Fugitivity represents a specific legal concept within Italian criminal law, associated with situations where an individual voluntarily avoids complying with precautionary measures or incarceration orders. It is crucial that such a condition is declared following rigorous checks to prevent unjust trials and potential convictions.
Legal Definition of Fugitivity
Criminal Procedure Code
According to Article 296 of the Criminal Procedure Code, an individual is considered a fugitive if they voluntarily evade custody under caution, house arrest, prohibition from leaving the country, obligation of residence, or an order imposing incarceration. Consequently, the declaration of fugitivity presupposes the existence of a judicial order that restricts personal freedom and a voluntary evasion from it.
Legal Procedures and Searches
Search Obligations
Competent authorities must conduct thorough searches to ensure that the individual is indeed fleeing and not simply untraceable for other reasons. These searches should include phone contact if the number is known and available, as clarified by the Court of Cassation (Cass. Pen., Sec. V n. 34993/2020).
International Searches
Searches are not required to extend globally unless there are indications that suggest the possible hideout of the subject abroad (Cass. Pen. SS.UU. n. 18822/2014). In such cases, authorities are obliged to extend investigations beyond national borders.
Consequences of an Erroneous Declaration of Fugitivity
Decree Invalidity and Procedural Repercussions
An erroneously issued decree of fugitivity leads to the invalidity of all subsequent procedural acts, and the process must start anew. This situation can hasten the approach of the statute of limitations for the crime, as consistently upheld by jurisprudence (Cass. Pen., Sec. III n.1621/2015).
The Need for Accuracy
The delicacy of the fugitivity decree requires that searches be complete and that there is certainty about the voluntary evasion of the investigated subject from the judicial order. This precision is essential to avoid violations of the individual’s rights and potential judicial errors.
Practical Implications and Legal Advice
This case highlights the importance of conducting precise and thorough checks before proceeding with significant judicial acts such as the declaration of fugitivity. Errors in this process can have severe consequences, both for the efficiency of the judicial system and for individual rights.
For more information or legal assistance, it is advisable to consult a specialized lawyer who can provide detailed and personalized consultations regarding these complex legal issues.
