Italian Criminal Proceeding Phases Guide

The criminal procedure in Italy begins when a criminal offence is reported (in Italian “notizia di reato“) to the prosecutor by the Judicial Police (Polizia Giudiziaria) or by any other means (citizens, press). The complete procedure consists of the following phases:

• Phase 1 – PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS
• Phase 2 – END OF PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS AND PRELIMINARY HEARING 
• Phase 3 – THE CRIMINAL TRIAL 
• Phase 4 – CRIMINAL JUDGEMENT
• Special proceedings within the Italian Criminal legal system:
• SPECIAL CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
• THE JUVENILE CRIMINAL COURT