6. Mistakes to avoid

6.1 Don't confuse contraventions, délits and crimes

Under French law, criminal offenses are classified according to their seriousness, from the most to the least serious, into crimes, délits and contraventions. The law determines the crimes and offenses and sets the penalties applicable to their perpetrators.

The regulations (decree, order) determine the contraventions and set the penalties applicable to offenders.

It is on the basis of the penalty incurred that it is determined whether the facts reported constitute a contravention, a délit or a crime:

• contraventions are punishable by a fine of up to 1,500 euros;

• offences are punishable by a fine, from...