Mr. U. was detained in Moscow for large-scale fraud (Art. 159(3) of the Russian Criminal Code) and transferred to the Republic of Tatarstan.
Timely involvement of defense counsel
Mr. U.'s mother, living in another region, remotely engaged attorney Erik Valeev before a preventive measure was chosen. Mr. U. was also registered and resided in another region of Russia.
Law enforcement authorities did not find grounds for detention. Mr. U. was placed under house arrest in a rented apartment in the location of the investigation.
Speed of response matters: when defense counsel is involved before a preventive measure is chosen, the chances of avoiding pre-trial detention increase sharply.
Result
- The charge was reclassified to Art. 159(2).
- The court issued a ruling to dismiss the criminal case.
- Mr. U. was released from punishment following reconciliation with the victim.