For acquittals

Reimbursement of costs in court up to €60,000 in future

(Bild: APA/FOTOKERSCHI.AT/ANTONIO BAYER)

A draft law presented by Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) and Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) on Wednesday after the Council of Ministers provides for a significant increase in the reimbursement of costs for acquittals in criminal proceedings. This means that in extreme cases, up to 60,000 euros can be contributed towards legal fees in future.

It has been known for some time that the Ministry of Finance is making an additional 70 million euros available for the reimbursement of costs this year. This corresponds to a thirty-fold increase in funding. However, for a long time there was controversy within the coalition as to how best to distribute the additional funds.

It is now staggered: For acquittals in district courts, the compensation will be quintupled from 1000 to up to 5000 euros. In complex cases, the contribution can be increased by a further 50 percent, and in very complex cases by as much as 100 percent. In the case of acquittals at regional courts by single judges, up to 13,000 euros can be awarded, compared to the previous maximum of 3,000 euros. Here too, an increase of 50 or 100 percent is possible in complex cases.

In future, the reimbursement of costs for acquittals can be up to 60,000 euros.

(Bild: APA/FOTOKERSCHI.AT/ANTONIO BAYER)

Up to 60,000 in extreme cases
The highest reimbursement of costs is available for complex proceedings that are decided by juries or juries of lay assessors. In principle, up to 30,000 euros are provided here. In complex proceedings, this value can be exceeded by half, i.e. up to 45,000 euros. In particularly complex proceedings, up to 60,000 euros of the defense costs are to be subsidized. 6,000 euros will be paid if the preliminary proceedings are discontinued.

The complexity is to be based on the duration and scope of the case. This is based on a so-called standard procedure, which is outlined in the explanatory notes to the law. The amount of compensation will be decided by the judge.

Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens) and Constitutional Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP)

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Zadic sees "decisive step"
Following the government meeting, Justice Minister Zadic spoke of a "decisive step for the rule of law and the judiciary". In view of the high costs for defense lawyers, action had to be taken. Hundreds of thousands of euros, as was once the case for animal rights activists, were a mortgage for those affected.

Edtstadler: reimbursement of costs so far "ridiculous"
So far, the reimbursement of costs has been "ridiculous", said Edtstadler. Those affected had been left to cover almost all of their expenses. The aim was not to pay the fees of star lawyers, but to ensure adequate representation. The regulation that has now been passed applies retroactively from the beginning of the year.