Property Crimes
in Czech Republic
Czech law covers a wide range of property offenses — from petty theft to complex fraud. Understand the charges you may face and how to defend against them.
Note: Many property disputes begin as civil matters but escalate to criminal proceedings. The line between a contractual dispute and criminal fraud can be blurry. Never assume a business or financial dispute won't become criminal — seek legal advice early.
Theft (Krádež)
§ 205 Criminal Code
Taking another person's property without their consent with intent to permanently deprive them of it. Sentencing depends heavily on the value of the stolen property and whether aggravating circumstances are present (organized group, break-in, recidivism).
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge ownership / consent
- →Dispute intent to permanently deprive
- →Argue value was below criminal threshold (under CZK 10,000 — administrative offense only)
- →Challenge identification evidence
Fraud (Podvod)
§ 209 Criminal Code
Intentionally inducing error or exploiting someone's mistake to cause financial loss. Requires proof of deception, causation, and financial damage. Common in business disputes that are criminalized — not every contractual breach is fraud.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge the intent element — honest commercial mistake is not fraud
- →Dispute causation between deception and loss
- →Argue settlement or compensation reduces culpability
- →Challenge valuation of alleged loss
Robbery (Loupež)
§ 173 Criminal Code
Using violence or threats of violence to take property. A serious offense combining assault and theft elements. Even minimal force can constitute robbery if used to overcome resistance or prevent it.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge the element of violence or threats
- →Argue self-defense
- →Dispute identity of perpetrator
- →Argue lesser included offense (theft without violence)
Embezzlement (Zpronevěra)
§ 206 Criminal Code
Misappropriating property entrusted to one's care — common in employment contexts (misuse of company funds, assets). Requires proof of entrustment and intentional misappropriation.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge the scope of entrustment
- →Dispute intent — argue use was authorized or believed to be
- →Demonstrate full repayment / willingness to repay
- →Challenge valuation
Extortion (Vydírání)
§ 175 Criminal Code
Compelling someone to do, omit, or tolerate something through violence or serious threats. Distinct from blackmail; threats must be serious and credible.
Possible defense angles
- →Challenge the seriousness of the threat
- →Argue legitimate debt collection (boundary with extortion is relevant)
- →Dispute intent
- →Challenge credibility of complainant
Misappropriation (Neoprávněné užívání cizí věci)
§ 207 Criminal Code
Temporarily using someone else's property without intent to permanently deprive — for example, using a vehicle without the owner's permission. A less serious offense.
Possible defense angles
- →Argue consent (express or implied)
- →Challenge whether use was temporary or permanent
- →Argue de minimis value
Charged with a Property Crime?
Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending property crime charges in Czech courts. Call us now.