Stopped by Police or Charged in Prague: What to Do

What you can do now

1. 1

   Ask for an interpreter — it is free

   If you do not speak Czech well, you have the right to use your own language and to a free interpreter in criminal proceedings. Say clearly which language you understand, and do not sign anything you cannot read.

2. 2

   You do not have to accept an on-the-spot fine

   An on-the-spot fine for a minor offence (příkaz na místě) can only be issued if you agree. If you disagree with the accusation, refuse to sign; the case then goes to ordinary proceedings where you can defend yourself.

3. 3

   You may remain silent and ask for a lawyer

   As a suspect or accused you may refuse to give a statement and you may choose a lawyer at any time — before questioning is the best moment. Ask the police to inform your country's consulate if you wish.

4. 4

   Get written decisions translated

   Key decisions in criminal proceedings, such as the charge or a penalty order, must be translated into a language you understand. If you receive them only in Czech, say so in writing.

5. 5

   Think about your residence permit early

   A criminal conviction, and in some cases repeated offences, can affect your residence permit, and a court can impose expulsion as a penalty. Tell your lawyer about your residence status from the start.

Deadlines and money

Deadlines are short: you usually have eight days to object to a penalty order (trestní příkaz) or to appeal, counted from delivery — check the instruction in the decision. The interpreter is free in criminal proceedings. A defence lawyer is paid by agreement; if you cannot afford one, the court can appoint one in cases where the law requires a lawyer.

Can you handle it yourself, or do you need a lawyer?

A small traffic fine you agree with can be paid on the spot. Get a lawyer immediately if you are detained, charged with a crime, called for questioning as a suspect, received a penalty order, or if your residence permit could be affected.

Bring every paper the police or court gave you, your passport and residence document, and write down what happened and when.

Where to get help in Prague

• Residence and visas

  The Ministry of the Interior's OAMP office — book an appointment through the Information Portal for Foreigners or on +420 974 801 801.

  Ministerstvo vnitra — Odbor azylové a migrační politiky (OAMP)

• Free advice for foreigners

  The regional integration centre gives free advice in several languages and helps with offices.

  Integrační centrum Praha

• Wages and working conditions

  The regional labour inspectorate takes complaints against employers free of charge.

  Oblastní inspektorát práce pro hlavní město Prahu

• Court

  The district court for civil disputes such as deposits, wages or divorce.

  Obvodní soud podle městské části, kde bydlíte

Documents to Prepare

• •Every summons, record or decision from the police or court
• •Passport and residence document
• •Your own written timeline of what happened
• •Names of witnesses, if any

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal background

The right of an accused who does not speak Czech to use their own language and a free interpreter follows from Article 37(4) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and Section 2(14) of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act No. 141/1961 Coll.); Section 28 lists the decisions that must be translated. Minor offences are governed by Act No. 250/2016 Coll.; an on-the-spot fine requires the offender's consent. Consular notification follows the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Verified Sources

• Criminal Procedure Code (Act No. 141/1961 Coll.) — Zákony pro lidi
• Minor Offences Act (Act No. 250/2016 Coll.) — Zákony pro lidi
• Translation and interpreting in criminal proceedings — Právní prostor
• Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Article 37 — Zákony pro lidi

Last reviewed: 2026-10-15

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