Criminal Law

Attempt

By definition, an accomplice is not the person who commits the offence. However, the Criminal Code provides that an accomplice is subject to the same penalties as those incurred by the principal offender.

Thus, whether a person is the principal offender or an accomplice has no impact on the penalties incurred.

To be recognized as an accomplice under French law, three elements are required.

Complicity

By definition, an accomplice is not the person who commits the offence. However, the Criminal Code provides that an accomplice is subject to the same penalties as those incurred by the principal offender.

Thus, whether a person is the principal offender or an accomplice has no impact on the penalties incurred.

To be recognized as an accomplice under French law, three elements are required.

Rape

Rape, defined and punished by articles 222-23 et seq. of the French Criminal Code, is a crime defined as “any act of sexual penetration, of any nature, or any oral-genital act committed on another person or on the perpetrator by violence, coercion, threat or surprise”. 

Rape is punishable by 15 years’ imprisonment, or 20 years if there are aggravating circumstances.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault, as defined by Article 222-22 of the Criminal Code, is an offence described as “any sexual act committed with violence, coercion, threat or surprise, or, in cases provided by law, committed by an adult against a minor.” 

This offence differs from rape in that it does not involve sexual penetration.

Sexual assault is punishable by five years’ imprisonment and a fine of €75,000, excluding aggravating circumstances.

La menace

La menace de commettre un crime ou un délit contre les personnes est punie par les articles 222-17 et 222-18 du Code pénal, que cette menace soit simple ou accompagnée d’un ordre de remplir une condition. 

La menace simple est réprimée de 6 mois d’emprisonnement et de 7 500 euros d’amende, et les peines sont alourdies en cas de circonstances aggravantes (lorsque commise avec l’ordre de remplir une condition, lorsque commise par le conjoint, concubin ou pacsé, etc.).

L’administration de substances nuisibles

L’empoisonnement est le fait d’attenter à la vie d’autrui par l’emploi ou l’administration de substances de nature à entrainer la mort. 

Il est prévu et réprimé par l’article 221-5 du Code pénal, et se distingue du meurtre et de l’administration de substances nuisibles.