Guidance

Czech Republic: Legal and prison systems

Updated 28 February 2023

Information pack for British nationals arrested or detained in the Czech Republic

1. Chapter 1: Key points

1.1 Overview

If you are a British national, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in the Czech Republic and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country:

  • the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
  • if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
  • friends or family can also contact the local British embassy, high commission or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

The British Embassy in the Czech Republic contact details:

British Embassy

Thunovská 14

118 00 PRAGUE 1

Tel: (+420) 257 402 111

Working hours:

Mon-Thu 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Fri 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

Contact us using our contact form

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-prague

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In the Czech Republic, notification by the authorities to the Embassy normally takes place within 24 hours. According to a treaty between the UK and the Czech Republic, the Czech authorities must inform the British Consulate no later than 3 days after you were taken into custody.

We can also:

  • provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. See also Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid
  • provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
  • provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
  • keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
  • tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
  • put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
  • in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
  • help to transfer money to you from your friends or family
  • in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

  • Get you out of prison or detention
  • Help you get special treatment because you are British
  • Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
  • Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
  • Forward you packages sent by friends or family
  • Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

1.2 First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in the Czech Republic.

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

2. Chapter 2: Detention conditions in the Czech Republic

2.1 Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to the Czech Republic for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

You can arrange a visit from family and friends by filling in an application form for a visit – in Czech language called “POVOLENKA” (to be obtained from prison guards) and send it to the Director of a prison. This must be arranged for in advance and initiated by the detained person.

Remanded in custody

You have the right to be visited by a maximum of 4 people once in every 2 weeks for the maximum of 90 minutes. This excludes visits from your lawyer and from the consular staff. In some exceptional cases you may be allowed visits in less than 2 weeks or for longer than 90 minutes, at the discretion of the prison director.

You need to fill in an application for a visit approval and hand this application to the Prison service workers in an unsealed envelope, they will set the exact date of the visit. They will also stamp the envelope, seal it and send it to the address stated on the envelope by you. Immediately after you are told the date for the visit, you may write to the visitors and make necessary arrangements or express your wishes regarding the visit.

If you were remanded in custody because of the fear that you will influence the witnesses that have not yet been heard or that you will otherwise frustrate the investigation, your application needs to be sent to investigating bodies’ address and these bodies will set the date of the visit. A prison guard may also be present during the visit.

Visits are usually planned during working days.

Sentenced

Each prison has its own internal regulations. You have the right to have a visit, in the time agreed by the prison director, for a maximum of 3 hours a month. You can be visited by a maximum of four people at the same time, minors included. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Visits will be usually planned during weekends or holidays.

You must apply to the prison authorities for a permit for your visitor(s). When the permit is issued you have to send it to your visitor(s).

What to expect when you visit

Visitors must identify themselves when they arrive at the prison by showing an identification document containing a photograph (e.g. passport). They must also present a confirmation of an approved visit. Visitors will usually need to go through a security scan and may be searched. They may be asked to leave prohibited items (e.g. mobile phones, keys, flash discs) in a locker for the duration of the visit. Visits will normally take place in a designated visiting area, with a prison guard present. In the event of the detainee or their visitor repeatedly violating the prison’s internal rules or safety measures, the visit can be interrupted or terminated.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors can bring a parcel; for more details please see the section Letters and parcels.

Visits: consular staff

We will make contact with you as quickly as possible once we are informed of your arrest. If you want us to we will visit you in detention before trial. If you are sentenced we can visit you once more if you want us to. It is considered that conditions in the Czech prison system generally meet international standards, therefore regular visits are not offered as part of our service unless it is determined a real need has arisen.

We will not visit you if you specifically ask us not to.

If you do not make contact with us regarding the consular visit, we will attempt to contact you once again and ask if you wish to be visited. You can write to us at any time on matters of concern (include address – but if it is urgent it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf).

During our visit, you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, your treatment in prison, your legal representation, language barrier concerns and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our consular staff. At each consular visit, our staff will complete a “Visit Report Form”. If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin you should let us know during the visit.

Emergency trips outside of prison

If an urgent situation arises (for example, a funeral or a critical illness of your next-of-kin), you can apply for a permission to leave the prison to the prison director. The prison director can grant you a permission to leave the prison for up to 10 days in a calendar year. An application must be made in writing and handed to a prison guard/social worker. Each application will be considered individually, taking into consideration health and safety risks involved.

2.2 Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

If you commit a crime or you are suspected of committing a crime, you may be detained by the police. If you are caught while committing a crime or immediately after you commit a crime, you may also be detained by any person who has to report the detention and turn you over to the police immediately. You can be detained at a detention cell at Vaclav Havel airport or, at any detention cell of the Police of the Czech Republic.

After you are detained, within 48 hours you must be:

• informed of the reasons for your detention

• interviewed

• either freed or brought before a judge

The judge then has 24 hours to decide whether you should be set free or remanded in custody.

You have a right to appoint a lawyer of your choice, speak with them in private and request their presence during interview. Legal aid may be provided, depending on circumstances, especially on how serious the alleged crime is.

In the event that you are asked to provide an explanation of certain events an interpreter will be brought in by the police and will interpret the questions, your answers and will then interpret the written report before you are asked to sign it. You have the right not to make a statement.

Food, water, bed and necessary medical care is provided during detention.

At your request the police will inform one of your relatives or a friend that you have been detained, provided that this does not hamper the police investigation, and that it is not excessively difficult. In practice, this option isn’t always provided.

