Ternopil: Practical Aspects of Defense Under Article 130 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses

On July 2, 2018 in Ternopil, graduates of the “Tomorrow’s Lawyer” Program, Artem Donets, managing partner of Donets and Partners, and the candidate of science and technology Alla Shyrant, with the support of the Bar Council of Ternopil region and the NGO “Tomorrow’s Lawyer”, held a seminar on “Practical aspects of defense under Article 130 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses.

The seminar covered two key topics:

  • Peculiarities of defense under Article 130 at the pre-trial stage and in court;
  • Features of preparation for defense under Article 130 for further appeal to the ECtHR;

Article 130 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provides for liability for driving vehicles in a state of alcohol, drug or other intoxication or under the influence of drugs. According to Artem Donets, the mere notion of defense under Article 130 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses is unpopular and toxic, because in society and even between lawyers there is a sharply negative attitude towards those who are held accountable under this article, even if the prosecution is not based on proper and admissible evidence.

The event was attended by more than fifty lawyers. The seminar ended with work in groups on consideration of practical cases. This approach facilitates learning of new information and develops the skills to apply it in practice.

***

The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of the “Tomorrow’s Lawyer” Program, the Ukrainian Bar Association, the Bar Association of Legal Aid Providers, the Quality and Accessible Legal Aid in Ukraine Project, the Canadian Bureau for International Education, or the Government of Canada and the Law Enforcement Section of the United States Embassy in Ukraine.

“Tomorrow’s Lawyer” is a powerful network of advocates uniting opinion leaders in the legal profession, who provide legal assistance in accordance with the highest ethical standards, act as agents of change in society and leaders in the professional community.

The Program was developed during 2016-2017 with the support of The Quality and Accessible Legal Aid Project with an expert contribution from the Canadian Bar Association. In 2018, the “Tomorrow’s Lawyer” Program is being implemented by the Ukrainian Bar Association and the Bar Association of Legal Aid Providers, with the support of the United States Embassy and The Quality and Accessible Legal Aid in Ukraine Project funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).