Expert advice and professional
support for victims of crime
Victim representation belongs to the field of criminal law. Expert legal representation of victims is essential to achieve effective justice in the vast majority of criminal proceedings. We represent victims at all stages of the criminal proceedings in order to find the best solution for you in your situation and help you overcome the burden you are facing. Victim representation can take the following forms:
- criminal report preparation – We will prepare a criminal report in a professional manner so that the investigating authority or the court can take the appropriate steps to investigate your case and bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion for you.
- private prosecution representation – In offences such as defamation or libel, victims must act as the accuser in court. In such cases we present the case on your behalf and provide legal representation to make it easier for you to proceed.
- substitute private prosecution representation – If the prosecution does not wish to represent the accused, it is possible for the victim to be the accuser in criminal proceedings. In such cases, we will provide legal representation for you during court proceedings.
- representation in mediation – We assist to settle conflicts in an amicable way and calm manner in order to avoid court proceedings and negotiate a solution for the damage caused.
- compensation – You might be entitled to compensation for the damage you suffered as a victim of a crime. This includes damages related to the crime itself and the emotional harm you have suffered during or after the criminal proceedings. We can help you explore your options so that you can get the maximum financial compensation you are entitled to within the limits of the law.
Feel free to ask
When is a complaint necessary?
For some offences, prosecution is only possible on the basis of a complaint lodged by the victim. The main such offences are:
- defamation
- common assault
- harassment
- assault occasioning actual bodily harm
- breach of privacy
- invasion of privacy
- breach of confidentiality
- defamation of the deceased
Where to file a complaint?
The complaint must be lodged with the police – which is the general investigating authority – or the court. You can file a complaint with the court if you want to bring a private prosecution.
What is the difference between a private prosecution and a substitute private prosecution?
In some offences, prosecution is not the responsibility of the prosecutor but of the victim – this is called private prosecution. In contrast, when the prosecution do not wish to prosecute the offence, the victim can act as a substitute private prosecutor to ensure that the prosecution proceeds. This is called substitute private prosecution.
What is a civil claim?
A civil claim is a claim for damages in criminal proceedings that the victim has suffered as a result of the crime. A civil claim is a claim for material damage caused directly or indirectly by a criminal offence but not for emotional harm.
What is mediation?
Mediation, also known as conciliation, is a process whereby the offender and the victim engage in a dialogue with the help of a professional mediator to compensate for the harm caused by the crime in order to avoid court proceedings and to bring the case to a more satisfactory and quicker conclusion for the victim.