Appearing at court

When there is enough evidence to bring the case before a judge, the investigation stage is formally closed and the trial stage is opened. The Prosecutor must then produce an indictment setting out your personal details, the crime of which you are accused, when and where it took place, the legal definition of the crime and the criminal law applicable to the case.

When the judge receives the indictment, a trial date will be set. After a prosecution has been lodged the Chairman of the Senate is obliged to start legal proceedings before the District court, in a time limit of 3 weeks and, before a Regional Court, in a time limit of 3 months. If there are serious reasons which do not allow a decision, the Chairman of the Court will prolong the deadline for an undetermined amount of time, or, will make other suitable arrangements to ensure the continuity of legal proceedings.

During the trial, evidence is examined and a decision in the case is made. During this stage of the criminal process the defendant(s) and any witnesses and the injured party or parties are questioned in court. The trial is public, oral and is conducted in Czech. If you do not speak Czech, you have the right to an interpreter.

If you do not choose a lawyer, legal aid may be provided by the state.

In some cases, you are obliged to have a defence lawyer and the court will appoint a defence lawyer for you if you do not choose one within a specified time limit. The following are situations in which a defence lawyer is required:

  • if you are in custody or under observation in a medical facility,
  • if your competence to perform legal acts is restricted,
  • if you are a fugitive,
  • if you are under 18,
  • if you are physically or mentally handicapped and there is doubt about your competence to defend yourself properly,
  • if you could be sentenced to more than 5 years in prison,
  • if simplified proceedings are to be initiated against you as the detained person,
  • in proceedings where you might be required to undergo preventive medical treatment (apart from treatment for alcoholism),
  • in some proceedings with a foreign element.

It is the accused person who pays for the lawyer’s services. If the court appoints a lawyer for you, the state pays for the defence. However, the state can claim the costs back if you are sentenced.

Your lawyer/public defender will be best placed to advice on further trial details.

Read more information about the Czech judicial system

Initial arrival at the prison

Upon admission to any of the prisons in the Czech Republic, you will be subjected to a thorough personal search (for injuries, forbidden objects, weapons etc.). The personal search is always carried out by a guard of the same sex as you. The necessary hygiene and anti-epidemic measures will be carried out. Each person admitted to prison is given bedding sheets (blanket, sheet, bed clothes, and towel), basic hygienic items (soap, toilet paper, tooth paste and toothbrush, disposable razor), and prisoner clothes (sweat shirt, T-Shirt, trousers and underwear) into which they will change. Prisoners can use their own clothes provided that clean clothes are supplied on a regular basis from family/friends. Each new detainee will also receive ‘Instruction for accused upon admission into prison’. This is provided in mother tongue or in the language that is best understood by the prisoner. Subsequently, a bed is provided in a cell for newcomers.

Usually within a week from being taken into custody, you will be taken for an interview with psychologist or other specialist (such as special pedagogue or warden), you will undergo a medical examination and the necessary administrative procedures will be carried out, including having your photograph taken. After this initial stage is completed, you may be moved to a different cell.

You may keep written documents relating to your criminal proceedings and other official documents. You may keep a reasonable number of photos, letters, books, magazines, and newspapers. You may also keep your personal belongings, stationery, basic hygiene items, and other things within the scope of the prison rules. Other things, including money, valuables, and identity documents are stored by the prison.

Any medication must be prescribed or approved by the prison doctor and administered by the prison workers. Medication cannot be brought in or sent by post.

2.3 Prison: conditions and daily life

The conditions in Czech prisons are generally speaking good, although you should expect overcrowding. Conditions are worse in remand prisons. Although the principle of not guilty until proven otherwise applies, in reality the inmates held on remand face worse conditions than those convicted, as they cannot take part in educational, sport or working activities, mostly because they are expected to be held only for a limited time (the average is approximately 100 days) before being either released or moved after the verdict.

Prisoners held on remand spend up to 23 hours a day locked in their jail cells, where there sometimes is no access to warm water and also not to electricity (apart from lights switched on and off by the guards from outside).

Accommodation

Sentenced prisoners are held separately from those on remand. Shared cells are most common in Czech prisons, with usually 2-3 prisoners per one cell. In general, Czech prisons are filled up to their capacity; some prisons can be slightly overcrowded.

Every prisoner has his/her own bed and a locker for his/her personal belongings. There are tables and chairs based on the number of the prisoners. If the accommodation room is a cell, it has to be equipped with its own toilet and a washbasin with running water. Power sockets are available in some prisons but any electrical equipment brought to prison is subject to safety check before it can be used in the cell.

Prison cells usually have a small window with bars so there is natural light.

Food and diet

Regular meals (usually three meals a day, one of them being a hot meal) are provided taking into account the state of health, age and the requirements of cultural and religious traditions.

Depending on the seriousness of your crime, you might be serving your sentence in a prison in which the prisoners are allowed to cook their own meals from the ingredients supplied by the prison. However, this possibility is available only in some prisons.

You can supplement your diet by buying food from the prison shop, or you can have some non-perishable food items sent in a parcel.

Hygiene

Inmates on remand are allowed to take warm water shower only twice a week, with each shower being limited to five minutes. Access to showers can be less restricted when serving sentence; this varies between prisons. Toiletries can be bought in the prison shop.

Work and study

Even though you are not expected to work whilst on remand, you may ask to be given a job.

Prisoners serving their sentence can apply for a job. The jobs offered are limited and will usually cover the needs of the prison. Some prisoners work within the prison e.g. in the Printing office, Laundry, Maintenance, Automobile repair shops. Also, some prisoners work at workplaces out of the prison. By working, prisoners can not only earn some money, but also gain some benefits in the prison system.

