FULL-PROOF Releases Second Animation and Infographic on the Right of Access to a Lawyer

FULL-PROOF has released the second animation in its awareness-raising series on procedural rights in criminal proceedings. Following the first video, which focused on the right to information, the new animation addresses another essential safeguard: the right of access to a lawyer. A companion infographic summarising the animation’s key takeaways is also available.

In the early stages of criminal proceedings, the support of a lawyer can make a decisive difference. A person who has been arrested or detained may have to make important decisions before having had the opportunity to assess their situation with professional support. This is why access to a lawyer must be more than a formal guarantee on paper.

The second FULL-PROOF animation highlights that, under Directive 2013/48/EU, suspects and accused persons should be able to contact, consult and be assisted by a lawyer without undue delay. In practice, this means access should be provided early enough to be effective, particularly before questioning begins. It also means that communication between the person and their lawyer must remain confidential.

By focusing on timely, effective and confidential access to a lawyer, the animation shows how procedural rights work together in practice. Being informed of one’s rights is the first step. Being able to use them with the support of a lawyer is what helps make those rights meaningful.

The video continues FULL-PROOF’s wider effort to raise awareness of EU procedural safeguards, support better practices among professionals, and strengthen respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law across Europe.

Watch the second animation to learn why timely access to a lawyer matters in practice:

Missed the first animation? Watch the FULL-PROOF video on the right to information.

Infographic: Key Takeaways from the Animation

Explore the infographic below to discover the key messages from the animation on the right of access to a lawyer.

Explore the content in your preferred language

The video and infographic are available in several language versions. Choose your preferred language below to access the content.

Bulgarian Download the infographic	Polish Download the infographic
Portuguese Download the infographic	Romanian Download the infographic
Slovak Download the infographhic	Slovenian Download the infographic