Problems of Arrest of Agricultiral Crops During Criminal Proceedings

Abstract

This article is devoted to the examination of the procedural order of imposing arrest on agricultural crops during the judicial investigation of criminal offenses under Part 1 of Article 197–1 of the CC of Ukraine «Illegal occupation of land plots and self-building». The author, through the prism of logic, has analyzed the concepts of “harvest”, “agricultural crops” and “agricultural products”. It was found that when arresting agricultural crops during criminal proceedings under Part 1 Article 197–1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, it is advisable to use the terms “harvest” and “agricultural crops” depending on the stage of production at which the crops are located. The article examines the problems associated with the possibility of recognition of agricultural crops as a physical evidence in criminal proceedings and, as a result, the imposition of arrest on them. Based on the analysis of judicial practice, it was concluded that a detailed description of property in the notes of investigating judges, courts when seizering on property defined by generic characteristics is necessary. It is argued that when deciding on the imposition of seizure on agricultural crops it is necessary to take into account the order of preservation of such property. Developed scientific and practical recommendations on the application of the provisions governing the procedure for imposing arrest on agricultural crops.