Prisoners may be expected to provide cleaning of communal areas without being paid for it.

Some prisons offer courses or even studies to gain qualifications. However, these are normally in Czech language. Czech language courses for foreign inmates can be available in some prisons. Prisons can help with arrangements for postal studies, if conditions permit. There are religious postal courses available in Czech prisons; more information can be provided by prison chaplains.

Contact and languages

If possible, the prison will try to put you in a cell with another English-speaking inmate. Some guards/prison workers speak English, but not all. Some prisons provide language classes.

Prisoners do not have access to mobile phones and can only use the official telephone for making calls. Writing materials can be bought in the prison shop or can be sent to you by your family in a parcel. There is no internet access.

Prisons usually have a library, but the availability of English books will be very limited. Books can be sent to you in a parcel by your family. Also, the charity Prisoner Abroad provides reading materials.

There is the possibility to request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

It is generally possible to watch or own a television in Czech prisons, subject to internal prison rules.

In the prison, educational and special formative activities are organized for convicted inmates (not available for those held on remand). Based on the result of diagnostic examination, a treatment programme is designed for each prisoner. The goal of this programme is the development of personality, enhancement of creativeness in purposeful uses of free time, and improvement in the involvement in civilian life of the prisoners. Sporting activities are also available to prisoners during outings or in the form of exercises and games in the prison’s gym.

You can order at your own expense newspapers, magazines and books if they are published in the Czech Republic. The prison authorities have the right to take away all items, which do not conform to the prison guidelines. Always confirm in advance with the prison authorities that there is no objection to you ordering a particular book or magazine. The prison may not accept reading materials sent without prior permission.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

Prisoners will spend a minimum of 1 hour each day outside; this will be usually a restricted area in the prison courtyard. Inmates can sometimes use this time for exercising or playing sports, depending on the prison.

Climate

Climate in the Czech Republic does not significantly differ from the UK; summers are slightly hotter and winters colder.

The clothing provided by the prison is generally appropriate for the climate.

Religion

Prisoners can be provided religious support whilst in prison by prison chaplains or volunteer chaplains. At the moment, religious services in Czech prisons are provided by 14 different religious organizations. Voluntary chaplains provide spiritual support regardless of the prisoner’s religious beliefs. Upon request, prison authorities can appoint a minister of a specific faith, if technically possible.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Prison rules and regulations are provided to prisoners in writing shortly after their arrival in prison. English version of the document is provided to English-speaking prisoners.

Privileges can be earned for good behaviour, including longer visits, right to receive an extra parcel or money. Punishments for violating prison rules include fines, limiting the number of received parcels, or placing the prisoner into a solitary confinement for up to 28 days. You may also lose your job or school place.

Drug trafficking between inmates in prisons is not widespread. If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) you will be punished according to prison regulations.

Tobacco cigarettes are allowed inside Czech prisons. If you are a non-smoker, you will be allocated a non-smoking cell on request.

2.4 Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

You may be able to receive financial assistance from your family or friends while in prison. The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

Prisoners can receive money from their family directly to their prison account. You can contact the prison social worker and ask for payment instructions. Alternatively, if you wish, we can obtain the payment instructions from the prison and pass them on to your family.

Alternatively, while the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Medical and Dental treatment

While you are detained, the Czech Republic is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met. Generally, healthcare in the Czech Republic is of a very good standard.

Medical and dental treatment is free of charge for those covered by the public health insurance. You must be aware that some treatment is not covered by the public health system and must be paid for by yourself.

If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or dentist. In some large prisons it can be difficult to get an early appointment but if the situation is urgent you should contact the prison social worker who may be able to get you an earlier appointment. In case of medical emergency, you should contact a prison guard or another prison worker immediately.

Prison doctors are often equivalent to GPs in the UK, so unusual or complex problems may be referred to a specialist outside the prison. There are 2 prison hospitals in the Czech Republic, in Prague and Brno. Prisoners do not have a right to choose their healthcare provider and are not able to access private healthcare while in prison.

Psychologists are available in all prisons to provide counselling and individual/group therapy sessions where needed. Each prisoner will have an initial interview with the prison psychologist within the first 24 hours after their arrival to determine their needs. You can also request an interview with the prison psychologist any time later.

Prisoners can get glasses based on doctor’s recommendation. The costs are not covered by the state health insurance and must be met by the prisoner. In some cases, religious organizations might help with funding the costs, or by organizing donations of used glasses.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

You can receive parcels by post. It can contain non-perishable food, books or things for personal use to a maximum of 5kg. Alternatively, the parcel can be brought by visitors upon previous arrangement. On remand you may receive a parcel once every three months. If you are sentenced you may receive a 5kg parcel twice a year, usually on your birthday and for Christmas. This limitation does not apply to parcels containing clothes sent as a change for your existing clothes, books, daily newspapers and magazines and – only when on remand – also to personal hygiene items.

The parcels are subject to control by the Prison service bodies and you may not receive any items which are against the internal rules (including money) and items which may endanger you or other prisoners. The sender must include your full name and date of birth in the address.

