Criminal court
I defend clients before French criminal courts.
There are two types of criminal court in France:
- those composed of professional judges and a jury ; and
- composed of professional judges only (no jury)
Criminal courts judge people suspected of having committed one or more crimes. The nature of the crime varies, but may include rape, homicide or attempted homicide, murder, robbery with aggravated violence, etc.
I can intervene at the criminal investigation stage and subsequently at trial stage.
Are you looking for an English-speaking lawyer to defend you in a criminal case in Nice?
FAQ
A jury-composed criminal court may first of all find that the accused person is not guilty if his/her guilt has not been demonstrated.
If the accused person is found guilty, the court may pronounce fines and prison sentences of up to life imprisonment, as well as additional penalties such as a medical treatment order, confiscation of an object, a ban on appearing within a specific geographical area.
A professional judges composed court may first of all find that the accused person is not guilty if his/her guilt has not been demonstrated.
If the accused person is found guilty, the court may pronounce fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years, as well as additional penalties such as a medical treatment order, confiscation of an object, a ban on appearing within a specific geographical area.
A French criminal court is seized by an indictment decision, which is rendered by an investigation judge.
3 professional judges (1 president and 2 assessors) and 6 jurors, who are French citizens.
5 judges (1 president and 4 assessors).
If you are accused, then yes, you must be represented by a lawyer.
If you are the victim, representation by a lawyer is not compulsory. However, it is strongly recommended to get one, given the importance of properly asserting your victim status as well as seeking compensation for all your losses.
YES, the appeal must be lodged within 10 calendar days of the judgment being handed down.
YES, and it is essential that you assert your right to full compensation of your losses.
Depending on their nature (physical and/or material) and their extent, it may make sense to ask for an expert to be appointed.
It is strongly recommended that you discuss this with a lawyer skilled in damage assessment in Nice : contact me.
Under certain conditions, it will be possible to seize the Commission d'Indemnisation des Victimes d'Infractions (CIVI) or the Service d'Aide au Recouvrement des Victimes d'Infraction (SARVI).
I assist my clients in recovering their damages : contact me.