tiltalt

Til talt is a legal status used in Danish and Norwegian criminal procedure to refer to a person who has been formally charged with a crime by a public prosecutor. It indicates that authorities have moved from investigation to an accusatory phase, and that the case will be resolved in court. The tiltalt has not been proven guilty; charges are described in a charging document or indictment that outlines the alleged offences, facts, and legal basis.

The tiltalt's status is provisional. Depending on national law, the person may be remanded in custody during pre-trial proceedings or released with conditions or bail. The tiltalt retains fundamental rights, including the right to be informed of the charges, the right to legal representation, the right to present evidence and defenses, and the right to remain silent. The presumption of innocence applies until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

In court, the tiltalt faces the prosecution's case in a trial. A verdict may result in conviction or acquittal; if convicted, the tiltalt will be sentenced. If acquitted or if charges are dropped, the tiltalt is discharged. The status ends when a verdict is reached or the case is dismissed, though it may be revisited on appeal.

Usage and translation vary by jurisdiction. In English, tiltalt is commonly rendered as “charged” or “indicted,” but the precise legal implications can differ between Danish and Norwegian systems.