Home page/ Services/ Protection of the Rights of...

Protection of the Rights of Victims and Witnesses in Criminal Cases in Kyiv

Get qualified legal assistance in protecting the rights of victims and witnesses in criminal cases. Professional representation and protection at all stages of investigation and trial. PRAGNUM Law Firm ensures lawful and safe support for individuals who have suffered from a crime or act as witnesses in criminal proceedings.

Who needs protection of victims’ and witnesses’ rights?
Whether you are a victim of a crime or possess information that may be key in a criminal proceeding, you have the right to reliable protection, confidentiality, and effective representation in the process.

Protection is relevant for:

Victims are seeking justice, restoration of their reputation, compensation and to avoid retraumatisation;
Witnesses facing psychological or physical pressure, threats, or intimidation;
Individuals wishing to be effectively represented in court and prevent manipulation by the defence or prosecution.

Order legal support for witnesses

What do services for the protection of victims’ and witnesses’ rights include?

Witness protection.
Witnesses often find themselves vulnerable — especially when testimony concerns powerful individuals, organized crime, or major businesses.

Our services include:

Legal support during interrogations, confrontations, and investigative actions — we help formulate accurate, credible, and safe answers while avoiding legal traps;
Protection from pressure — in cases of threats or blackmail, we file reports with law enforcement and ensure state protection programs are applied;
Preparation for court testimony — a lawyer helps witnesses remain calm, follow proper conduct, and respond correctly to questions;
Ensuring confidentiality — we protect witnesses’ personal data, especially in high-profile cases.

Representation of victims.

Victims often face formal approaches from law enforcement or even neglect of their rights.

We provide:

Preparation and filing of crime reports, support during interrogations, and participation in investigative actions on behalf of the victim;
Active court representation — the lawyer not only represents but acts as a party with the right to submit evidence, question the accused, and claim compensation;
Challenging unlawful actions of investigators, prosecutors, or judges — if the victim’s interests are ignored, we file complaints, appeals, and use disciplinary or judicial mechanisms.

Order legal representation for victims

Compensation for damages.

We help victims obtain real compensation, not just formal court decisions.

Legal support includes:

Preparing claims for damages — both moral and material (loss of income, treatment, damaged property, etc.);
Establishing justified damage amounts with independent appraisers or experts;
Enforcing court decisions through bailiffs, asset seizures, or freezing guilty party accounts.

Legal consultations for victims and witnesses.

Correct information at the beginning is key to protecting your rights.

We provide:

Legal assessment of the situation: grounds for protection, whether victim status is needed, immediate actions required;
Explanation of rights and obligations, including the possibility to refuse testimony if it contradicts interests;
Strategy under pressure, delays, or unlawful investigative methods.

Professional Legal Assistance for Witnesses from Experienced Lawyers

Stages of legal assistance.

Initial consultation.

Analysis of the situation, risk assessment, and defense strategy.

At the first meeting, we:

Carefully listen to circumstances and review documents (interrogation protocols, judge rulings, medical certificates, photos, etc.);
Clarify procedural status (victim, witness, applicant) and related rights under Chapters 7 & 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine;
Prepare a “risk map” — potential threats, reputational consequences, and financial losses;
Form an individual strategy: action algorithm, procedural steps, timeframes, and budget. Clients receive a written plan and a dedicated lawyer available 24/7.

Evidence collection and document preparation.

Preparation of applications, lawyer inquiries, and evidence base.

Drafting a detailed crime report with qualification and list of evidence;
Sending inquiries to police, DBR, SBU, or other bodies to obtain documents or results;
Gathering evidence: medical reports, financial loss calculations, video/audio recordings, witness statements, private expert results;
Preparing objections to prosecution motions to minimize biased decisions.

Protection of witnesses' rights from a law firm

Court representation.

Protecting client interests in hearings.

PRAGNUM lawyers participate in judge hearings (asset seizures, bail decisions) and substantive court cases;
Submit motions for judge recusals, inadmissibility of evidence, and calling additional witnesses;
Conduct cross-examination of experts and defendants, ensuring full review of circumstances;
File civil claims within criminal cases for compensation of damages.

Ensuring safety of witnesses and victims.

Measures to protect clients from threats or pressure:

Document threats and immediately file separate proceedings;
Initiate inclusion in the Witness Protection Program;
Provide legal support during relocation or job/school changes due to real danger;
Ensure confidentiality of data via closed hearings or bans on media publication.

Order Reliable Protection for Victims in Criminal Cases

Why choose us?

Experience and professionalism. PRAGNUM’s lawyers have 18+ years of practice in victim and witness cases (economic crimes, negligence, violent acts). We know the CPC, Supreme Court, and ECHR practices deeply.
Comprehensive approach. From first consultation to judgment enforcement, we control every stage: investigation, trial, compensation, safety. We involve mediators, detectives, and experts if needed.
Effectiveness. 70% of victims obtain real compensation; in 80% of cases, witness pressure stops after our intervention. We achieve annulments of unlawful rulings and new proceedings for threats or obstruction.
Confidentiality and security. All communications are secure; data is stored per GDPR and Ukrainian law. We can request judicial bans on client data publication.

Accessible Witness Protection from PRAGNUM Law Firm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

How can I protect my rights if I am a witness?

Immediately contact a lawyer.
Use your right to legal counsel and refusal to answer harmful questions.
Record threats for separate proceedings.
Request protective measures if needed.

How to file a crime report and what’s next?

Submit a written report with detailed event description.
Registration occurs in the Unified Register within 24 hours (Art. 214 CPC).
Request an extract; if denied, appeal investigator inaction.
A lawyer will accompany interrogations, initiate investigative actions, and defend rights in court.

What rights do victims have?