A court hearing may be postponed only once upon a duly reasoned request of the defendant, the defense attorney or the prosecutor. Also, provisions that allow dilatory tactics in the judicial process, such as, for example, replacing the judicial panel or the court, will be removed from the legislation. Draft amendments to this effect to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Contravention Code have been formally endorsed by the Government.
The proposed amendments also concern the admission, appointment and replacement of defense lawyers. For example, if a defender fails to show up without a good reason or refuses to discharge their duty, they will be replaced for the period of the unjustified absence.
Also, the use of videoconferencing in courts for people in detention will be extended. Their hearing by videoconferencing will take place in the presence of a selected or appointed defender. Similarly, witnesses can be heard via videoconferencing as well if their physical presence is not feasible.
Another proposed amendment introduces plea bargaining for prosecutor’s offices specialized in fighting corruption and organized crime.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the new provisions will allow law enforcement and judicial institutions to cut case processing times.
