Receiving a witness summons in Bulgaria can be unsettling, especially when you do not know what the interview will involve. A summons to give evidence does not itself mean that you have been accused of a crime. It means that an authority seeks information about facts you may know.

This article concerns witnesses in Bulgarian criminal proceedings. The rules can differ in civil cases. If you are unsure of the capacity in which you have been called, contact Zdravkov Attorneys at Law for a review of the documents.

What should you check in a witness summons?

First, identify the authority that has called you, the file or case reference, your procedural capacity, the date, time and place of the interview. The informal phrase “the police asked me to come in” may describe several different situations; it does not by itself show whether you are being interviewed as a witness in a pre-trial case.

• Check the authority, file reference and stated capacity.
• Record the date, time, address and official contact details.
• Keep the summons and every related communication.
• If anything is unclear, request clarification through an official channel.

A telephone call should not be automatically dismissed as invalid, but do not disclose detailed information to an unverified caller. Confirm the caller’s identity and official contact details. Bulgarian law may allow telephone summons in defined circumstances.

Must a witness attend a police interview?

As a rule, a witness properly summoned under the Bulgarian Criminal Procedure Code must attend, state what they know about the case and answer questions, subject to the exceptions established by law. Failure to attend without a valid reason may lead to a fine and compulsory appearance.

If illness or another objective obstacle prevents attendance, notify the authority promptly and provide supporting evidence. Do not assume that sending a message alone cancels the summons; ask how and when you should appear instead.

Can you have a lawyer present during a witness interview?

Yes. A witness may attend with a lawyer. Article 122(2) of the Bulgarian Criminal Procedure Code also provides for consultation where a witness believes that answering a particular question may incriminate them or certain relatives in a criminal offence. Where such a request is made, the investigating authority or court must provide that opportunity.

Having a lawyer for a witness interview does not imply guilt. It helps you understand your procedural rights. The lawyer does not testify in your place and cannot direct you to give inaccurate answers. An unjustified absence of the lawyer does not necessarily prevent the interview, so arrange the attendance in advance.

When may a witness refuse to give evidence?

Protection against self-incrimination

A witness is not required to answer questions where the answer would incriminate the witness, their ascendants, descendants, siblings, spouse or a person with whom they live in a de facto partnership. This is a specific legal protection, not a general right to remain silent on every question.

Relatives of an accused person

Article 119 of the Criminal Procedure Code separately gives certain close relatives of an accused person the right to refuse to testify. The two situations should not be confused. If you are uncertain whether an exception applies, ask for clarification and obtain legal advice.

Outside statutory grounds, an unjustified refusal may have consequences. Do not replace a lawful refusal with an untrue statement: if you do not know or cannot remember a fact, say so.

Can a witness become an accused person?

It is possible for evidence gathered during an investigation to result in a person being charged. However, a witness summons by itself does not mean that this will happen. The legal position depends on the facts and evidence in the particular case.

If questioning begins to concern your own possible involvement in an offence, do not guess what may be “best” to say. State that you wish to understand your rights and consult a lawyer. If your procedural capacity changes, the rights of an accused person—including the right to defence and the right not to provide explanations—must be distinguished from a witness’s duties.

How should you prepare and check the interview record?

Prepare a timeline of events you personally saw or heard. Separate direct knowledge from information obtained from others. A witness may use notes for dates, numbers and other relevant details. Do not coordinate a common version with other witnesses and do not alter or destroy documents.

In a pre-trial interview, read the record carefully before signing it. Check names, dates, figures and whether it accurately reflects what you said. If there is an error, request a correction or addition and ensure that your observation is recorded. Do not sign an unread text simply because you are in a hurry.

Frequently asked questions

Does a summons as a witness mean that I am accused?

No. A witness and an accused person have different procedural capacities. Check the wording of the summons and ask for clarification if necessary.

Can I claim expenses?

The Criminal Procedure Code provides for compensation for a lost working day and reimbursement of expenses. Ask the authority which documents are needed for the particular costs.

What if I do not understand a question?

Ask for it to be repeated or clarified. Do not guess and do not present an uncertain memory as a certain fact.

Consultation before a witness interview

For a document review and discussion before a witness interview, contact Zdravkov Attorneys at Law, Sofia, Positano Square No. 3, tel. +359 886 722 772.

Information current as of 26 September 2026. This is general information and does not replace advice on the particular summons and facts. Images are illustrative.