What does Hungarian law say?

Theft (Section 370 of the Hungarian Criminal Code) means taking someone else’s property in order to appropriate it unlawfully. Up to HUF 50,000 it is generally a petty offence, but with a break-in, pickpocketing, a false key, in a criminal conspiracy, on a commercial basis or to obtain money for drugs, it is a criminal offence even at low values.

What penalty can you face?

• Small value: up to 2 years
• Larger value: up to 3 years
• Substantial value: 1 to 5 years
• Particularly large value: 2 to 8 years
• Particularly substantial value: 5 to 10 years

Value thresholds (Section 459 of the Hungarian Criminal Code): petty offence up to HUF 50,000; small value HUF 50,001–500,000; larger value HUF 500,001–5,000,000; substantial value HUF 5–50 million; particularly large value HUF 50–500 million; particularly substantial value over HUF 500 million. If the same person commits several petty-value offences within one year and they are tried together, the values are added up, and above HUF 50,000 the act becomes a criminal offence (Section 462 (4)). A criminal conspiracy (bűnszövetség) exists if two or more people commit offences in an organised way or agree to do so and at least one offence is attempted; an offence is committed on a commercial basis (üzletszerűen) if the offender seeks regular gain from offences of the same or a similar kind (Section 459). For offences against life, physical integrity and health, traffic offences and offences against property (misdemeanours, or felonies punishable by up to 3 years), admitting the offence before indictment and compensating the victim through mediation accepted by the victim can lead to no punishment at all; for offences punishable by up to 5 years the sentence can be reduced without limit (Section 29). This does not apply, among others, to repeat offenders, offences committed in a criminal organisation, or where the offence caused death.

What should you do now?

• Do not make a statement without a lawyer.
• Ask for an interpreter in your own language.
• Ask for copies of the official records and call us before the interview.
• If a family member has been detained in Hungary, find out where they are being held and call us immediately.

How we help

• We explain every document and every step of the procedure in English
• Distinguishing a petty offence from a criminal offence
• Challenging the aggravating circumstances and the value
• Mediation and compensation of the victim
• Representation during the investigation and in court

Frequently asked questions

Does shoplifting lead to criminal proceedings?

Up to HUF 50,000 petty offence proceedings usually apply; above that value, or with aggravating circumstances, criminal proceedings.

Am I still liable if I returned the item?

The theft is complete once the item is taken, but returning it and compensating the victim count for a lot in sentencing and mediation.

I live abroad. Who will try my case?

An offence committed in Hungary is dealt with by the Hungarian authorities. We can represent you and keep you informed in English.

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Call us now, day or night

Dr. László-Tamás Benő: +36 70 379 0245

Office: Falk Miksa utca 4, mezzanine 4, 1055 Budapest (by appointment only)

See also: Detained or arrested in Hungary · Hungarian version