You may hire a lawyer during the criminal proceedings. The state does not have an automatic duty to provide you with free legal aid. Free legal aid within the criminal proceeding may be provided by court or by organization specializing in the protection of victims. State supports these organizations financially for that purpose. If you claim compensation for damage within the civil proceeding you may get free legal aid by the Center for Legal Aid. In case of criminal charge that include classified information only an attorney at law or person authorized to be familiarized with the classified information may represent victim.
Right to a lawyer
You may hire an attorney at law at any stage of the proceedings. Your lawyer may be present every time you are required, or you choose, to participate in the criminal proceedings. For example, your lawyer may be present while you give testimony, during various investigative actions where your presence is required, at all court hearings etc.
State-paid lawyer
In exceptional circumstances, if you cannot afford a lawyer and you need legal aid to be able to claim for damages within criminal proceeding does not have sufficient funds to pay the costs associated therewith exercise your rights and defend your interests effectively, the judge or the judge for pre-trial proceeding can appoint an attorney at law for your assistance. This will only be done if you prove you do not have sufficient funds to pay legal fees.
State-supported legal aid
In Slovakia, the system of legal assistance to victims of crime (in criminal proceeding or civil proceeding to claim damage) is provided by various organizations (mostly non-governmental entities), that must be accredited by the state and that are supported financially by state. If such an entity receives financial subsidies for that purpose, it must provide legal assistance to the victim of the crime in certain extent free of charge or for a partial fee. This legal assistance is not limited to claim for damages.
Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic register accredited organizations in the official list.