Criminal defence · Romania
Charged with theft in Romania? Work with a theft lawyer in Romania.
A theft allegation can affect your liberty, reputation and work. We help you understand the Romanian criminal process and connect you with a lawyer who handles theft cases before the Romanian courts.
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Theft defence in Romania
How a theft case is handled in Romania
If you are under investigation or facing a charge, a theft lawyer in Romania can explain the procedure, your rights and the documents that matter. Romania’s criminal framework is set by the Criminal Code (Law No 286/2009) and the Criminal Procedure Code (Law No 135/2010). Cases begin in the judecătorii or tribunale depending on the statutory rules, with appeals to the curţi de apel. The High Court of Cassation and Justice is the supreme court and ensures uniform interpretation of the law. Only lawyers registered with a Romanian Bar may represent you before the courts, and legal assistance is guaranteed where the law makes defence mandatory. We do not give legal advice; we listen to your situation and match you with a lawyer who handles theft allegations.
Romania in practice
Theft proceedings in the Romanian legal system
Romania follows the continental civil-law model, so the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code set the framework rather than binding precedent. Court organisation is laid down in the Constitution and Law No 304/2004 (as amended). The notes below show the practical setting a theft case sits in.
Codes, not case law as a rule
The Criminal Code (Law No 286/2009) and the Criminal Procedure Code (Law No 135/2010) are the main sources for a theft case. Romanian courts do not generally treat previous decisions as binding, although Constitutional Court rulings are binding erga omnes and certain High Court of Cassation and Justice decisions on uniform interpretation are mandatory for lower courts.
Court hierarchy in criminal matters
The judecătorii are the first-instance courts for most criminal claims within their statutory remit. The tribunale hear larger first-instance cases and appeals against judecătorii decisions. The 15 curţi de apel hear appeals against first-instance tribunale decisions, while the Înalta Curte de Casaţie şi Justiţie in Bucharest ensures uniform interpretation of the law.
Right to legal assistance
In criminal proceedings the accused must be assisted by a lawyer in the situations provided by law, for example where defence is mandatory. The right to legal assistance and to court-appointed counsel is guaranteed. A lawyer registered with a Romanian Bar can review the file, explain the allegation and represent you at hearings.
Who may act before Romanian courts
Membership of a Romanian Bar (barou) is compulsory to practise law, and all bars are united in the National Association of Romanian Bars (UNBR). Admission is by national examination organised through INPPA, followed by a compulsory trainee period before qualified status. Only lawyers registered with a Romanian Bar may exercise the profession before the Romanian courts.
Fees and funding
Lawyers’ fees are freely negotiated between lawyer and client; Romania has no binding official tariff for lawyers’ fees. Where a civil claim is attached to a theft case, court actions may attract a judicial stamp fee under Government Emergency Ordinance No 80/2013. Public legal aid under GEO No 51/2008 is available in civil matters for those who meet the income test.
Data drawn from official Romanian and EU sources (e-Justice and the Romanian legislation portal) consulted in May 2026.
- European e-Justice Portal — National justice systems: Romania
- Romanian legislation portal — Law No 51/1995 on the organisation of the legal profession
- Romanian legislation portal — Government Emergency Ordinance No 80/2013 on judicial stamp fees; GEO No 51/2008 on public legal aid
- Romanian legislation portal — Civil Code and related time limits
Common concerns
What worries people facing a theft allegation
The first days matter. Clear information helps you make calmer decisions.
I do not know the procedure
Romanian criminal procedure has its own steps and court levels. A lawyer can explain what stage your case is at and what the next hearing or statement means, so you are not guessing.
I worry about language and documents
Court language is Romanian. A Romanian-qualified lawyer can read the file, identify the relevant documents and explain them to you in plain terms before you respond.
I am not sure whether I need a lawyer yet
Legal assistance is guaranteed in criminal proceedings where the law makes defence mandatory. Even at an early stage, a lawyer can tell you whether you should be accompanied and what to prepare.
How matching helps
A calmer route to the right legal help
We focus on fit: your situation, the allegation and the Romanian court setting.
Specialist matching
We match you with a lawyer who handles theft allegations before Romanian courts, rather than a generalist who rarely sees criminal files.
Clear first response
You get a first response within 24–48h on average. The lawyer can then tell you what information is needed and how the process usually works.
No cost to be matched
Matching is free. You speak to a lawyer before deciding whether to instruct them, and fees are agreed directly with the lawyer.
Country-specific context
Your match is based on Romanian practice: the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, the court hierarchy and the role of the Romanian Bar.
Cross-border context
Romanian cases with a European dimension
If you live or work outside Romania, a Romanian-qualified lawyer can still be the right first contact. We also work with clients who need to compare the position in neighbouring countries.
Frequently asked questions
Theft defence questions, answered
Do I need a theft lawyer in Romania if I have not been charged yet?
Not every early stage requires formal representation, but a theft lawyer in Romania can explain whether defence is mandatory in your situation and what the next procedural step is. Early advice can help you understand documents, statements and hearing notices before you respond.
Which Romanian court will hear a theft case?
Most criminal first-instance cases begin in the judecătorii within their statutory remit. Larger first-instance cases and appeals against judecătorii decisions go to the tribunale, with appeals to the 15 curţi de apel. The Înalta Curte de Casaţie şi Justiţie sits at the apex and ensures uniform interpretation.
Can a non-Romanian lawyer represent me in Romania?
Only lawyers registered with a Romanian Bar may exercise the profession before Romanian courts. Membership of a barou is compulsory, and all bars are united in UNBR. A lawyer from another country can support you, but representation before the Romanian courts requires a Romanian-registered lawyer.
Is legal aid available for a theft case?
The verified public legal aid scheme (GEO No 51/2008) concerns civil matters and applies to applicants who meet an income test. For criminal proceedings, the right to court-appointed counsel is guaranteed where the law provides. Ask the lawyer to check your eligibility for any available form of assistance.
How are lawyers’ fees set in Romania?
Lawyers’ fees are freely negotiated between the lawyer and client; Romania has no binding official tariff. You should agree the scope and fee basis in writing. Where a civil claim is attached, court stamp fees may also apply under GEO No 80/2013.
What time limits should I watch in a theft-related matter?
Criminal procedure follows the Criminal Procedure Code, and the court will set procedural steps. For any connected civil claim, general limitation periods may apply, such as three years for debt and contractual claims. Do not assume a deadline from another country applies in Romania.
Next step
Tell us what happened
Share the basic facts and we will match you with a lawyer who handles theft allegations in Romania. Matching is free and does not commit you to instruct anyone.