The first hours of detention matter, but that does not mean explaining everything without advice. Georgia’s criminal procedure protects core rights to information, legal assistance, silence and language support; practical use depends on the person’s precise status.
Immediate conduct
Do not physically resist or destroy or conceal items or data. Calmly ask your status, legal ground, authority and location. State that you want a confidential consultation with counsel and, if you do not fully understand the language, an interpreter. Report urgent health needs immediately and ask that they be recorded.
Questions, silence and signatures
Do not confuse lawful identity or safety requirements with substantive explanation of the allegation. Do not guess or adopt someone else’s wording merely to speed things up. Before signing, read the document fully or request an accurate translation; ensure corrections and objections are recorded.
Search, property and digital devices
Do not interfere by force, but note who acts, when and where, which authority is shown, what is seized, and obtain the record. Requests concerning devices or passwords are fact- and law-sensitive; seek advice before acting and do not delete data.
What family should do
Record likely time and place, authority, any lawfully obtained officer or vehicle details, last communication and health concerns. Do not publish a case theory or coordinate accounts with witnesses. Securely provide counsel with full name, birth date, citizenship and any official document received.
A foreign national in detention
Language support, consular communication, immigration status and possible removal consequences may sit alongside the criminal case but are not substitutes for it. Defence planning should see both criminal procedure and border or residence risk. 112 is the unified emergency number for police, rescue and medical response, not a legal-advice line.
Important noteThis material is general information, not personalised legal advice. Recheck current law, official practice, fees and deadlines against your facts before acting.