In complicated cases and mandatory in criminal cases, the French prosecutor’s office orders an investigating magistrate to open a judicial investigation. You can bring civil proceedings to be kept informed of the case’s progress, gain access to all evidence in the case or solicit investigatory actions.

Civil proceedings may be brought at any time during the procedure, from the filing of the criminal complaint and up to the hearing.

In terrorism cases, investigations are carried out under the authority of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, which has established a “terrorism and attacks against homeland safety" section. For the investigation, terrorism cases are handled by a corps of specialized magistrates. A felony trial court, a/k/a Assises Court, has the jurisdiction to hear terrorism crimes. It is composed of professional magistrates to limit the impact of pressure or threats that could weigh on juries.

To bring civil proceedings, you must write a letter to the magistrate charged with investigating the case at the following address:

Your dated and signed letter should include:

If the magistrate accepts your bringing civil procedure, you will receive a victim notice informing you notably of the date and time of the hearing.

A medical certificate is required to establish physical and/or psychological violence. The investigation service or the magistrate responsible for the case will ask you see a medical examiner. Specialist medical examiners will examine the reality, nature, origin, severity and the likely consequences of your injury and its possible legal incidence.

Medical examiner (a/k/a forensic pathologist) units are generally found inside hospitals. These specific premises can provide a thorough medical check-up and social follow up in conjunction with the hospital's social services and victim aid organizations.