I Received a Court or Police Notification? What to Do?
Receiving a notification from the court or police to present a defense or appear at a hearing is a situation that requires immediate attention. The first essential step is to hire a lawyer specialized in criminal law.
Importance of Hiring a Lawyer in Case of Notification
Upon receiving a notification from the court or police, the recipient may be involved in a criminal investigation, be a defendant in a criminal case, or be summoned as a witness. Regardless of the situation, a lawyer plays a fundamental role in ensuring an adequate defense.
What Can a Lawyer Do for You?
- Analyze the investigation: review the elements in the case.
- Identify the accusation: understand the facts imputed to the defendant.
- Examine the prosecution’s case and evidence: verify the legality of the evidence and challenge it if necessary.
- Develop a defense strategy: gather legal arguments and evidence to contest the accusation.
Without a lawyer, the person may not understand the severity of the situation or the best defense strategies.
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What Is the Deadline to Submit a Defense After Receiving a Court or Police Notification?
According to the Portuguese Code of Criminal Procedure, deadlines vary depending on the stage of the process.
It is very important for the recipient to read the notification carefully. The deadline for submitting a response is usually indicated in the document. Generally, the deadline is 20 days, but as mentioned, carefully read the entire notification.
Meeting deadlines is essential to ensure the right to defense.
What Happens If You Do Not Submit a Defense?
- Loss of the right to influence the decision: The court will rule based solely on the prosecution’s case.
- Arrest warrant: If the defendant fails to attend mandatory legal proceedings without justification.
- Higher likelihood of conviction: Failure to present a defense can lead to an unfavorable ruling.
Conclusion
If you have received a notification from the court or police, it is essential to act quickly. Hiring a lawyer specialized in criminal law is fundamental to ensuring that your rights are protected. Ignoring a notification can lead to serious consequences, making it even more crucial to respond within the legal deadlines.
