The role of criminal liability for illegal possession of a vehicle

Abstract

The aim of the study is to analyse the impact of criminal liability on the prevention of and counteraction to illegal acts. The article identifies legal problems and challenges associated with the application of criminal liability for the type of offences under research. The work employs the methods of legal audit, comparative and statistical analysis, research of the case law and court decisions in the EU countries. The results of the study demonstrate that the strengthening of criminal liability helps to reduce the number of cases of illegal possession of a vehicle and increase citizens’ legal awareness. The article defines the principles of legality, humanity, and justice in accordance with the introduction of criminal liability, and offers recommendations for its improvement. Special attention is paid to the development of measures for increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in the Eastern European countries. The study also explores the role of public awareness campaigns in reducing instances of illegal vehicle possession and fostering a culture of lawfulness. It highlights the importance of integrating technological advancements into preventive strategies, such as vehicle tracking systems and digital reporting platforms. Additionally, the article examines the correlation between the severity of penalties and the recidivism rates, proposing adjustments to sentencing policies to balance deterrence and rehabilitation. The practical significance of the study is to identify opportunities for improving legal regulation and to make proposals for authorities and interested parties in order to optimize criminal legal processes. Further research should be focused on finding effective means of regulating legal liability and improving rehabilitation programmes to reduce crime rates