3. Identify the steps in a penal transaction

3.1 Phase 1: proposed penal transaction

The penal transaction proposal is drawn up by the departmental prefect (police prefect in Paris), based on the circumstances and seriousness of the offence, the personality of the offender, and his or her resources and expenses.

This is an option, and the administration is not obliged to draw up such a proposal.

The transaction proposal mentions :

• the nature of the charges and their legal classification ;

• the amount of penalties incurred ;

• the amount of the settlement fine ;

• deadlines for payment and, where applicable, for performance of obligations;...