You must apply to the prison authorities if you want to receive a parcel and you will be provided with a special label. You should send this label to the person who is going to send the parcel. On the back of the label is a list of items, which cannot be sent. Packages are subject to inspection by the Prison Service and items which cannot be held in a cell will not be given to you. If you are not sure whether an item is allowed, check with the social worker before asking for it to be sent. If you want to have a portable radio, TV or other electronic item, check that the prison authorities will accept it before anyone sends one. If allowed these devices are subject to a technical inspection to ascertain whether or not any additional equipment not permitted has been installed. Refused items will be sent back to the sender at your expense. It is your responsibility to make sure the parcel complies with all customs procedures if sent from the UK. More information on the rules can be found at the Customs Administration of the Czech Republic’s website.

There is generally no limit to the number of letters you may send or receive. The prison authorities are obliged to deliver letters with the minimum of delay. Your mail is subject to censorship by the Prison Service employees who may decide your mail will be held and passed on to the investigative authorities and translator. Correspondence with your lawyer shall be delivered without delay. It is not subject to censorship and the Prison authorities should not read it.

Telephone calls

To make a phone call to your family/friends you need to request a BVfon telephone card from the prison. You can expect to receive it in about 1 week. The telephone card has a 8 digit account number and PIN printed on it (you need to scratch the fields to reveal it), which you will need to be able to log in to the prison telephone. You will also need the account number to purchase telephone credit.

Your family/friends can buy it for you online using a credit card at https://mojetelio.cz/, selecting English language at the top.

To do so they need to have your BVfon telephone account number available. Embassy staff can assist you with this by passing your BVfon telephone account number to your family or friends. Maximum top-up is CZK 2 000.

Alternatively, if you have money available at your “prison account”, you can purchase credit yourself in prison.

Calls to the Embassy or your lawyer can be made free of charge, upon arrangement and considering your individual circumstances with prison guards.

REMANDED:

You can request to make a phone call to your next of kin, family and friends in writing by submitting it to the prison guards who will first check that the person you wish to call is genuinely the person you stated in the request. The phone calls may be recorded for security reasons.

SENTENCED:

You can request to make a phone call to your next of kin, family and friends in writing by submitting it to the prison guards who will first check that the person you wish to call is genuinely the person you stated in the request. The phone calls may be recorded for security reasons apart from when calling your legal representative or your embassy.

Mobile phones are not allowed in Czech prisons. Being caught with a mobile phone can lead to a punishment, such as withdrawing some privileges earned before, fine, restricting the limit on received parcels or losing your job or school place. It will also show in your prison records and may affect your chances for a conditional release.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

You can also ask the social workers or guards to submit your complaint to custody manager or prison director who will then investigate your complaint according to internal rules of the prison. You can also submit your complaint to a higher authority than the one you are complaining against in writing.

3. Chapter 3: The Czech judicial system

3.1 Overview

The Czech system is not the same as the UK. The Judiciary of the Czech Republic is set out in Constitution, which defines courts as independent institutions within the traditional framework of checks and balances.

The whole Chapter Four of the Constitution of the Czech Republic is dedicated to defining the role of the judicial power in the Czech Republic. It states the main function of courts of law is the protection of rights in a manner defined by legislation, and gives them sole responsibility for deciding guilt and penalty for criminal offences. Courts are defined as independent, although their administration is in the hands of the Ministry of Justice. The rights of prisoners are guaranteed under the Code of Criminal Justice.

Criminal cases are initially dealt with by district courts or, in case of crimes punishable by at least 5 years imprisonment, the regional courts. Throughout the criminal proceedings including the preliminary proceedings, the accused has the right to plead to the charges against them, but is not obliged to make a statement.

The trial is conducted by the presiding judge, who usually also examines the evidence.

In principle, the court holds the trial in public. The trial is held in the constant presence of all members of the panel of judges, the court reporter and the public prosecutor. The trial may be held in the absence of the accused only if the case may be reliably tried and determined even without his or her presence, and when further conditions are met as stipulated by the law.

There are special types of proceedings: e.g. summary preliminary proceedings, followed by simplified proceedings before a single judge. This applies to offences punishable by the maximum of 3 years imprisonment in cases where the offender was caught red-handed or the circumstances of the offence are established. The summary preliminary proceedings must be completed within two weeks. If the public prosecutor concludes that the results of the summary preliminary proceedings warrant committal of the suspect for trial, they file a punishment recommendation. At the trial in the simplified proceedings, the single judge may decide that the facts which the parties describe as indisputable need not be proved.

Another special type of criminal proceedings is proceedings before a single judge. Unlike in simplified proceedings, the single judge may issue a criminal court order without a trial, if the facts of the case are reliably substantiated by the evidence. A criminal court order may impose only certain types of punishment up to certain limits.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

3.2 First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

A ‘Decision on the Commencement of Criminal Prosecution’ is a formal document that can only be issued by the police if the results of the investigation show that you should be charged with committing a particular crime. This Decision must contain the description of the act you are suspected of committing and the legal description of the crime this act is supposed to fall under.

One of the most important effects of the Decision on the Commencement of Criminal Prosecution is that, a warrant for arrest can then be issued against you and you can be remanded into custody.

When you are arrested, you have a right to contact a lawyer. The police will normally notify us without delay about the arrest of a British national. If you don’t speak Czech, the police will organize for a sworn interpreter to interpret any interviews. You can be detained in a police cell for a maximum of 72 hours; the police have 48 hours to collect evidence and present it to judge and the judge has further 24 hours to decide whether you will be remanded into custody or released.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See the list of local English-speaking lawyers.

