Killing at the victim’s request

Legal defence in cases of killing at the victim’s request

The offence of killing at the victim’s request (Article 190 of the Criminal Code) is an act with profound emotional and legal implications, defined as killing a person at their explicit, serious, informed and repeated request where they suffered from an incurable illness or a severe, distressing disability. Although the law recognises the exceptional context and punishes the act less severely than murder, with imprisonment from 1 to 5 years, it remains a serious offence, and the involvement of a criminal defence lawyer is essential. For this classification to apply, the evidence must unequivocally establish that the victim had full capacity to understand when expressing the wish and that their medical condition met the statutory criteria, matters established through complex post-mortem forensic medical and psychiatric assessments.

Establishing the statutory conditions and defence strategies

In such a criminal case, the defence strategy focuses on rigorous analysis of evidence establishing the explicit, serious, informed and repeated nature of the victim’s request, often reflected in documents, messages, witness evidence or medical history. Without professional defence, a classification error can easily occur, with prosecutors potentially referring the case for trial as murder or aggravated murder, offences punishable by substantially longer prison terms. Careful assessment of every item of evidence allows us to request that the correct legal classification be maintained or adopted and, where the defendant’s personal circumstances permit, seek a sentence suspended under supervision.

Urgent legal assistance in Focșani and Vrancea county

Facing a criminal investigation into killing at the victim’s request requires tact, discretion and in-depth knowledge of judicial procedure. The law office of Lawyer Basuc Cosmin in Focșani provides the legal support needed at this time of intense psychological pressure. We provide representation and assistance before prosecutors from the earliest interviews, manage discussions concerning possible preventive measures and build a sound defence at trial before Vrancea Tribunal, protecting your rights effectively and with dignity.