suspicion. This applies to various stages of criminal proceedings, in particular, the pre-trial investigation. Among the most common types of preventive measures: bail, bail, house arrest, commitment, detention. In some cases, the lawyer may initiate the choice of an alternative preventive measure during the pre-trial investigation. The lawyers of our law firm “Prykhodko & Partners” will take all necessary legal actions to cancel or change the preventive measure.
Choosing a preventive measure: what factors are taken into account?
The main factors taken into account in the process of choosing a preventive measure are:
- The presence of sufficient evidence in the investigation to substantiate the guilt of the accused.
- The age of the accused.
- The characteristics of the suspect’s condition (both physical and psychological).
- The presence of minor children in the suspect’s care.
- Previous criminal records, recording of previously committed offenses.
- The amount of damage caused by the suspect in the process of committing illegal activities.
Our lawyers take an active position in the process of criminal proceedings, in particular, when choosing a preventive measure. This is a very important stage of the criminal process, which further affects the consideration of the case.
Changing a preventive measure: the norms of current legislation
The issue of changing or canceling a preventive measure is regulated by the norms of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the CPC). In particular, we are talking about Article 201 of the CPC. According to this article, changes in a preventive measure are possible in the event of a change in the circumstances that the court took into account in the process of its selection.
Among such grounds:
- The behavior of the suspect (absence of any illegal actions related to compliance with the conditions of the preventive measure).
- Completion of the first stage of the investigation of the case, its transfer to the court for consideration.
- New qualification of the crime.
- Absence of evidence of the suspect’s illegal activity.
- Absence of risky behavior on the part of the suspect.
Personal circumstances may also be grounds for adjusting a preventive measure at the stage of the pre-trial investigation (the need to care for relatives with disabilities, deterioration of general health, etc.).
Quite often, at the stage of the pre-trial investigation, the circumstances of the case change (for example, due to new evidence). This leads to a softening of the legal qualification of the unlawful conduct or, conversely, to a more severe qualification. In this case, the prosecutor must file a motion with the court to change the charges. After the motion is approved, the accused and his lawyer are informed about the changes. This may have a direct impact on the use of a preventive measure.
Who initiates the selection of another preventive measure?
Changing a preventive measure is based on a petition. It is submitted to the court or the investigating judge who is dealing with the case. Among the stages of this process:
- Filing the petition.
This document is drawn up in free form. The following components must be indicated: the applicant’s data; detailed information about the criminal proceedings; detailed justification for the need to change the preventive measure (for this, you must indicate a reference to the relevant norms of the Code of Criminal Procedure, provide evidence that will confirm the change in circumstances).
The petition is supplemented by: the characteristics of the suspect (from the place of study/work), medical documents, etc.
- Sending the document.
Prikhodko & Partners lawyers will file a petition with the court. If the suspect is being held in custody, the petition is filed through the administration of the pre-trial detention center.
- Consideration of the petition in court.
The hearing must be held in open session. For this purpose, the suspect, investigator, and prosecutor are summoned. As a result, the court may fully satisfy the motion, changing the preventive measure or leaving it unchanged.
Thus, within the framework of the pre-trial investigation, our lawyers comprehensively protect the client’s interests, in particular, by replacing the preventive measure with a more lenient one.
How can we help?
The professional activities of the lawyers of “Prikhodko & Partners” allow us to:
- Competently justify the change of a preventive measure.
- Prepare the necessary evidence base.
- Qualitatively represent the interests of the suspect during the consideration of the case in court.
- Reasonably refute the arguments of the prosecution.
So, at the stage of the pre-trial investigation, it is quite possible to change a preventive measure. The main thing is to enlist the support of qualified lawyers.
Do you still have questions? We are waiting for a preliminary consultation! To calculate the cost of a lawyer’s services, fill out the form below.
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Are you located in Kyiv or Kyiv region?
Can I receive a consultation online or by phone?
Yes. Consultations are available by phone, online, and at our office. Your location does not prevent you from receiving initial legal assistance.
Which documents should I prepare for the consultation?
Bring or send everything related to the case, including a summons, notice of suspicion, court orders, records, agreements, and correspondence. If you do not have any documents, simply describe the situation. The lawyer will tell you what should be requested.
How much does a lawyer’s assistance cost?
The exact fee depends on the stage, complexity, and scope of work. Current estimates are shown in the price table on this page, and we prepare an individual calculation after the initial conversation.
Does your law firm work only in Kyiv?
No. We provide services throughout Ukraine. Clients looking for a criminal lawyer in Lviv, Odesa, or Dnipro can conveniently begin online. The next steps and format of cooperation can then be arranged to meet the needs of the case.
Should I choose a consultation or full representation?
A consultation may be sufficient when the issue is limited and clear. If proceedings have been opened, a notice of suspicion has been served, or a court hearing is expected, ongoing representation by a criminal lawyer may be required. A lawyer will recommend the appropriate format after the assessment, and it can be changed as the case develops.
Can a relative contact the lawyer?
Yes. Relatives are often the first to call a lawyer, especially after a detention. The lawyer’s authority is agreed with the person concerned by the proceedings and formalised in an agreement. This should be arranged as early as possible.
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