Can You Be Tried in Cyprus While Living Abroad? Your Legal Rights Explained
H1: Can You Be Tried in Cyprus While Living Abroad?
If you’re a Cypriot citizen living in the United States, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere, and you’ve been notified of criminal proceedings in Cyprus, you may wonder:
Can I be tried in Cyprus without being there?
The answer depends on the type of offense, stage of the case, and your legal representation.
This guide will help you understand when your physical presence is required, what it means to be tried in absentia, and how a lawyer in Cyprus can defend you remotely.
H2: What Does “Tried in Absentia” Mean in Cyprus?
H3: Legal Framework
In Cyprus, it is possible for a person to be tried in absentia (i.e., without appearing in court), under certain conditions. The legal basis is found in the Criminal Procedure Law (Cap. 155).
This applies mostly to:
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Minor offenses (summary offenses)
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Preliminary or procedural hearings
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Cases where a lawyer has been duly authorized via Power of Attorney
However, serious offenses (felonies) usually require the personal presence of the accused.
H2: What If You Have Not Been Properly Notified?
If you were never served with a police summons or court notice, your absence might be justifiable.
⚠️ However, if the court finds that you were properly notified and failed to appear, it may:
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Proceed in your absence
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Issue an arrest warrant
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Forward the case for international enforcement
H2: When Can You Be Tried Without Being Present?
✅ Yes – You Can Be Tried in Absentia When:
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You are charged with non-serious offenses
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You have authorized a lawyer via valid Power of Attorney
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The court approves representation in absentia
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You appear via video conferencing, if allowed
❌ No – You Cannot Be Tried in Absentia When:
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You are accused of serious crimes (e.g., drug trafficking, assault, fraud)
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The case requires testimony or cross-examination
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The court specifically orders your appearance
H2: What Happens If You Ignore the Case?
If you do not appear or arrange representation, Cyprus courts may:
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Proceed with trial and convict you in absentia
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Issue an arrest warrant valid across the EU
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Request Interpol cooperation (Red Notice)
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Notify immigration authorities abroad
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Block property or bank accounts in Cyprus
H2: How Can a Lawyer Defend You Without You Returning?
With a Special Power of Attorney, a Cypriot criminal lawyer can:
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Access the full case file
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File defense objections or procedural motions
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Submit mitigating arguments
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Request adjournment, exemption, or dismissal
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Represent you in court hearings
This allows you to stay abroad safely, while your case is properly managed in Cyprus.
H2: Does It Affect Your Immigration or Travel?
Yes. A conviction or open criminal proceedings in Cyprus can:
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Appear in international background checks
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Affect U.S. immigration applications (green card, citizenship)
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Block future travel to the EU
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Trigger arrest if entering Cyprus
H2: Real-Life Example – Tried in Absentia
Case Study:
A Cypriot living in Florida was accused of financial misconduct in Cyprus.
He hired our law firm, signed a notarized Power of Attorney, and was legally represented in all hearings.
Outcome: Case dismissed after lack of evidence—without him ever needing to travel.
Conclusion
If you’re facing criminal charges or court proceedings in Cyprus while living abroad, you can be legally defended—but you must act quickly. With the right legal representation, you may be able to avoid arrest, attend hearings remotely, or even dismiss the case entirely.
Need Representation in Cyprus While Living Abroad?
We help Cypriots in the U.S. and worldwide respond to criminal complaints and defend their rights in Cyprus—without returning.
E. CHATZIDIMITRIOU LLC
U.S. Tel: +13474034789
Email: info@hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com
www.hatzidimitriouvirtuallaw.com