Annotation

The article examines current problems of implementing the constitutional right to qualified legal assistance in pre-trial criminal proceedings. An analysis of legislative provisions regulating the powers of a defense attorney in collecting evidence has been conducted. It is noted that the existing asymmetry of procedural capabilities between the prosecution and defense contradicts the principle of adversarial criminal proceedings. It has been revealed that the limited access of the defense attorney to materials of crime report verification impedes the effective implementation of the right to defense. It has been determined that the absence of legally established forms for recording the results of attorney investigation reduces the evidentiary value of information obtained by the defense. The conclusion is drawn about the necessity of expanding the powers of defense attorneys at the pre-trial stage and improving procedural mechanisms for their implementation