Szabadlábra

Szabadlábra is a Hungarian legal term that appears in phrases such as szabadlábra helyezés, meaning release from custody. In the context of criminal procedure, szabadlábra helyezés refers to the decision to release a person who has been detained or held in custody back into freedom while the investigation or trial proceeds. The release can be unconditional or conditional.

Unconditional release frees the person without accompanying obligations. Conditional release may impose requirements intended to ensure appearance in court and the orderly conduct of the proceedings. Common conditions can include regular reporting to authorities, residing at a fixed address, not leaving a specified territorial area, refraining from contacting certain persons, surrendering travel documents, and providing a financial security such as an óvadék (bail) to guarantee appearance.

The authority to grant szabadlábra lies with a court or, in certain procedural stages, with the prosecutor within the framework of the Criminal Procedure Act. Release can occur at various points during the investigation or trial, and a subsequent decision may reimpose detention if conditions are violated or if risk to the investigation or public order increases. The release does not resolve the case; the individual remains subject to supervision and may be required to participate in procedural steps or stand trial.

If the proceedings conclude favorably for the accused, szabadlábra status becomes moot; conversely, violations of release conditions can lead to revocation of release and re-arrest or re-detention. Related terms include előzetes letartóztatás (pre-trial detention), házi őrizet (house arrest), and óvadék (bail).