On the basis of the application of the MIA Patrol Policy Department Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Unit, since March, 2017, the LAS Samegrelo-Zugdidi Bureau lawyer Gvantsa Shelia has been assigned to protect interests of the citizen R.S. The investigation was conducted under the first part of the article 276 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (violation of transport safety or maintenance rules). Committing this offense is punishable by imprisonment in the length up to 3 years.
According to the prosecution materials, on November 11, 2016, in Poti, at the crossroad of two streets, R.S. who was driving his own car, neglected the street light and did not let pass the car moving from the right, entered the crossroad and crushed into the car of Z.B. This car accident caused light damage to Z.B.’s health.
The public lawyer Gvantsa Shelia got involved in the case at the stage of plea bargaining with R.S. After the lawyer got introduced with the materials of the criminal law case, it became clear to her that R.S. could not be proved to be guilty according to the evidence existing in the case. The fact of violation of the traffic rule was doubtful itself. Moreover, the physical injuries of Z.B. were also suspicious.
After the lawyer rendered the consultation to the defendant, R.S. applied his right and refused to agree on a plea bargain. The victim was questioned at the trial too. He explained that the car accident was his fault as he did not pay attention to the road sign. According to him, he got physical injuries 10-15 days earlier the accident but did not apply for medical treatment because of the lack of finances. He also said that he had not read the statement which the investigation officer wrote and signed it.
The attorney underlined the testimony of the auto technical expertise which showed that both drivers had obligation to give way to each other but the blame was only presented to R.S.
Finally, on December 21, 2017, Zugdidi District Court judge fully shared the position of the public attorney - Gvantsa Shelia and found the defendant R.S. not guilty.