Defence from the earliest stage
A criminal case may begin with a summons, interview, search, seizure, detention, notification of suspicion or another investigative act. The legal position should be assessed before unnecessary statements or decisions are made. We identify the person's procedural status, the authority conducting the action, the legal basis, immediate rights and deadlines, and the evidence already known.
Silence, explanation, cooperation, challenge and other procedural choices are not abstract principles. Their value depends on the facts and on the stage of the case. The defence strategy should therefore be based on the file, not on a universal formula. Where urgent attendance is required, the priority is to protect procedural rights, understand the scope of the investigation and prevent avoidable damage to the defence position.
Evidence and procedural safeguards
Criminal liability depends on legally relevant facts and admissible evidence. We examine how evidence was obtained, what it actually proves, whether the chain of events is complete, whether expert or digital material requires independent review and whether there are contradictions between statements and objective records. Search, seizure, identification, questioning and expert procedures may each raise their own legal issues.
A defence should also identify evidence favourable to the client. That may include location records, communications, financial documents, witnesses, video, expert material or documentary history. Preserving such evidence early is important because data can disappear and witnesses' recollection can change.
Detention, preventive measures and court
Where detention or another preventive measure is considered, the court usually evaluates statutory grounds and the circumstances relied on by the prosecution. The defence must be prepared to address the alleged risks and, where appropriate, propose less restrictive alternatives supported by reliable information.
At trial, the legal classification, factual theory and evidentiary record must be handled together. Cross-examination, objections, expert questions and final submissions should fit one coherent defence theory. If a judgment is challenged, the appeal must focus on legally significant factual, evidentiary or procedural errors rather than simply repeat disagreement with the outcome.
Criminal cases we handle
Our criminal practice covers defence from the investigative stage through trial and appeal. We assist with questioning and interviews, detention, bail and other preventive measures, procedural status, evidence, searches and seizures, expert material, plea discussions where appropriate, trial preparation and appellate proceedings. We also work on economic and financial offences and on representation connected with victim status.
Urgent criminal matters are treated differently from ordinary advisory work. If a person has been detained, summoned for questioning, served with a procedural document or has an imminent hearing, the immediate issue is the procedural position and deadline. Documents and evidence can then be reviewed in the context of that stage of the case.
Criminal-law specialisation
Tornike Chikovani is listed in the Georgian Bar Association public directory with specialisation in criminal law and a service area of criminal law. Nino Tatoshvili is listed as a Georgian Bar Association member with general specialisation and also works on criminal-justice matters. The lawyer responsible for a case is confirmed after the office checks the parties, urgency and subject matter.
Defence, appeals and victim representation
Representation may include defence before investigative authorities and the courts, applications concerning preventive measures, evidentiary motions, trial advocacy and appeals. Where we act for a victim, the work may include procedural status, submissions to the investigative authority, access to procedural rights and representation in related court proceedings.
For urgent contact
If the matter concerns detention, questioning or a hearing, tell us the person’s procedural status, the authority handling the case, the latest document received and the next scheduled time or date. Do not send unnecessary sensitive material before the office confirms representation and conflict checks are completed.