{"id":1000,"date":"2023-01-23T14:51:46","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T13:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/2023\/01\/23\/bonjour-tout-le-monde-copy-2\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T10:04:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T08:04:37","slug":"la-plainte-penale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/01\/23\/la-plainte-penale\/","title":{"rendered":"Criminal complaint"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\" style=\"min-height:380px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1637\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/dmitrij-paskevic-YjVa-F9P9kk-unsplash-2048x1153.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-ast-global-color-1-background-color has-background-dim-20 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:65px\">Criminal complaint<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a person with legal capacity considers themselves to be the victim of one or more offenses punishable under the Criminal Code, they may file a complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Where and how can a complaint be filed?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In case of emergency: by going to a police station or a gendarmerie brigade, or by calling 17 or 112.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outside of emergency situations: by going to a police station or a gendarmerie brigade, or by submitting a written complaint (registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or standard letter) to the Public Prosecutor at the Judicial Court of the place where the offense was committed or where the alleged offender resides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are also websites that allow you to obtain information or report incidents (online pre-complaint):<br> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pre-plainte-en-ligne.gouv.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">https:\/\/www.pre-plainte-en-ligne.gouv.fr\/<\/span><\/a><br> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">https:\/\/arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Difference between a complaint and an incident report<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the victim chooses to go to a police station or a gendarmerie brigade, care must be taken to ensure that a complaint is filed, and not merely an incident report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An incident report is a simple unilateral statement recorded in the police station\u2019s registers, which does not trigger an investigation or criminal proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What information should be provided to the police officer or agent?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complaint is not subject to any formal or substantive requirements. However, to make it effective, it is useful to include (where possible) the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full identity details and contact information (address and phone number) of the complainant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A detailed account of the facts, including the date and place of the offense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name of the offender and\/or any known information about them (address, phone number, etc.) (a complaint may also be filed against an unknown person)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Names and addresses of any witnesses to the offense<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting evidence, such as medical certificates documenting injuries, sick leave certificates, various invoices, or official reports in the event of property damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What should you do if your complaint is refused?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As long as the facts constitute a criminal offense, the police and gendarmerie are required to accept the complaint (even if the police station or gendarmerie is not territorially competent).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a police officer or agent refuses to take your complaint, several options are available to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">Remind them that they are legally required to do so (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/codes\/article_lc\/LEGIARTI000038311441\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/codes\/article_lc\/LEGIARTI000038311441\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Article 15-3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure<\/span><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact a lawyer, who can help resolve the situation, for example by accompanying you to the police station or gendarmerie when filing your complaint and\/or by contacting the Public Prosecutor to report the conduct of the officer or agent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work around the issue\u2026 by going to another police service, or by filing a complaint directly with the Public Prosecutor, either through a lawyer or on your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The role of the Public Prosecutor<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">In any case, the prosecutor who receives the complaint has \u201c<em>discretion over whether to prosecute<\/em>,\u201d meaning they have several options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They may decide to dismiss the case without further action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They may decide to implement an alternative procedure to prosecution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They may initiate criminal proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Statute of limitations<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law limits the time within which a complaint can be filed, meaning that after a certain period, it is no longer possible to prosecute an individual for alleged acts. Except in specific cases, this limitation period begins on the date the offense was committed and expires after:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 year for minor offenses (contraventions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 years for misdemeanors (offenses)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>20 years for serious crimes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\"><em>Warning<\/em>: for sexual crimes and offenses, the limitation periods are extended when the victims were minors at the time of the facts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rape: 30 years from the victim\u2019s age of majority (i.e., until age 48)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual assault: 10 or 20 years from the victim\u2019s age of majority, depending on the case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These new limitation periods do not apply to acts that were already time-barred as of August 6, 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calculating the limitation period can be complex; it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why seek assistance from a lawyer?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Filing a complaint can be a complex step, particularly in cases involving sexual crimes or offenses (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/02\/02\/les-violences-conjugales\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/02\/02\/les-violences-conjugales\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">domestic violence<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2024\/07\/03\/l-agression-sexuelle\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2024\/07\/03\/l-agression-sexuelle\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">sexual assault<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/27\/le-viol\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/27\/le-viol\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">rape<\/span><\/a>, etc.). Under emotional stress, it can be difficult to clearly explain the situation to a police officer or gendarme. However, it is important not to omit certain information, which may sometimes be crucial for the course of the proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being assisted by a lawyer provides support and guidance throughout this process, which can be both emotionally and legally complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your lawyer will also know how to use the appropriate legal terminology to ensure that key information is conveyed and that the investigation is conducted as effectively as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">General advice<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When giving your statement, use short and simple sentences so that the investigator can easily understand you and accurately transcribe your words in writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use cautious language whenever necessary. If the events took place several months or years ago, if you were not in your normal state (alcohol, drugs, etc.), or if you are deeply affected by what happened, it is normal not to remember everything precisely. To avoid the risk of contradicting yourself later, favor phrases such as \u201cit seems to me that,\u201d \u201cI believe that,\u201d or \u201cas I recall.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Similarly, when you do not have the answer to a question or cannot remember something, you should say so (rather than making something up or trying to fill in the gaps).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finally, it is crucial to carefully review the official statement before signing it, with the assistance of your lawyer if you are accompanied.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Complaint with civil party application<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is possible to file a complaint with a civil party application, which results in referring the matter to an investigating judge so that a judicial investigation is opened, in the following cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">The standard complaint has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/02\/02\/le-classement-sans-suite\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/02\/02\/le-classement-sans-suite\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">dismissed without further action<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The standard complaint has been filed with the Public Prosecutor for 3 months without any action being taken.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A copy of the standard complaint filed with a police or gendarmerie service has been sent to the Public Prosecutor for 3 months, and no action has been taken.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It concerns a serious crime, or a press offense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Note: the person filing a complaint with a civil party application may be required to pay a sum of money called a deposit. This amount, intended to prevent abusive complaints, is set according to the complainant\u2019s income. It is refunded at the end of the proceedings, except in specific cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><em><strong>Your Criminal Defense with Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela LESOT<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">Do you wish to file a complaint?<br>Consult a lawyer: Ma\u00eetre Lois Pamela LESOT \u2013 06.52.02.54.42 \u2013 <a href=\"mailto:lesot@loispamelalesot.com\" target=\"_self\">lesot@loispamelalesot.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph translation-block\">The firm regularly assists and defends individuals who are victims of criminal offenses, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/02\/02\/les-violences-conjugales\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">domestic violence<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/27\/le-viol\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/27\/le-viol\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">rape<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/05\/28\/le-proxenetisme\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">pimping<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2023\/03\/23\/la-pornodivulgation\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">revenge porn<\/span><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2024\/06\/04\/le-blanchiment-d-argent\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/2024\/06\/04\/le-blanchiment-d-argent\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">money laundering<\/span><\/a>, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Article date: February 2, 2023 \u2013 updated on February 12, 2025 | By Lois Pamela LESOT<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Toute personne dot\u00e9e de la capacit\u00e9 juridique se consid\u00e9rant victime d&rsquo;une infraction peut d\u00e9poser plainte. La plainte n&rsquo;est soumise \u00e0 aucune condition, mais pour \u00eatre efficace il peut \u00eatre utile d&rsquo;y inclure certaines informations.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1693,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"plain-container","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"enabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-procedure-penale"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1000"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2279,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1000\/revisions\/2279"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loispamelalesot.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}