Criminal injuries compensation tribunal
What happens next
The tribunal will send a copy of your appeal form to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). CICA will usually respond to you and the tribunal within 6 weeks.
You’ll have one month to get back to the tribunal with any extra information or arguments.
How your appeal will be decided
The tribunal will write to tell you if your appeal will be decided using either:
- the paperwork in the case
- a hearing
You can ask the tribunal for a hearing if you’re unhappy with not being given one.
The tribunal judge’s decision will be sent to you by post if your appeal is decided using paperwork.
You’ll be given at least 14 days’ notice of any hearing.
Hearings
The hearing will usually be held in the area covered by the police force which investigated the crime.
If you or your witness or representative is outside the UK and wants to give live video or audio evidence, contact the tribunal to request it. Tell the tribunal what country you, the witness or representative is in and what type of evidence is being given. You must do this as soon as possible.
The hearing will be attended by:
- 2 or 3 tribunal judges or members
- a clerk
- a representative from CICA
- any witnesses
A police officer who knows about your case may also attend if they can help the tribunal.
Offenders do not usually attend tribunal hearings.
What happens at a hearing
You’ll be asked questions about the crime and your injuries.
You’ll present your case to the judge - someone else can do this for you, for example a lawyer, friend or family member.
Witnesses will come into the hearing room to give evidence - they’ll leave after they’ve done that.
You or your representative can ask questions during the hearing, and can make points at the end.
You’ll usually get the tribunal’s decision on the day of the hearing.
Expenses for going to the hearing
The tribunal will send you information on how to claim expenses for going to the hearing, such as travel costs.