For access
to the Italian courts and legal system it is obligatory to use an
Italian lawyer/attorney.
A listing of lawyers is not provided here because it is considered
unethical in Italy for a lawyer to publicize his qualifications.
To obtain assistance of a lawyer check with the Consulate or Embassy
for a list.
The courts of record in Italy are the following: Pretura, Tribunale,
Corte D'Assise, Corte D'Appello and Corte Suprema.
Courts provide official interpreters and there would normally be
a duty lawyer available when first appearing before the court.
Documents for presentation to court must be translated into Italian
and certified before presentation.
If litigation is involved to collect debts a lawyer is required,
but there are also collection agencies operating in Italy and credit
reports on individuals can be obtained through banks or commercial
reporting agencies.
Service of subpoenas, orders to show cause and other judicial documents
is permitted in Italy under the provisions of the Hague Convention
on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in
Civil or Commercial Matters which is in force in Italy since January
24, 1982.
In case of a accident abroad
or any other incident the best course of action is to contact your
country's diplomatic representative, the Consulate or Embassy for
advice.
Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is the formal way in which countries
request and provide assistance in obtaining evidence located in
one country to assist in criminal investigations or proceedings
in another country. All European countries and many other countries
worldwide are now participating in the MLA provisions of Schengen.
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