“Pravova derzhava”. Issue 37 (2026), pages 641–648.
DOI: 10.33663/0869-2491-2026-37-641-648
Horbachov Dmytro
Procedural features of the completion and termination of pre-trial investigation in accordance with the Criminal procedure code of Ukraine
ISSN online: 2617-9776 print: 0869-2491
The article highlights the problem of establishing procedural features of the completion and termination of pre-trial investigation in accordance with the criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine. The CPC of Ukraine links the termination of a pre-trial investigation with the adoption of a procedural decision — a ruling to close criminal proceedings, or the performance of a set of procedural actions related to the referral to court of an indictment or a motion for the application of coercive measures of a medical or educational nature, or a motion to release a person from criminal liability. The concept of «completion of a pre-trial investigation» has a normative and practical objectification, primarily through Article 290 of the CPC of Ukraine, a systematic interpretation of which made it possible to conclude that the moment of completion of a pre-trial investigation depends on the decision of the prosecutor when, in his opinion, there is suficient evidence to draw up an indictment or a motion for the application of coercive measures. It is not possible in every case to establish the legality of investigative (search) actions after the completion of the pre-trial investigation before its completion, and it is necessary to take into account the specific circumstances of the criminal proceedings, taking into account the provisions on the application of due legal procedure in accordance with such circumstances. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the stages of completion and termination of a pre-trial investigation are independent stages of such an investigation in cases where the investigator considers the evidence gathered during the pre-trial investigation to be suficient for drawing up an indictment or a motion for the application of coercive measures of a medical or educational nature. If the pre-trial investigation results in the closure of the case or a petition to the court for exemption from criminal liability, the CPC of Ukraine distinguishes only its termination. The completion of the pre-trial investigation means that the prosecution has gathered suficient evidence in the criminal proceedings, and therefore it is unlawful for them to conduct investigative (search) actions after the completion and until the end of the pre-trial investigation.
Keywords: pre-trial investigation, pre-trial investigation deadlines, completion of pre-trial investigation, speed of criminal proceedings, Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, disclosure of materials to the other party, due process.
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Дата першого надходження рукопису до видання: 09.12.2025
Дата прийнятого до друку рукопису після рецензування: 03.03.2026
Дата публікації: 24.03.2026