Section 2: The bringing of a civil action and its effects

When, after an investigation opened on the basis of a civil party’s complaint, a decision has been made to dismiss the case, the person under investigation and any other persons referred to in the complaint, and without prejudice to proceedings for slanderous denunciation, may, if they do not take civil action, claim damages from the plaintiff in the forms indicated below. The action for damages must be brought within three…

In criminal cases, where an offence against persons is covered by Book II of the Criminal Code or where an offence against property is covered by Book III of the same Code and is accompanied by offences against the person, the investigating judge may decide that the civil party shall be treated in the same way as the witness as regards the payment of compensation.