I have received notice of a criminal investigation in Italy. What should I do?
Preserve the notice, identify any deadlines and seek advice on your procedural status and defence rights before responding or making statements.
Diritto penale
Criminal law assistance and defence
The Firm provides assistance in criminal proceedings, with particular attention to establishing the facts, safeguarding defence rights and assessing potential liability.
The Firm assists in criminal proceedings, particularly where the facts also have civil and insurance implications: protection of injured parties, participation in technical investigations and obtaining documents relevant to the handling of insurance claims.
Defence of suspects and defendants
Assistance from the preliminary investigation stage through to trial, including alternative procedures and appeals.
Injured parties and civil claimants
Preparation of criminal complaints and reports, exercise of the rights of injured parties (Articles 90 et seq. of the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure) and participation in proceedings as a civil claimant.
Technical investigations
Participation, including on behalf of insurance undertakings, in technical investigations ordered by the public prosecutor (Article 360 of the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure), for example in cases involving fires.
Obtaining case documents
Requests for and use of documents from criminal proceedings to assess civil liability and the applicability of insurance cover.
Coordination across legal fields
Handling matters requiring coordination between criminal, civil and administrative law.
For information about the Firm’s professional organisation, see the Professionals Professionals
Practical questions before seeking legal assistance
Can a victim seek compensation in Italian criminal proceedings?
Subject to the applicable requirements and deadlines, an injured party may be able to join the proceedings as a civil claimant. The alternative civil route should also be assessed.
An insured event is under criminal investigation in Italy. What can be reviewed?
Available case documents, expert examinations and deadlines should be reviewed, keeping criminal liability, civil exposure and insurance cover analytically distinct.