Means of defense

A defense is available at all stages of criminal proceedings, as the law provides a range of means that can be applied. Most of these means are outlined in the Criminal Procedure Code, but some can also be found in other legislation. Comprehensive knowledge of their availability and practical applicability may be crucial to the (desirable) outcome of criminal proceedings.

Common instruments of defense are the so-called ordinary remedies. Ordinary remedies can be used to challenge decisions that have not yet become final. However, there are also extraordinary remedies. These are to be brought against decisions which have already come into full force and effect. Moreover, there are other options for defense such as incentives and similar submissions. 

Special category is represented by deflections: strictly speaking, they are not defense means, but rather, a way to solve the case in a manner other than by a court judgment. As a result, deflections are able to bring forth the same effect as an acquittal, i.e. the dismissal of the prosecution with no record of the transgression recorded in the Criminal Register.