Rights in criminal proceedings in Moldova: preparing to speak to a lawyer
Published by Avocat Expert · Republic of Moldova
A summons or interview raises urgent questions about your status, rights and documents. This guide helps you prepare for a discussion with a lawyer.
Prepared on 29 October 2026
1. Clarify your procedural status
Witnesses, suspects, accused persons and victims have different rights and duties. Ask for your status, the reason for the summons and relevant rights to be explained. Keep official documents. Do not ignore a summons; if attendance is impossible, explain the obstacle and ask about the procedure.
2. Request legal assistance
Defence rights require effective assistance, not merely a lawyer’s formal presence. Ask for a confidential discussion before deciding about statements. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about state-guaranteed legal aid and its conditions; this is separate from the office’s private services.
3. Understand the right to remain silent
A suspect or accused person should decide about statements after receiving an explanation of rights and discussing the situation with counsel. Protection against self-incrimination does not permit destroying evidence or obstructing proceedings. A witness should not assume identical refusal rights: clarify the duties and protections of that status.
4. Ask for explanations you understand
If you do not understand the language or a document, say so and request interpretation or explanations under the law. Read interview records, check accuracy and ask for corrections or objections to be recorded. Do not confirm understanding of unclear text.
5. If you are deprived of liberty
Ask to be told the reasons and to receive legal assistance. Where possible, record the time, place and documents received. Report medical needs. The legality and duration of the measure require prompt review; this guide sets no universal deadline and does not replace immediate assistance.
6. Organise information for your defence
Prepare a timeline, document copies and information about relevant evidence or witnesses. Preserve originals and do not influence others’ testimony. Ask counsel what can be challenged, where, by when and with what documents. An investigation or preventive measure is not a conviction.
Official sources (in Romanian)
General information. Applicable rules and deadlines must be checked against the specific situation and the relevant version of the legislation.