The CIVI: compensation for victims of criminal offences

The CIVI is open to any victim, or rightful claimant in case of death, of an offence committed in France or by a French national abroad, subject to three cumulative conditions:

• The facts materially constitute a criminal offence (the final qualification matters little — the offender's conviction is not required)
• The facts caused personal injury and, depending on severity, open the right to full or capped compensation
• The victim could not obtain effective reparation elsewhere (insurance, executed criminal conviction, etc.)

Deadlines are strict (art. 706-5 CPP):

• 3 years from the date of the offence
• OR 1 year from the last final criminal decision (conviction, dismissal, no-prosecution order)

The more favourable deadline applies. A relief from forfeiture is possible for legitimate cause (art. 706-5 para. 2), but remains exceptional — filing quickly remains the rule.

For the most serious offences, compensation is full — meaning it covers all heads of damage under the Dintilhac nomenclature, without cap.

This applies to offences causing:

• The victim's death
• A permanent incapacity
• A total incapacity for work (ITT) exceeding one month
• Rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, sexual offences on minors — regardless of ITT duration

For less serious offences (theft, fraud, breach of trust, damage, violence causing an ITT under one month), capped compensation may be granted if the victim is in a serious material or psychological situation and their income is below a legal threshold (1.5 times the legal aid ceiling).

Filing is done by written application lodged with the CIVI registry, accompanied by supporting documents (police reports, medical certificates, income evidence, cost estimates, etc.).

The procedure has two phases:

• Amicable phase: the FGTI has 2 months to make an offer. The offer can be accepted or contested.
• Contentious phase: in case of disagreement, the CIVI rules after a contradictory hearing. The decision is subject to appeal.

Attorney representation is not mandatory but strongly recommended: the complexity of Dintilhac valuation and procedural strategy (notably articulation with parallel criminal proceedings) justify specialised support.