What does Hungarian law say?

Robbery (Section 365 of the Hungarian Criminal Code) means taking someone else’s property using violence or a direct threat, or by rendering the victim unconscious or defenceless. It is also robbery if a thief caught in the act uses violence to keep the item.

What penalty can you face?

• Basic offence: 2 to 8 years
• With a weapon, armed (e.g. with a knife), in a group, substantial value, elderly or disabled victim, or to obtain money for drugs: 5 to 10 years
• Particularly large value or a combination of aggravating factors: 5 to 15 years

According to case law, even spraying the victim with pepper spray can amount to robbery violence. The offence is committed “armed” if the offender carries an object capable of killing (such as a knife) in order to overcome or prevent resistance, and “with a weapon” if they carry a working firearm or explosives or threaten with an imitation of them, so a robbery committed with a toy gun can also count as armed robbery. The offence is committed in a group if at least three people take part (Section 459).

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
• Immediate action against custody and pre-trial detention
• Challenging the legal classification (theft, kifosztás, assault)
• Checking identification parades and CCTV footage
• Representation during the investigation and in court

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between theft and robbery?

In a robbery the property is taken by violence or threats. The difference in penalty is very large.

Can I remain free while the case is pending?

The investigating judge decides; the lawyer’s arguments about your residence, family and the absence of a flight risk carry a lot of weight.

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