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.
Criminal: public prosecution
INVESTIGATION
In order to bring a prosecution, the police will have to gather a body of evidence. This will involve interviewing potential witnesses, gathering documentary evidence, taking witness statements, investigating additional leads and so forth.
As a victim, you will be required to provide a witness statement setting out your account of the facts.