How long you can be remanded in custody

You may be remanded in custody subject to maximum terms as follows:

  • one year in cases of crimes which are dealt with by a single judge,
  • two years in cases of crimes which are dealt with by a panel of three judges,
  • three years in cases of felony crimes (i.e. intentional crimes punishable by a sentence with an upper jail term of at least 10 years)
  • four years in cases punishable by an exceptional penalty (i.e. 20 – 30 years or life imprisonment)

One third of the maximum detention periods time may be exhausted in pre-trial proceedings and two thirds may be exhausted during the trial. Reaching the maximum time is always reason for immediate release.

An exception to the time limits above arises in cases of remand due to concern of interfering with witnesses or similar frustration of proceedings, in which case the maximum pre-trial detention period may be only three months, except where the charged person has already been influencing witnesses or otherwise frustrating the proceedings.

The court must review the reasons for the pre-trial custody every three months and decide either to continue it, or to release the charged person. Both the prosecutor and the person in custody may file a complaint against any decision on custody, which leads to review by an appellate court.

Special rules of remand pertain to persons who are processed for extradition, e.g. illegal foreigners, those detained due to international (foreign) warrant or the European Arrest Warrant.

As an alternative to being remanded in custody, a bail may be granted by the institution deciding on custody.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Prisoners on remand are kept separately from sentenced prisoners. Their rights and conditions differ and, contrary to what one would expect, the conditions on remand may sometimes be tougher than when serving sentence.

After you are charged

After investigation, if the police reach the conclusion that a crime has been committed, the following rules apply:

The court will inform you, your lawyer/public defender and the prison authorities of your sentence. If you do not have a private lawyer, you will be assisted by a public defender, who will put forward requests on your behalf.

You will be handed the Instruction on Execution of Custody (“Poučení pro vazbu”) when in custody and the Instruction on Execution of Imprisonment Sentence (“Poučení pro výkon trestu”) when in prison. These Instructions are available in English and they provide you with detailed information concerning your rights and obligations. The English version of the laws governing custody and imprisonment and, the Code on execution of custody/imprisonment, are available upon request from prison authorities.

Bail

Bail can be considered when a charged person is held because of concern of possible escape or of a continuation of criminal activity. Bail cannot be considered where there is a concern of influencing witnesses or otherwise frustrating of the proceedings. Bail is also excluded in case of 31 specified serious crimes (e.g. murder, grievous bodily harm, rape, robbery, public endangerment, etc.) and if you are held due to concern of continuation of criminal activity. Bail may be posted either by you, or with your consent, by a third party, but this only after this third party has received a thorough briefing regarding the charges and reasons for custody and possible grounds for the forfeiture of the bail.

The amount of bail is set by the court and it reflects the financial situation of the person offering the bail.

After the bail has been posted, the court must again review the grounds for bail, and must decide either to accept or refuse the bail. When accepting the bail, the court may also require you to stay in the country.

The court may decide to rescind the bail if the charged person:

  • escapes, is in hiding or fails to report a change of address and thus frustrates the possibility of delivery of summons or other documents from the court, the prosecution or the police, or
  • is at fault for failing to appear for a proceeding, which may not take part without him or her, or
  • continues criminal activity, or attempts to finish the crime which he or she had attempted or threatened previously, or
  • Is evading execution of imprisonment sentence, court ordered fine or other court ordered punishment.

The court holds out on bail as long as the reasons for custody remain (which includes pending of the charges), and in case of conviction until you start serving the prison sentence, reimburses the criminal proceedings and/or pay court ordered fine. If the court awards damages and the aggrieved party asks for it within three months, the bail or its part may be used to reimburse the damages also. Otherwise, the court returns the bail.

Both you and the prosecutor may challenge any decision on custody (including bail) by filing a complaint which leads to review by an appellate court.

The FCDO cannot transfer bail funds.

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see for a list of English-speaking lawyers. Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

You can hire a lawyer for yourself at any time after your arrest; a list of English-speaking lawyers will be given to you by a Consular officer. Normally, if you hire a private lawyer they will ask for a cash advance for their estimated legal fees before they will take your case on but the arrangements may vary. The British Embassy cannot pay legal fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.

If you do not choose a private lawyer, your case will be taken by a public defender, and if later on you decide to hire a lawyer the case will be transferred to the new lawyer. Public defenders do not always visit their clients and communication between you and your defender might be in Czech (although some speak English as well).

In criminal proceedings, trial costs are normally born by the state. However, in some cases specified in law, if the defendant is found guilty, the court may request them to pay back for their legal representation costs (if initially covered by the state), remand costs and/or court costs after the final judgement.

Trial

The trial starts with the prosecutor reading out the accusation against you. You will then be given the opportunity to express your opinion on the allegations, present a statement, and answer any questions that the court or other parties may have. You can choose to remain silent. The evidence is presented (witnessed are examined firstly by the court, the prosecutor, the victim, then finally by you/your lawyer). After all the evidence has been presented the court closes the trial and lets the parties present their final arguments. Finally, the court decides whether you are guilty or not guilty of the charges you are facing.

The period between your arrest and your trial can be difficult to predict. The time limit for investigations is two, three, or six months, depending on the seriousness of the accusations against you. After this, you need to be formally charged. However, this time limit can be extended at the request of the public prosecutor. There are no legal time limits for the period between charges being brought against you, and your case being brought to trial. Unfortunately, delays are common in the Czech legal system.

Sentences

The maximum penalties are outlined in the Czech Criminal Code. Your lawyer is best placed to discuss the possible sentence in your specific situation. Usual penalties include fines and/or victim compensation, prison, forfeiture of property, disqualification. There is no corporal or capital punishment in the Czech Republic. Foreign nationals who are not resident in the Czech Republic will often receive the sentence of expulsion as a sole punishment, or in addition to another punishment, when acquitted.

