What does the public prosecutor do in criminal law in Belgium?

The public prosecutor acts in the public interest and helps direct the criminal response. The office can assess reports, support investigations, and decide whether a matter should proceed through an available legal route.

What rights does a suspect have under criminal law in Belgium?

A suspect has procedural protections, including the presumption of innocence and access to legal assistance in important situations. The person should ask for an explanation of the accusation and the applicable interview rights.

How can a victim participate in a criminal case in Belgium?

A victim can report the offence, provide information and evidence, and request information through the appropriate procedure. Depending on the case, the victim may also seek compensation and specialist support.

Criminal law in Belgium

Criminal law in Belgium defines prohibited conduct and the consequences that may follow. Police, prosecutors, investigating judges, and criminal courts have separate roles in investigating and deciding cases. Suspects and victims both have procedural rights.

Tip

If you are involved in a criminal matter in Belgium, stay calm and ask what your legal status is. Preserve evidence without altering it, and write down events while your memory is fresh. Contact a criminal lawyer promptly if you are arrested, questioned as a suspect, injured, threatened, or summoned to court.

byEmma&Lucas

Belgian criminal law identifies offences and possible penalties or protective measures. A person may be punished only through the lawful criminal process. Offences vary in seriousness and nature. Examples include violence, theft, fraud, property damage, traffic offences, and certain public-order or regulatory violations. A case may begin with a complaint, police observation, report, or information from another authority. Police gather facts under the direction or supervision of the competent judicial authority. The public prosecutor, known as the openbaar ministerie or ministère public, represents the public interest. The prosecutor may investigate, request further action, bring a case forward, or use another lawful response. An investigating judge may direct certain more intrusive or complex investigations. This role is separate from the court that eventually decides guilt. A suspect has rights that include understanding the accusation, receiving legal assistance in important situations, and being treated as innocent unless guilt is lawfully established. The exact procedure depends on the stage and seriousness of the case. Victims can report offences, provide evidence, seek information, and sometimes claim compensation within or alongside criminal proceedings. Specialist support can help with safety and practical needs. Courts examine admissible evidence and hear the parties before deciding the case. Depending on the matter, review or appeal may be possible through the judicial system. Criminal proceedings can affect liberty, reputation, work, family life, and residence status. Anyone directly involved should preserve evidence, respect official instructions, and obtain appropriate advice.