How to lodge a Complaint?

A complaint is informing public prosecution or law enforcement office about the crime that you have been involved as a victim, the name of perpetrator/s, if you know, and your explicit declaration of will concerning punishment of the perpetrator/s. It will be usefull to bring a petition describing the incident with you, but not really necessary.

WHAT SHOULD I DO ?

Civil law suits are sued upon to the will of the parties. However, criminal cases are launched on the basis of a request on behalf of the public and public prosecutor is the party of the case on behalf of the public. Therefore, procedures are simpler compared to that of in civil cases. It is sufficient that one (you )informed the crime to the authorities. It is not likely that you are deprieved of your rights because of procedures.
 

Can I Participate to the judicial process?

Trial is conducted on behalf of the public in criminal cases. However, state entitles you to a certain extent to participate to the trial process with the prosecutor just because you are victim of the crime. If you complain or participate to the trial process then you are entitled to be involved in several proceedings.

What is the Difference Between the Victim and the Complainant?

Victim is a person whose rights have been violated by commission of a crime. The request of victims concerning punishment of the perpetrators is called complaint. Every victim may not be complainant. There fore this distinction exists.

What Will Happen If I do not Complain?

Punishment of some crimes (misdemenaours) is based upon complaint of the victim. However complaint is not necessary in the punishment of serious crimes. The perpetrator is punished even if the victim does not complain.

Are Complaint and Denunciation the same?

When ever a crime is committed public order is broken (distorted)there fore public entitles (empower) public prosecution office to prosecute the crimes. Everyone may inform the law enforcement public prosecution offices about a committed crime. While complaint is a right granted to victims, denunciation may be processed by everyone. Complainant may participate in the trial, but informant has no right to do this.
Then, What is Intervening to the Trial?
When a public case is filed, copmlainant may intervene in the trial and may be party to the judicial proceedings. Intervention is a procedural transaction and it is conducted by declaring your intention to the court. If the court approves the request then intervenor becames party to the judicial proceedings. For ex. intervenor may submit vitness list, ask questions to vitnesses via court, appeal the decision. Intervention does not mean to be present at every hearing. It means to be a party to the case in the procedural sense.

Is Lawyer necessary?

Public officers shall deal with the necessary transactions on behalf of the victims or any other person whose rights have been violated. It is of your advantagous to represent yourself by a lawyer but it is not compulsory. Victims of sexual crimes and crimes that have a lower limit of more than 5 years of imprisonment may ask for a free counsel from the bar provided that they are intervenor. If the victim or person whose rights have been violated is minor, deaf or dumb, or mentally disabled so that he can not defend himself then it is compulsory to provide a counsel. If they have no counsel bar appoints one for them.

I am a Victim: I want to Launch a Criminal Case:

Public prosecutors are only entitled to bring a file before the court in criminal law. If you are a
victim upon your complaint to the public prosecutor he will conduct the investigation and bring the file before the court.