File a complaint

There are several ways to file a complaint, depending on the nature of the incident and your situation.

1. At the police station or at the gendarmerie station

This is the most common approach.

You can go to any police station or gendarmerie unit, regardless of where the incident occurred. The police or gendarmerie are required to accept your complaint if you believe you have been the victim of a crime.

If possible, please bring the following:

  • a form of identification; ;
  • a chronological summary of the facts; ;
  • all relevant documents (contracts, invoices, photographs, screenshots, emails, text messages, medical certificates, etc.); ;
  • the contact information of any witnesses.

An officer will take your statement and draft a report, which you can review before signing.

2. By mail to the public prosecutor

You may also file a complaint directly with the public prosecutor at the judicial court in the jurisdiction where the offense was committed or where the alleged perpetrator resides.

Your letter must describe in detail:

  • the facts; ;
  • dates and locations; ;
  • the individuals concerned, if known; ;
  • your damages; ;
  • the attached supporting documents.

3. Through the online preliminary complaint form

For certain property crimes (theft, fraud, vandalism, etc.) where the perpetrator is unknown, you can file a preliminary complaint online before going to a police station or gendarmerie to sign it.

After filing a complaint

Your complaint is forwarded to the public prosecutor, who decides how to proceed. In particular, the prosecutor may:

  • launch an investigation; ;
  • request further investigations; ;
  • propose an alternative to prosecution when permitted by law; ;
  • to bring a lawsuit before a court; ;
  • or dismiss the case if there is insufficient evidence or if the legal requirements are not met.

Good to Know

Filing a complaint is free.

If your French is not good enough, you can ask for the assistance of an interpreter.

If you are the victim of a crime, you can receive support from a victim assistance organization throughout the process.