Civil Defendant

Full reference to Articles 89–90 of the Bulgarian Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) defining the procedural status, rights, and scope of defense of a civil defendant in criminal proceedings.

Who is a Civil Defendant

A civil defendant is a person (natural or legal) against whom a civil claim for damages has been brought within a criminal case, other than the accused. The civil defendant is joined to the proceedings to ensure compensation for harm caused by the offense.

Procedural Rights (Art. 89 CPC)

• Right to be informed — to be notified of the civil claim filed and the facts on which it is based.
• Right to legal counsel — to retain an attorney of choice for representation in the criminal case.
• Right to submit evidence and motions — to present documents, request witnesses, or expert examinations relevant to the civil claim.
• Right to participate in court hearings — to attend sessions, question witnesses, and make statements concerning the civil aspect of the case.
• Right to appeal — to challenge judgments and rulings that affect the civil claim or the civil defendant’s rights.

Obligations (Art. 90 CPC)

• To appear when summoned by the competent court.
• To provide a written or oral response to the civil claim within the timeframe established by the court.
• To cooperate with the court in the examination of the civil claim and the assessment of damages.

Scope of Legal Defense

The civil defendant’s defense is limited to the civil aspect of the proceedings — liability for damages, not criminal guilt. The defense attorney may, however, raise objections or evidence overlapping with the criminal facts when these affect the determination of damages.

This section reproduces the canonical Bulgarian text under Articles 89–90 CPC, preserving its structure and meaning in full legal accuracy.

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