INITIATION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN UKRAINE: WHEN AND HOW IT HAPPENS ✅ CRIME ✅ SERVICES

The client's request regarding a possible criminal offense is accepted
Provided information and available evidence or documents are analyzed
Legal qualification of the situation is assessed according to the Criminal Code
The applicant’s rights and possible legal actions are explained
A further strategy of cooperation with the client is agreed upon

A legally accurate statement is drafted in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code
Attachments such as evidence or explanations are prepared
The appropriate authority for submission is determined
The report is submitted in person, by post, or electronically
Submission is documented and confirmation of receipt is obtained

The fact of registration in the Unified Register is verified
An extract from the URPI with the case number is obtained
Delays in data entry into the Register are identified
If necessary, a complaint about inaction of the investigator or prosecutor is prepared
Response of law enforcement bodies to the initiation of the case is monitored

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Initiation of criminal proceedings in Ukraine: when and how it happens

According to Part 1 of Article 214 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, an investigator, inquirer, or prosecutor is obliged to promptly, but no later than 24 hours after receiving an application, report, or identifying circumstances that may indicate the commission of a criminal offense, enter the relevant information into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (URPI). The pre-trial investigation officially begins from the moment this information is entered. Within the next 24 hours after registration, the applicant must be provided with an extract from the URPI.

Documents and conditions required for initiating criminal proceedings

The law does not restrict the form of submitting a report on a criminal offense — it can be made orally or in writing, including via email. Refusal to accept such a report is prohibited.

Upon receipt of the report, the relevant authorities conduct a preliminary review: they request explanations, documents, or other materials. Up to 10 calendar days are allotted for this.

Following the review, a decision is made — to initiate a pre-trial investigation, to refuse entry into the URPI, or to forward the appeal to the appropriate jurisdiction.

Legal consequences of missing the deadline for entry into the URPI

Missing the established 24-hour deadline is not automatically considered a significant violation, but it may be recognized as such by a judge. In such cases, materials obtained before entry into the register may be declared inadmissible evidence. Time limits for pre-trial investigations are defined in Article 219 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine:

Up to 1 month — for criminal misdemeanors
Up to 6 months — for medium-gravity crimes
Up to 12 months — for serious and especially serious crimes

Circumstances that exclude the initiation of criminal proceedings

Criminal proceedings may be refused if grounds provided in Article 6 of the Criminal Procedure Code are present. These include:

Absence of a criminal event
Lack of elements of a crime in the act
Insignificance of the act
Application of an act of amnesty
Expiration of the statute of limitations for prosecution, etc.

In such cases, the criminal case may not only be refused but also closed without entering it into the URPI.

Benefits of legal assistance at the stage of initiating criminal proceedings

Preparation of a proper application for the commission of a criminal offense
Monitoring compliance with the URPI registration deadline
Legal support in case of unlawful refusal to initiate proceedings
Drafting complaints to the investigating judge regarding inaction of the investigator or prosecutor
Protection of the rights of the applicant or the person against whom the application is submitted

Timely legal support helps prevent procedural violations, accelerates law enforcement response, and ensures compliance with legal rights at all stages.

Висновок

The initiation of criminal proceedings is a critical legal step governed by clearly defined procedures and deadlines. Lack of legal knowledge or failure to comply with these requirements can result in delays or even unlawful closure of a case. To ensure proper handling and effective protection of your rights, it is crucial to involve a qualified lawyer from the very beginning — when submitting the first report to law enforcement agencies. This will help you avoid mistakes, address inaction promptly, and secure a strong legal position throughout the criminal process.