Summons to an investigative body
In what capacity you were summoned, what rights you have and how to answer the investigator's questions if you don't have an advocate.
Davit Danielyan
Seven years of experience in investigative bodies
A clear assessment of your involvement in criminal proceedings. Consultations on criminal law matters from a specialist who spent years in investigative bodies and knows the specifics of how criminal investigations are conducted.
What you can get help with
The consultation aims to safeguard your constitutional rights from the very start of the proceedings.
Arrested or accused
Assessment of the charge, the evidence and a possible position, as well as of the lawfulness of the arrest.
Preventive measures
Explanation of the grounds and time limits of detention and alternative preventive measures, and the options for challenging them.
Victims' rights
What rights a victim has, how to take part in the proceedings and what you can request.
Witness status
A witness's rights and duties, including the right not to testify against oneself.
Review of decisions and court rulings
Legal analysis of an investigator's decision or a court ruling, and discussion of possible next steps.
Innocent until proven guilty
A person suspected or accused of a crime is presumed innocent until their guilt is proven in the manner prescribed by law, by a court judgment that has entered into legal force.Constitution of Armenia, Art. 66 · Convention, Art. 6 § 2
What the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees
Armenia is a party to the Convention. Here are some of the principles that protect everyone in criminal proceedings.
Convention, Art. 6 · ECtHR case law
A lawyer from the first interrogation
As a rule, a person should be able to have a lawyer's assistance from the very first interrogation.
Convention, Art. 3
The prohibition of torture is absolute
No circumstances justify torture or inhuman or degrading treatment.
Convention, Art. 3 · ECtHR case law
A threat can also be prohibited
Threatening to cause pain during questioning can amount to inhuman treatment, even without physical violence.
Convention, Arts. 3 and 6 · ECtHR case law
Testimony obtained by violence is no basis for justice
A conviction based on statements obtained through torture violates the right to a fair trial.
Convention, Art. 3 · ECtHR case law
Complaints must be effectively investigated
When a person claims to have been ill-treated, the state must carry out an effective investigation.
Convention, Art. 6 § 3 (d)
The right to question prosecution witnesses
The accused has the right to examine, or have examined, witnesses who testify against them.
Convention, Art. 6 § 1
A hearing within a reasonable time
Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal.
Convention, Art. 2 · ECtHR case law
Force only when absolutely necessary
Use of force by state authorities must be absolutely necessary and strictly proportionate to a legitimate aim.
This is general information. How these principles apply in a specific case depends on its circumstances.
Criminal law specialist, founder of Virtus Lex
DavitDanielyan
Davit Danielyan specialises in criminal law. He spent seven years in investigative bodies: the Special Investigation Service and the Investigative Committee of Armenia.
He knows how criminal proceedings are built, what happens during an investigation and where questions most often arise. That knowledge helps people understand their situation, in plain language and without empty promises.
- 2020–2025
- Investigative Committee of ArmeniaInvestigator, senior investigator, investigator for particularly important cases
- 2018–2020
- Special Investigation ServiceAssistant to the head of department
Terms
What to know before you get in touch.
- Consultation fee
- AMD 20,000
- Response time
- Within 2 hours, 10:00–20:00
- Meetings
- Yerevan, Kentron district, by appointmentOnline, by video call
- Confidentiality
- Your enquiry and the information you share are handled confidentially.
- Honesty
- No unfounded promises and no “guaranteed outcome”.
Four steps from first contact to clarity
- 1
Contact
Write or call and briefly describe the situation.
- 2
Documents
The documents you have are reviewed: summons, decision, record.
- 3
Consultation
Your case, your rights and the possible options are discussed.
- 4
Next steps
You leave with a clear idea of what to do and what to prepare for.
Answers before the consultation
Didn't find your question? Message on WhatsApp or Telegram.
What should I do if I've been summoned by an investigative body?
Don't rush into decisions and don't sign anything you don't understand. First find out in what capacity you've been summoned and what rights you have. It's best to discuss this before you appear.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Gather the documents you have and write down the sequence of events. If you have no documents, you can still get in touch.
Is the consultation confidential?
Yes, your enquiry and the information you share are handled confidentially.
Do you guarantee the outcome of a case?
No. An honest specialist cannot guarantee the outcome of proceedings. The specialist's job is to help you understand the situation, your rights and the possible options.
How is a consultation different from a defence?
In a consultation the situation is explained and assessed. If your case requires defence or representation that the law reserves for an advocate, you will be told so in advance.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation costs AMD 20,000.
Can I get a consultation online?
Yes. Consultations can be held by video call. Message on WhatsApp or Telegram first to agree a time.
How do I get in touch if I'm abroad?
Write on WhatsApp, Telegram or by email. The consultation will take place by video call at an agreed time.
Write or call
Getting in touch commits you to nothing. Briefly describe your question and a time for the consultation will be agreed.