Stages of a criminal case in Egypt
From the police report to investigation, trial and appeals: a simple overview of the path of a criminal case and the lawyer’s role at each stage.
A criminal case in Egypt passes through several successive stages, each with its own procedures and safeguards. Knowing them helps the accused or the victim understand what is happening and what their rights are at each step.
1. Gathering evidence: it usually starts with a report or complaint. The judicial officer writes a report recording the statements of the parties and witnesses and the steps taken. What is said at this stage becomes part of the case file, so it is wise to consult a lawyer before giving any statement.
2. Investigation: the Public Prosecution conducts the investigation, questions the accused, hears witnesses, appoints experts and orders the measures it sees fit. The accused has the right to a lawyer who attends the questioning, reviews the file and submits defences and requests.
3. Decision on the investigation: when it ends, the prosecution either refers the case to the competent court, or issues an order that there are no grounds to proceed, or shelves the file if the evidence is insufficient.
4. Trial: misdemeanours are heard by the misdemeanour court and its judgments are appealed before the appellate misdemeanour court; felonies are heard by the criminal court. At the hearings the defence examines witnesses, submits documents and memoranda, and raises procedural and substantive defences.
5. Appeals: the law allows judgments to be challenged by objection, appeal or cassation depending on the type of judgment and the court that issued it. Each route has a fixed time limit, and the right is lost when it expires.
6. Enforcement: once the judgment is final it is enforced. In some situations it may be possible to request a stay of enforcement, a settlement or rehabilitation under the conditions set by law.
Detailed time limits and procedures differ according to the type of offence and the law in force when the case is heard, so consulting a specialised lawyer from the very first moment remains the most important safeguard for sound procedures and protected rights.
