pestupky

Pestupky (Czech and Slovak: přestupky/priestupky) is a term used in Central European legal systems to denote minor unlawful acts that are regulated outside the criminal code and are typically subject to administrative or summary proceedings. They are distinguished from criminal offenses by their lesser gravity, lower prescribed sanctions and the procedural framework used to resolve them.

Typical elements defining a pestupok include a legally prohibited act, attribution of fault (intent or negligence), and a statutory sanction. Common examples are traffic violations, breaches of public order, certain business or licensing infractions and minor environmental or municipal rule violations. Sanctions often include monetary fines, warnings, temporary bans, confiscation of items related to the offense or administrative remedial measures; custodial sentences are generally not applied.

Enforcement and adjudication of pestupky are handled by administrative bodies, municipal authorities, specialized inspectors or courts designated for misdemeanors, depending on national law. Procedures aim to be faster and less formal than criminal trials, but usually provide basic protections such as the right to be informed of charges, to present evidence and to appeal decisions.

The policy purpose of treating minor wrongdoing as pestupky is to ensure proportionality in punishment, conserve criminal justice resources and provide swift remedies to maintain public order and regulatory compliance. Legal definitions, procedures and available sanctions vary by country and are established by national statutes.