Criminal Law
Police custody, indictment, criminal trial, or support for victims: criminal proceedings involve decisive stages where the quality of legal defence can make all the difference.
Nathalie CARTIER acts both for individuals under investigation or prosecution and for victims, providing responsive, rigorous, and fully confidential legal assistance throughout the proceedings.
Defending liberty, dignity, and the presumption of innocence
Protecting liberty, dignity, and the presumption of innocence
In criminal proceedings — whether police custody, indictment, or trial before a criminal court — the quality of the defence is decisive. Nathalie CARTIER represents individuals accused of offences to ensure their rights are fully respected at every stage of the proceedings, and also assists victims in obtaining compensation. Rigour, responsiveness, and discretion define her practice.
Police custody (garde à vue) — Immediate intervention
Police custody is a stressful and decisive stage. You are entitled to legal assistance from the very first hour. Maître CARTIER intervenes promptly to protect your rights from the outset.
Immediate intervention upon notification of custody
Confidential 30-minute consultation before each interview
Assistance during interviews and the right to ask questions
Information regarding the alleged offences
Challenge of the legality of the measure and request for release
Early preparation of the defence strategy
Judicial investigation and indictment
When a judicial investigation is opened, Nathalie CARTIER provides continuous legal support throughout the proceedings.
Assistance during interrogations before the investigating judge
Requests for investigative acts (expert reports, confrontations, witness hearings)
Challenge of pre-trial detention orders
Applications for release before the Investigating Chamber
Monitoring of judicial supervision measures and requests for adjustments
Review of the case file and motions to annul procedural irregularities
Criminal defence — Offences against persons
Nathalie CARTIER defends individuals prosecuted for offences against others, ensuring a comprehensive and evidence-based defence.
Intentional violence (simple, aggravated, with weapons)
Psychological harassment and sexual harassment
Sexual assault — factual and procedural challenges
Threats, intimidation, blackmail
Endangering the lives of others
Manslaughter and involuntary injury
Criminal defence — Offences against property
Whether theft, fraud, or breach of trust, Nathalie CARTIER analyses facts, evidence, and procedure to build a robust defence.
Theft (simple or aggravated), handling of stolen goods
Fraud, breach of trust, forgery and use of forged documents
Computer fraud and attacks on automated data systems
Extortion, blackmail, and intentional damage
Road traffic offences
Traffic offences can have serious consequences: licence suspension or cancellation, criminal record, and victim compensation claims.
Nathalie CARTIER represents clients before police courts and criminal courts.
Drink-driving or drug-driving offences
Fatal or non-fatal road traffic accidents
Excessive speeding leading to administrative suspension
Hit and run offences
Driving without a licence or while disqualified
Refusal to comply with police orders
Business criminal law
Criminal offences committed in a business context require both legal and economic expertise. Maître CARTIER defends clients in corporate criminal proceedings.
Misuse of company assets
Bribery and corruption, influence peddling
Tax fraud
Money laundering
Undeclared work
Bankruptcy offences and falsification of accounts
Obstruction of employee representative bodies
Representation of victims
Being a victim does not mean remaining passive in criminal proceedings. Nathalie CARTIER supports clients in asserting their rights and obtaining compensation.
Filing complaints and civil party applications
Representation before the investigating judge
Representation at trial (criminal court, Assize Court)
Claims for damages (physical, psychological, and financial harm)
Applications to the Victims Compensation Fund (FGTI)
Enforcement of judgments
Appeals against acquittals or insufficient sentences
Sentence enforcement and adjustment
Following conviction, several alternatives to imprisonment may be available. Nathalie CARTIER represents clients before the sentencing judge to seek appropriate adjustments.
Suspended sentence (simple or probationary)
Electronic monitoring (house arrest with ankle tag)
Semi-liberty and external placement
Conditional release
Judicial rehabilitation and criminal record clearance
Community service orders (TIG)
FAQs
: What are the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a €4,500 fine, and the suspension or cancellation of your driving licence. Nathalie Cartier can represent and defend your rights before the court.
Can my criminal record be erased?
Depending on the nature of the conviction, it may be possible to have your criminal record restricted or cleared (Bulletin No. 2 or No. 3 under French law), or to obtain judicial rehabilitation after a statutory period without further offences. Nathalie Cartier will review your case and take the appropriate legal action.
Q: Can imprisonment be suspended or avoided after sentencing?
Yes, several alternatives may be available, including a suspended sentence (simple suspension), a suspended sentence with probation, electronic monitoring (electronic tagging), semi-custodial measures, or community service. Nathalie Cartier may seek a sentence adjustment during the hearing and, where necessary, apply to the Sentence Enforcement Judge for appropriate measures.
Q: Do I have the right to legal counsel during police custody?
Yes. This is a fundamental right. From the outset of police custody (garde à vue), you are entitled to request legal representation. Nathalie Cartier may intervene from the first hour, hold a confidential consultation with you, and attend your interviews.
Q: What is the difference between an infraction, a misdemeanour and a felony under French criminal law?
riminal offences in France are classified according to their severity. Minor offences (contraventions) are heard by the Police Court (tribunal de police). Misdemeanours (délits), such as theft or fraud, are heard by the Criminal Court (tribunal correctionnel). Felonies (crimes), such as murder or rape, are tried before the Assize Court (Cour d’assises).
Q: How can a victim of a criminal offence file a civil party claim (constitute themselves as a civil party)?
Filing a civil party claim allows you to take part in criminal proceedings and seek compensation for your loss. It may be done when lodging a complaint, during the investigation phase, or directly at the hearing. Nathalie Cartier will assist you at every stage of the process.
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