Appeals

You can appeal against the verdict and/or the sentence in your case. If the court ordered you to pay compensation to the victim, you can also appeal against that decision. You can base your appeal on new facts and evidence not considered at your first trial. The prosecution also has a right to appeal a judgement and it is common practice. Your appeal must be lodged in writing, with the court that issued the verdict. You will be informed of the deadline for filing an appeal by the court.

3.4 Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Your lawyer will be best placed to discuss the possibility of sentence reduction in your particular case.

Early release

The court may release a convicted person (parolee) on parole after such person has served one-half of the term of imprisonment to which they have been sentenced, or after the convicted person’s term of imprisonment has been pardoned by a decision of the President of the Czech Republic, provided that during the term of imprisonment the convicted person proved his rehabilitation by his good behaviour and fulfilment of his duties and they can be expected to lead an orderly life in future, or the court accepts a guarantee of completion of the convicted person’s rehabilitation. If convicted of specific crimes stipulated in the Czech Criminal Code, an offender may only be conditionally released after having served two-thirds of their term of imprisonment.

A person sentenced to an exceptional term of life imprisonment may be conditionally released on parole after having served at least twenty years of imprisonment.

A sentenced person has no automatic right to be released early. In the Czech Republic, it is the court that decides on possible release of a sentenced person, taking into account all the relevant circumstances.

Clemency or pardon

In the Czech Republic, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President. The President determines in which cases the Minister of Justice can grant clemency or deny an unfounded request. A lawyer is best placed to help with this process.

Financial penalties

In the Czech criminal law, financial penalties are called ‘pecuniary penalties’ and the court may impose a pecuniary penalty in an amount of 20 to 730 daily charges ranging from 100,- CZK to 50.000,- CZK per day, if the offender attempted to or did benefit from their criminal activity.

A pecuniary penalty may be imposed as a sole punishment if, because of the nature of the crime committed and, the possibility of the offender’s rehabilitation, the court is of the opinion that no other punishment is required.

The court may determine that the pecuniary penalty shall be paid in appropriate monthly instalments.

Transfer to another prison within the Czech Republic

In some cases a transfer to another prison in the Czech Republic may be possible. Your lawyer will be best placed to advise you in this matter.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

Transfers are only permitted when there are exceptional and compassionate reasons for doing so.

Prisoner Transfer Agreements (PTAs) allow prisoners to transfer to serve the remainder of their sentence in their own country. This enables them to be closer to family and friends in an English-speaking environment and permits them to benefit from pre-release courses available in British prisons.

You can make your application to the Court that committed you to prison but, if you prefer, you can write to the Embassy, and we will pass on your letter to the relevant UK authorities (HM Prison and Probation Service /National Offender Management System). The UK authorities will then make an application to the foreign authorities on your behalf. Please note that the transfer process can be very slow and bureaucratic.

A prisoner does not have an automatic right to transfer. Each request is considered on its individual merits. The UK and the country in which the British prisoner is held have the right to refuse a request.

To transfer to the UK, you must:

  • be a British citizen or have close family ties with the UK (normally through permanent residence in the UK)
  • not be awaiting trial
  • have exhausted all appeals against your conviction and/or the length of your sentence; or have waived your right to an appeal
  • have at least 6 months of your sentence left to serve when you apply for transfer
  • have no outstanding fines or other non-custodial penalties

The offence you were convicted for must also be a criminal offence in the part of the UK you wish to be transferred to: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

The authorities in the sentencing country may refuse your request. Even if the sentencing country agrees to your transfer, the UK authorities may also refuse your request. Reasons for this might include if you have not lived in the UK for a number of years and you have no close family living there.

Release and deportation

The sentence of expulsion may be ordered by the court as a sole punishment or, in addition to another punishment, if this is required for the safety of people or property, or some other public interest.

The court shall take into consideration the degree of danger represented by the crime, in relation to society, the possibility of rehabilitating the offender and the offender’s situation, as well as the degree of danger he/she represents to the safety of people, property or some other public interest. The sentence of expulsion can last for a period of one to ten years or, for an indefinite period.

The court shall not order the punishment of expulsion if:

  • it proved impossible to establish the state citizenship of the offender;
  • asylum was granted to the offender;
  • long-term residence in the territory of the Czech Republic was permitted to the  offender and, he/her has his/her working and social base there, and expulsion would be contrary to the interest of uniting a family
  • there is a danger that, in the state (country) to which the offender is to be expelled, he/she would be persecuted on grounds of race, nationality,  allegiance to / membership of a social group, political ideas or religious belief, or if expulsion would expose the offender to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
  • the offender is a citizen of the European Union or a family member, regardless of nationality, granted permanent residence in the territory of Czech Republic, or an alien granted legal status of long term residence in the Czech Republic according to special legislation and, there are no substantial grounds that the offender poses a threat to national security or public order.
  • the offender is a citizen of the European Union and, in the last 10 years continuously resided in the territory of the Czech Republic, if the court  finds a serious threat to national security.
  • the offender is a child of a citizen of the European Union, unless the expulsion was in its best interest.

Your lawyer will be able to give you details on whether/how the decision on expulsion can be contested.

