Destruction of vegetation within the national forest estate

Legal defence in cases involving destruction of vegetation in the national forest estate

Destruction of vegetation in the national forest estate (Article 142 of the Forestry Code) carries, under point (a), 6 months–3 years’ imprisonment or a fine for damage of at least 5 times the average price of a cubic metre of timber. Point (b) requires at least two acts in one year and aggregate damage exceeding that threshold, not mere repetition. For damage of at least 20 times the average price, point (c) provides 2–7 years and the specific prohibition under Article 66(1)(g). Attempt is punishable. The thresholds differ from those for unlawful felling.

Forestry expert evidence, calculation of damage and defence strategies

We check forestry damage, the average price on the dates of the acts and their number. Repetition below the threshold is insufficient: the aggregate must exceed the limit required by point (b). We do not transfer Article 143 thresholds to Article 142.
The lawyer analyses measurements, inventories and identification of the perpetrator, and attempts or authorised operations. Forest ownership does not confer an unlimited right to destroy it. Expert-evidence requests seek to verify calculations and contribution, not merely formally challenge the official report.

Urgent legal assistance in Focșani and Vrancea county

Vrancea County’s extensive forests mean Forest Guard and police inspections are exceptionally frequent, and forestry criminal cases are opened quickly, often accompanied by preventive measures or seizure of equipment such as tractors and chainsaws. Basuc Cosmin Law Office in Focșani provides urgent legal assistance before criminal investigation bodies and prosecutors’ offices in Vrancea County. We actively assist at interviews, challenge abusive asset-preservation measures freezing equipment and provide an exceptionally rigorous defence before Focșani District Court or the Vrancea Tribunal, seeking to protect your rights and obtain the most favourable lawful outcome.