haldusõigusrikkumised

Haldusõigusrikkumised refers to administrative offenses in Estonian law. These are unlawful acts or omissions that infringe upon the order of public administration and for which a penalty is prescribed by law. Unlike criminal offenses, administrative offenses are generally considered less serious and are handled through administrative proceedings rather than criminal prosecution.

The primary purpose of haldusõigusrikkumised provisions is to ensure the smooth functioning of public administration, maintain public order, and protect public interests and the rights of individuals. Examples of administrative offenses can include violations of traffic rules, petty theft, environmental pollution, or failure to comply with building regulations.

The legal framework for haldusõigusrikkumised is primarily established in the Administrative Offences Act (Haldusõigusrikkumiste seadustik). This act defines what constitutes an administrative offense, outlines the procedures for their investigation and adjudication, and specifies the types of penalties that can be imposed.

Penalties for administrative offenses typically include fines, warnings, or confiscation of property. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and circumstances of the offense. The proceedings are usually conducted by administrative bodies, such as the police or municipal authorities, rather than by courts, although judicial review of administrative decisions is possible. The objective is to provide a swift and efficient mechanism for addressing minor infringements that do not warrant the full weight of the criminal justice system.