The procedure of the expulsion from the territory of the Czech Republic depends on the conditions of the sentence imposed by the court. If the sentence of the expulsion was ordered as a sole sentence, the court may determine the period of time within which the offender has to leave the territory of the Czech Republic. A court is allowed to order the expulsion immediately with assistance of the state police, who can escort the offender to the airport, borders, train or bus station etc. All such processes depend entirely on the Judge’s decision.

If the sentence of expulsion is ordered in addition to other punishment, the expulsion procedure is carried out by the prison administration after the release from imprisonment.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Teamwhen you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

  • advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
  • claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
  • making appointments with doctors and dentists
  • putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you’re arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

4. Chapter 4: Additional information

4.1 Useful Contacts

Addresses of selected prisons with detention facilities:

  • REMAND PRISON PRAGUE – RUZYNĚ

Vazební věznice Praha-Ruzyně

Staré náměstí 3

161 02 Praha 6

Czech Republic

https://www.vscr.cz/en/facilities/praha-ruzyne-remand-prison

  • REMAND PRISON PRAGUE – PANKRÁC

Vazební věznice Praha-Pankrác

Soudní 988/1

P.O.box 5

140 57 Praha 4

Czech Republic

https://www.vscr.cz/en/facilities/praha-pankrac-remand-prison

Website of Prison Service of the Czech Republic can be found at https://www.vscr.cz/en

4.2 In-country NGOs

Services are provided predominantly in Czech.

Centre for Social Services Prague (CSSP)

Resocialisation and reintegration programmes

Help solving problems related to the reintegration of offenders with a suspended sentence and parolees back into society through the implementation of specialized programs for alternative sentencing measures in the Czech Republic.

Address: Sokolovská 95, 186 00 Prague 8

www.csspraha.cz/eng

Rubikon

First steps support after release from prison, assistance with reducing debts, individual work counselling and group activities, qualification courses.

Address: Novákových 439/6, 180 00 Praha 8

https://www.rubikoncentrum.cz/en/

Člověk v tísni (People in Need)

Resocialisation programmes (available in the following regions: Liberecky, Karlovarsky, Olomoucky, Plzensky)

Counselling services, reducing debt, help with orientation on the job market/requalification, improving social, legal and communication competences.

Address: Šafaříkova 635/24, 120 00, Prague 2

www.peopleinneed.net

Laxus

Specializing in providing support to prisoners with addictions. Services provided in Mlada Boleslav and in selected prisons in the Pardubice and Hradec Kralove regions. Counselling, crisis intervention, accompanying to meetings with local authorities.

Address: Ptácká 162, 293 01 Mladá Boleslav

www.laxus.cz

Mezinárodní vězeňské společenství (International Prison Community)

Christian volunteer prison organisation helping all those affected by crime: victims of crime, convicts, the released, their families, especially the children of prisoners and the judiciary. Programmes aimed at preparing prisoners for release, mentoring, restorative justice programmes, strengthening family links, correspondence with prisoners.

Address: Balbínova 550/10 120 00 Prague 2

www.mvs.cz

4.3 Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

  • your rights as a prisoner
  • issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
  • getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
  • learning the language of your country of imprisonment
  • translating documents
  • grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
  • grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
  • preparing for release
  • help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays and Tuesdays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

Wednesdays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 – 93 Fonthill Road

London N4 3JH

UK

5. Glossary of terms

A
Access to file (by Lawyer) Přístup ke spisu - právníkem
Administration of Justice Výkon spravedlnosti
Appeal Odvolání
Application Žádost
B
Bar Association Advokátní komora
C
Charge Obžaloba
Chief Prosecutor Vrchní státní zástupce
Complaints system Systém stížností
Completed file Uzavřená složka
Compulsory prosecution Povinné trestní stíhání
Conjugal Visit Návštěva manžela/manželky
Court file reference Soudní spisová značka
Criminal code Trestní zákoník
Custody Vyšetřovací vazba
D
Danger of repeated offences Nebezpečí opakování přestupku
Deportation order Vyhoštění
District Court Okresní soud
E
Evaluation of evidence Vyhodnocování důkazů
Extradition Extradice-vydání osoby druhému státu
F
Final public trial Veřejné líčení
G
Guilty Vinný
I
Interpreter Tlumočník
Investigating Judge Vyšetřující soudce
J
Judge Soudce
Judgement Rozsudek
Jurisdiction Soudní pravomoc
L
Lawyer Právní zástupce
Legal Remedy Opravný prostředek
Local prison rules Vězeňský řád
M
Major offence Závažný přestupek
Minister of Justice Ministr spravedlnosti
Minor offence Zanedbatelný přestupek
Money earned in prison Peníze vydělané ve věznici
N
Notary Notář
O
Officer of the Court Úředník soudu
P
Penal order Trestní příkaz
Penal proceeding Trestní řízení
Permit Povolení
Personal money in prison Osobní peníze ve věznici
Physical examination Osobní prohlídka
Plaintiff Žalobce
Power of Attorney Plná moc
Police Officer Policejní úředník
Preliminary detention Předběžné zadržení
Presumption of innocence Presumpce neviny
Preventive detention Předběžné zadržení
Prison Vězení
Prison administration Vězeňská správa
Prison Warder Vězeňský dozorce
Proof of evidence Důkaz
Proportionality Přiměřenost
Prosecutor Žalobce
Punishment cell Vězeňská cela
R
Regional State Court Krajský soud
Rehabilitation Rehabilitace - navrácení práv
Release Propustit
Release order Propouštěcí příkaz
S
Security Bezpečnost
Single Judge Samosoudce
Social Worker Sociální pracovník
Supreme Court Vrchní soud
T
Temporary detention Předběžné zadržení
The accused Obviněný
To buy Koupit
To change money Rozměnit peníze
To deport Deportovat
Transfer to another prison Převoz do jiné věznice
Treason Velezrada
V
Valid or legal Platný/legální
Visit Návštěva
Visiting permit Povolení k návštěvě

5.2 Key phrases – English into Czech

  • I need to see the Doctor. / Potřebuji doktora.
  • It is urgent. / Je to naléhavé.
  • I need to see my lawyer. / Potřebuji mluvit se svým právníkem.

