If you’re a foreign national involved in a criminal case in Romania—whether as a suspect, defendant, or even a victim—one of your first questions is likely: How long will this process take? The criminal trial duration depends on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the efficiency of the courts.
In this article, we break down the typical timeline of a Romanian criminal trial and explain what foreigners should expect at each stage.
The General Criminal Trial Duration in Romania
While no two cases are exactly alike, criminal proceedings in Romania usually go through these main phases:
- Criminal Investigation (Urmărirea penală)
- Duration: Several months to over a year
- Who’s involved: Prosecutor, police, defendant, victim, and sometimes expert witnesses
- Purpose: To gather evidence and determine if there is enough to go to trial
- Foreigners should expect possible restrictions during this phase, including travel limitations
- Preliminary Chamber Procedure (Camera preliminară)
- Duration: 1 to 3 months
- Purpose: The judge verifies whether the evidence was obtained legally
- No new evidence is introduced; it’s a procedural phase
- Trial Stage (Judecata)
- Duration: Several months to a few years
- Trials with multiple defendants or complex financial crimes can take longer
- Sessions are typically held every few weeks or months
- Appeals (Apel & Recurs)
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years depending on the case
- You have the right to appeal both the verdict and the sentence
- The final decision is made by the High Court of Cassation and Justice (in some cases)
Why Do Trials in Romania Take So Long?
Several factors can prolong the criminal trial duration:
- Overloaded courts and limited administrative staff
- Frequent delays caused by absent parties or procedural objections
- Need for expert witnesses or forensic reports
- Translation and interpretation requirements for foreign defendants
- COVID-19 or other disruptions (some cases are still facing backlogs)
Can You Leave Romania During the Process?
If you’re under judicial control or other preventive measures, you may be banned from leaving the country. Breaking this restriction could lead to:
- Worsening of charges
- Pretrial detention
- Suspension of release conditions
Foreigners are advised to consult a criminal lawyer before making travel plans.
Your Rights as a Foreigner in a Romanian Trial
Romanian law offers protections to all individuals, including foreign nationals:
- Right to an interpreter (free of charge)
- Right to a defense attorney
- Right to remain silent
- Right to appeal any court decision
- Right to consular assistance from your embassy
You are also entitled to a fair and timely trial, although “timely” is relative and often subject to delays.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Speed Up a Criminal Trial Duration?
Having an experienced defense lawyer can:
- File motions to eliminate unnecessary delays
- Keep you informed of deadlines and procedural steps
- Negotiate plea bargains (in eligible cases)
- Challenge abusive measures or unjustified delays
- Represent you even if you are abroad (in some cases)
Conclusion
Criminal trials in Romania can take time—often longer than expected. For foreigners, navigating the system without proper guidance can be confusing and risky. Hiring a Romanian defense lawyer is not only a smart move—it’s essential if you want to ensure your rights are respected and the process doesn’t drag on longer than necessary.
If you need more information about this topic, you can contact us and we will be glad to help.