French Code of Criminal Procedure
In forceThe judgement is handed down in chambers.
If the judgement is handed down immediately, a copy of the judgement is given to the convicted person and, where applicable, to his lawyer, against a signature in the proceedings file except in cases where the copy of the judgement is not immediately available.
If the decision has been taken under advisement, the judgment is notified to the convicted person in custody by the head of the prison, who gives him or her a copy of the judgment against a signature; if the convicted person is not in custody, a copy of the judgment is sent to him or her by registered letter; a copy of the judgement is also sent by registered letter or fax to the convicted person's lawyer; in the case of a judgement revoking or withdrawing a measure, the copy of the judgement sent to the convicted person who is not a prisoner is sent by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply where the copy of the judgment handed down in the circumstances provided for in the second paragraph is not immediately available.
As soon as it is handed down, the judgment shall be notified to the public prosecutor. A copy is sent to the director of the prison integration and probation service and, where the sentenced person is incarcerated, to the head of the prison.
Where audiovisual means of communication are used, the operative part of the judgment is read out to the sentenced person by the same means, and mention of this formality is made in the hearing notes. After the hearing, the sentenced person is notified of the judgment in the manner provided for in the second paragraph.
