Case Types

Criminal Case
in Romania

Everything you need to know about criminal cases: how they start, what stages they go through, and how to check your case status online.

What is a criminal case?

A criminal case (dosar penal) is a judicial file opened when there is suspicion that a crime has been committed. In Romania, criminal proceedings are regulated by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Codul de procedura penala) and are initiated either by the prosecution (Ministerul Public) or by the victim's complaint.

Criminal cases cover a wide range of offenses — from theft, fraud, and assault to economic crimes, corruption, and traffic offenses resulting in injury. Each case is assigned a unique number in the format NR/COD/AN (e.g., 1234/2/2024), which you can use to track its progress through the court system.

The criminal justice process in Romania involves multiple institutions: the police (for investigation), the prosecutor's office (for criminal investigation and indictment), and the courts (for trial and sentencing). Understanding these stages is essential for anyone involved in a criminal case, whether as a defendant, victim, or witness.

Stages of a criminal case

1

Criminal Investigation (Urmarire penala)

The prosecution and police gather evidence, hear witnesses, and identify suspects. This stage can last from weeks to years depending on case complexity. The suspect may be informed of the charges (punere sub invinuire) and may become a defendant (inculpat).

2

Preliminary Chamber (Camera preliminara)

A judge reviews the legality of the indictment and the evidence gathered. This is a filter stage — the judge checks whether the prosecution followed proper procedures. The defendant can raise objections about how evidence was collected.

3

Trial on the Merits (Fond)

The court examines the evidence, hears witnesses and experts, and reaches a verdict. The defendant has the right to present their defense, propose evidence, and be assisted by a lawyer. The trial ends with either an acquittal or a conviction.

4

Appeal (Apel)

Either party can appeal the first instance decision. The appellate court re-examines the case on both facts and law. The appeal decision is final and enforceable.

How to check your criminal case online

Checking the status of a criminal case in Romania has never been easier. With StatusDosar, you can search for any case registered in Romanian courts using the case number or the name of a party.

Simply go to the case search page, enter the case number (e.g., 1234/2/2024) and instantly see:

  • ✓ Current case status and stage
  • ✓ All hearings — past and scheduled
  • ✓ Parties involved (defendant, prosecutor, victim)
  • ✓ Court decisions and appeal routes
Search for a case now →

Frequently asked questions

A criminal case can last from several months to several years. Simple cases (e.g., minor theft) may be resolved in 6-12 months, while complex cases (e.g., corruption, organized crime) can take 3-5 years or more through all stages.
Yes. All criminal cases registered in Romanian courts are publicly accessible. You can use StatusDosar to search by case number or party name and get instant access to hearings, status updates, and court decisions.
A criminal case goes through four main stages: criminal investigation (urmarire penala), preliminary chamber (camera preliminara), trial on the merits (fond), and appeal (apel). Each stage has its own rules and timelines.
The defendant has fundamental rights including: the right to a defense lawyer (appointed or chosen), the right to remain silent, the right to review the entire case file, the right to propose evidence, and the right to appeal any court decision.

Useful links

Criminal law lawyers → Glossary: Criminal case → Glossary: Appeal → Glossary: Cassation →

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