Criminal Law — Attorney Leszek Putkowski

Considering the specific nature of criminal proceedings and their distinct stages—preparatory, judicial, and executive—it is extremely important to secure professional legal assistance from the very beginning. Early actions and statements often have long-term effects on the outcome of a case. Our law firm provides comprehensive criminal law support to defendants, suspects, convicts, and also to victims of crime who require representation and guidance at every stage of proceedings.

Our criminal law services include, among others:

Legal advice – we provide professional legal consultations in criminal law. We help analyze and solve problems, develop a defense strategy that best serves your case, and advise victims of crimes by offering them support and representation. Our consultations are available at every stage of the proceedings, and we always strive to determine the most effective and beneficial solution for you.
Preparation of procedural documents – preparing effective pleadings requires meeting the formal requirements set out in criminal law and presenting well-developed arguments supported by evidence motions. Properly prepared documentation allows your matter to proceed efficiently and smoothly at every stage of the case.
Participation in preparatory and court proceedings as defense counsel for the suspect or accused – our law firm provides full representation at every stage of criminal proceedings. Acting as defense attorneys, we offer ongoing support and consultations before each procedural action and establish an agreed-upon defense strategy. The assistance of a lawyer during the proceedings ensures an effective and professional defense of your rights.
Participation in preparatory and court proceedings as attorney for the victim or auxiliary prosecutor – we represent victims of crimes throughout all stages of criminal proceedings. Acting as your representative, we provide continuous support, advice before every procedural step, and active monitoring of the case to respond when necessary for the proper conduct of proceedings. We attend witness hearings and represent victims or auxiliary prosecutors in court.
Participation in misdemeanor proceedings – we represent clients at every stage of proceedings concerning misdemeanors. Acting as defense counsel, we offer consultations before each procedural step, establishing a coherent line of defense in advance. Having an attorney during misdemeanor proceedings helps ensure your rights are effectively protected. It is worth noting that misdemeanor cases have different time limits than standard criminal cases, so obtaining legal support early is particularly important.
Cases involving minors – we represent minors during criminal proceedings. Such cases often involve significant stress, especially when children participate as suspects or victims. We provide sensitive and comprehensive support, monitoring the case and reacting whenever it is necessary to protect the minor’s best interests. We also represent victims or auxiliary prosecutors in court proceedings involving minors.
Participation in hearings concerning pre-trial detention; preparation of appeals and motions regarding its application or extension; and requests for modification of preventive measures – pre-trial detention is the most severe preventive measure, involving placing a suspect in custody within approximately 72 hours of arrest. Unfortunately, this measure is sometimes applied excessively by prosecutors or courts, even when evidence is insufficient. Having the support of an attorney in such stressful circumstances is crucial. We review case files, assess the individual situation, and provide guidance or assistance as needed. Remember that important procedural steps take place within 48 hours after arrest, which can heavily influence later stages of the case—this is why early legal involvement is essential. A close family member may also authorize a lawyer at this initial stage.
Preparation of motions to discontinue proceedings – we prepare requests for the discontinuation of criminal proceedings addressed to the competent authority. Such a decision may be issued either by the prosecutor during the preparatory phase or by the court during the trial stage. The possibility of discontinuation depends on specific provisions of criminal procedure; therefore, if there are grounds to do so, it is worth taking initiative and filing a motion to have the case terminated.
Preparation of motions for conditional discontinuation of proceedings – this motion allows the court to refrain from convicting the defendant and to grant them a probationary period (from one to three years) during which certain conditions must be met. The act and the guilt are acknowledged, but the punishment is replaced with probationary obligations set by the court. Importantly, a person granted conditional discontinuation does not appear in the National Criminal Register as a convicted person, even though a judgment has been issued.
Preparation of subsidiary indictments – a subsidiary indictment is filed when law enforcement authorities refuse to initiate or discontinue an investigation despite existing grounds, and prior complaints to the court have not been successful. This is one of the final ways to bring an offender to justice. Preparing such an indictment requires meeting strict formal conditions and demonstrating the course of prior proceedings.
Preparation of private indictments – for certain minor offenses regulated by the Penal Code (such as insult, defamation, minor bodily harm, or short-term health disturbance under seven days), the victim must initiate proceedings independently by filing a private indictment with the appropriate court. We assist in preparing this document, describing the act committed, providing evidence motions, and representing the victim during the court stage.
Preparation of motions for voluntary submission to punishment – at the early stage of proceedings, it is possible to request voluntary submission to punishment, which allows for concluding the case without a full trial and often leads to a more favorable outcome for the defendant. From the beginning, clients are informed about the expected penalty and obligations imposed by the court. We carefully assess each situation to determine eligibility and to ensure the most advantageous resolution.
Preparation of motions to lift or modify preventive measures – during the course of proceedings, preventive measures such as police supervision, pre-trial detention, bans on contact, bail, travel bans (including passport seizure), or eviction orders may be imposed. These measures can be changed or lifted at any stage of the preparatory or court proceedings. If your personal or professional situation changes, and the imposed measures become overly burdensome, it is worth filing an appropriate motion to the competent authority to seek their modification.

In the enforcement stage, we handle:

motions to postpone imprisonment,
motions to interrupt imprisonment,
applications for conditional early release,
applications for expungement of conviction,
motions for fine installment plans or remission,
requests for electronic monitoring (home detention),
motions for alcohol interlock installation,
requests for transfer to another correctional facility,
representation in proceedings before the penitentiary court.

Every case is treated individually, with professional support provided at every stage of the process. It is worth seeking legal assistance from the very beginning.