Interactive decision tree
Please use our interactive tool to understand more about the criminal and civil justice systems and how the two systems can interact. It outlines the main steps, and has been specifically created with the individuals and smaller business victim in mind.
Please carefully read about the main differences between the criminal and civil justice systems before using the decision tree.
Do you wish to begin a private prosecution?
A private prosecution is an alternative to state prosecution that is started by a private individual or organisation that is not the police or CPS. It can be brought by any person or organisation, but is usually limited to high net worth individuals or large corporations who can afford to pay the upfront costs associated with the investigation and prosecution themselves.