Information for victims

Complaint dismissed or investigation discontinued

After the police receive a report or a complaint about an offence or after the police begin an investigation, the case may be closed in various ways. The police shall dismiss an infringement complaint if it is not considered that the investigation could be initiated. If an investigation is commenced, the police may also terminate it if there is no basis to continue, for example if it is found that a complaint has not been substantiated or if the violation is minor and it can be foreseen that the investigation will involve an abnormally large amount of effort and expense. It is not obligatory to give those involved the opportunity to express themselves before such a decision is taken. If a complaint is dismissed or the investigation is discontinued, the police shall be obliged to inform the complainant of this if he or she has an interest in it. He shall also be advised that he or she can appeal the decision to the Public Prosecutor.

Case dropped

When the police investigation is complete, the prosecutor receives the evidence and makes sure that the investigation is complete. The prosecutor then makes an assessment of the case and if he considers that what has been brought is not sufficient or likely to be a conviction the case is dropped, but if he or she considers that what has been said is sufficient or likely to be a conviction, an indictment is issued against the accused. It is not obligatory to give those involved the opportunity to express themselves before such a decision is taken. If the case is dropped, the decision in this respect shall be notified to the victim, who is entitled to a statement of the reasons for the decision. A decision to drop a case may be appealed to the Public Prosecutor.