Süüdistuses

Süüdistuses is a term used in Estonian criminal procedure to describe the stage in which the prosecution has filed a formal indictment with a court against a person suspected of a crime. The indictment is a written document in which the prosecutor specifies the charges, narrates the facts as the prosecution regards them, states the legal basis for liability, identifies the persons to be charged, and indicates the evidence and witnesses that will be relied on. It may also include the requested sanction or range of penalties.

The indictment is submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction, typically the district court, and serves as the starting point for the main proceeding. The court assesses whether the indictment contains the essential elements required by law and whether it enables a fair determination of the charges. If the indictment is defective, it may be corrected or dismissed, and the proceedings may be halted until a valid indictment is filed.

The accused is informed of the charges and has the right to legal counsel, to contest the charges, inspect the evidence, and present a defense. The Süüdistuses stage marks a transition from investigation to adjudication and is governed by the Estonian Code of Criminal Procedure.

See also: Süüdistus; Karistusmenetlus; Eesti õigussüsteem.