5.3 Numbers - English to Czech

1 Jedna [yedna]
2 Dvě [dvye]
3 Tři [trshi]
4 Čtyři [chtyrshi]
5 Pět [pyet]
6 Šest [shest]
7 Sedm [sedm]
8 Osm [osem]
9 Devět [devyet]
10 Deset [deset]
11 Jedenáct [yedenast]
12 Dvanáct [dvanast]
13 Třináct [trshynast]
14 Čtrnáct [chternast]
15 Patnáct [patnast]
16 Šestnáct [shesnast]
17 Sedmnáct [sedmnast]
18 Osmnáct [osemnast]
19 Devatenáct [devetenast]
20 Dvacet [dvaset]
30 Třicet [trshyset]
40 Čtyřicet [chtyrshiset]
50 Padesát [padesat]
60 Šedesát [shedesat]
70 Sedmdesát [sedemdesat]
80 Osmdesát [osemdesat]
90 Devadesát [devadesat]
100 Sto [stoh]
1000 Tisíc [tysyts]

5.4 Food - English to Czech

Food Jídlo
Apple Jablko
Banana Banán
Beans Fazole
Biscuits Sušenky
Bread Chléb
Cake Koláč
Chicken Kuře
Coffee Káva
Drink Pití, Nápoj
Eat Jídlo
Egg Vejce
Fruit Ovoce
I’m hungry. Mám hlad.
Juice Džus
Meat Maso
Milk Mléko
Rice Rýže
Sausage Klobása
Sugar Cukr
Sweet Sladké
Vegetables Zelenina
Water Voda
Cutlery Příbor
Cup Hrnek
Fork Vidlička
Knife Nůž
Plate Talíř
Spoon Lžíce
Good Morning Dobré ráno
Good Afternoon Dobrý den
Good Night Dobrou noc
Day Den
Week Týden
Month Měsíc
Year Rok
Today Dnes
Tomorrow Zítra
Tonight Dnes večer
Sunday Neděle
Monday Pondělí
Tuesday Úterý
Wednesday Středa
Thursday Čtvrtek
Friday Pátek
Saturday Sobota
Spring Jaro
Summer Léto
Autumn Podzim
Winter Zima
Baby Dítě
Boy Chlapec
Father Otec
Girl Děvče
Husband Manžel
Man Muž
Money Peníze
Mother Matka
Wife Manželka
Woman Žena
He On
I
Me Mně
My Můj
Yours Tvůj
Her Její
His Jeho
Their Jejich
Them Jim
You Ty
Yours Tvůj
Borrow Půjčit si
Close Zavřít
Closed Zavřený
Come Přijít
Door Dveře
Give Dát
Here Tady
Indoors Uvnitř
Inside Uvnitř
Open Otevřít
Outside Venku
Run Běh, Běhat
Stand Postavit se, Stát
Stay Zůstat
Stop Přestat, Zastavit
Turn Otočit
Walk Jít, procházet se
Head Hlava
Hair Vlasy
Eye Oko
Eyes Oči
Eyebrow Obočí
Eyelashes Řasy
Eyelids Víčka
Nose Nos
Ear Ucho
Hearing Sluch
Mouth Ústa, pusa
Half Půl
In half Na půl
After Po
Before Před
Later Později
Now Teď
Climate Podnebí
Cold Zima
Heat Horko
Hot Horký, teplý
Rain Déšť
Shade Stín
Sun Slunce
Weather Počasí
Wind Vítr
Clothes Oblečení
Pullover Svetr
Shirt Košile
Shorts Kraťasy
Socks Ponožky
Trousers Kalhoty
“T” Shirt Triko
Sandals Sandále
Shoes Boty
Trainers Tenisky
Ashtray Popelník
Book Kniha
Cigarettes Cigarety
Dry Suchý
Lighter Zapalovač
Pen Pero
Pencil Tužka
Scissors Nůžky
Soap Mýdlo
Wash Mýt, umývat
Wash hand Umýt ruce
Washing Prát
Wet Mokrý, vlhký
Shower Sprcha
Toothbrush Zubní kartáček
Toothpaste Zubní pasta
Towel Ručník
Dream Snít, Sen
Rest Odpočinek
Sleep Spát
Sleepy Ospalý
Wake up Vzbudit se
Bed Postel
Bed Sheet Povlečení
Blanket Přikrývka
Mattress Matrace
Pillow Polštář

5.5 Annex

FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-for-british-nationals-abroad-a-guide

FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrest-or-detention/arrested-abroad-advice-for-british-nationals

FCDO guidance: Instruction for money transfer through the FCDO

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/russia-prisoner-pack/annex-1-instruction-for-money-transfer-through-fcdo

List of English-Speaking Lawyers

https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find?serviceType=lawyers&country=Czech-Republic

List of Private Translators/Interpreters

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/czech-republic-list-of-translators-and-interpreters

Prisoners Abroad Forms

https://www.prisonersabroad.org.uk/arrest-and-imprisonment