By filing a criminal complaint, you report a crime to the authorities. If you report an incident quickly, the police can secure any evidence and question people. In your complaint, you can name the person you believe to be the perpetrator, but you can also file a complaint even if you do not know who the perpetrator is.

You can report a crime in person or in writing at any police station or at the public prosecutor's office. No fee is charged. You should show a piece of official identification.

You can report vandalism and petty thefts online at Suisse ePolice.

What happens in the case of serious offences?

Serious offences are automatically prosecuted by the authorities as soon as they become aware of them. This happens even if no criminal complaint has been made, for example, if someone has received life-threatening injuries (serious assault) or in cases involving sexual acts with children.

However, if you know that a serious offence has been committed, it is still important to file a criminal complaint to ensure that the authorities take action.

What happens in the case of minor offences?

Minor offences include public order offences or damaging property (vandalism) and simple assaults.

In order for criminal proceedings to be brought in the case of these offences, a criminal complaint must be filed within three months. You can only file a criminal complaint in respect of these offences if you have yourself been injured or harmed by the crime. If you lack legal capacity, your legal representative can file the complaint.

You can withdraw this criminal complaint at any time.

If you have filed a criminal complaint, you can ask the police or the public prosecutor's office whether criminal proceedings have been initiated and if so, how the proceedings are progressing.

• The police investigate what happened and then refer the case to the public prosecutor.

• The public prosecutor decides whether to initiate criminal proceedings and then prepares the case.

• If the case goes to court, the public prosecutor files the charges. The accused may plead not guilty, which means the case goes to trial.

• The judge listens, takes further evidence if necessary and then reaches a verdict.

• If the accused is convicted, they can appeal against the decision. Anyone who faces criminal charges should seek legal advice.