If you’ve been through a violent crime, it’s completely normal to worry that you might not be believed, especially if nobody was convicted. A lot of people assume that means they can’t claim compensation. But that isn’t always true.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government scheme that can pay compensation to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales. This means you can sometimes make a CICA claim without a conviction, as long as key rules are met.
In this guide, we’ll explain how CICA decides claims using evidence, what reasonable cooperation with the police means, how time limits work and what happens in situations like no further action (NFA) or a not guilty verdict. We’ll also cover how Express Solicitors can support you on a no win, no fee basis.
Can I claim CICA if nobody was convicted?
A conviction is not required under the CICA Scheme. That’s why a CICA claim without a conviction might still be possible even if the case didn’t go to court or the person responsible was never found.
CICA makes decisions using the balance of probabilities. That means it looks at whether something is more likely than not to have happened.
It also helps to know that the attacker doesn’t have to be identified, arrested or charged for your claim to be considered. CICA looks at the available evidence and what the police and medical records support.
While every case depends on its facts, many people successfully claim criminal injuries compensation without a conviction, including where there are no witnesses or where the criminal case doesn’t result in a guilty verdict.
What if there were no charges, the case was dropped or there was an acquittal?
These outcomes can feel like the door has been closed. But they don’t automatically stop a CICA no conviction claim.
No arrest or charges
You might still be able to claim through CICA if you reported the incident to the police as soon as reasonably possible and cooperated with the investigation. Even if there were no charges, CICA can assess the evidence and decide whether an award is appropriate.
Case dropped or no further action (NFA)
Sometimes the police or CPS take no further action (NFA) because there isn’t enough evidence to prosecute. That doesn’t mean nothing happened. CICA can make its own decision based on the overall evidence, so you might still have a CICA claim if no charges were brought.
Not guilty verdict
A criminal court must be sure beyond reasonable doubt before convicting someone. CICA uses a lower standard — the balance of probabilities. So even if someone is found not guilty, that doesn’t automatically bar your claim. You can still apply and CICA will look at the evidence in the round.
What evidence do I need if there’s no conviction?
Without a conviction, evidence matters even more. The good news is you don’t need perfect proof, you need enough information to show what’s most likely happened.
How CICA evaluates evidence
CICA usually considers evidence like:
- Police reports and incident logs
- Medical notes like A&E, GP, hospital treatment
- Mental health records for anxiety, PTSD, counselling or therapy
- Witness statements if anyone saw what happened or saw the impact afterwards
- Other relevant records like safeguarding notes in abuse cases
CICA use this information to decide whether it’s more likely than not that you were a victim of a crime of violence and what injuries you suffered as a result.
How you can support your claim
There are practical steps that can strengthen your application:
- Keep records of your crime reference number and any key dates
- Attend medical appointments and be open about symptoms
- Be as consistent as you can in what you report and when
- Save any supporting messages, photos, or notes that may help explain what happened
If you’d like help, we can support you by gathering records, presenting your evidence clearly, and dealing with CICA on your behalf. You can also read more about the process on our pages about criminal injuries compensation and CICA claims.
Do I have to report the crime to the police and cooperate?
Reporting to the police is a core requirement for CICA. If you’re worried because you didn’t report straight away, it’s still worth seeking advice.
CICA also expects reasonable cooperation with the police. That usually means doing things like:
- Giving a statement and pressing charges
- Answering follow-up questions
- Attending appointments if asked
We understand that reporting can be especially difficult in cases involving domestic abuse or sexual assault, where fear, control, shame or trauma can stop you coming forward. CICA can take exceptional circumstances into account in some situations — for example, where you were not able to report sooner or engage in the usual way.
How do time limits and late reporting work?
As a general guide, adults usually need to apply to CICA within two years of the date of the incident. That said, time limits aren’t always straightforward, they can depend on your circumstances and the type of claim. For children and historic abuse, different rules can apply.
CICA can sometimes extend deadlines in exceptional circumstances, like where trauma, coercive control or mental health difficulties meant you couldn’t apply sooner.
If you’re unsure about dates, it’s worth seeking advice early so you don’t miss out. But please don’t assume it’s too late without checking.
What if I have my own criminal convictions?
Your attacker’s conviction or lack of one is one thing. But CICA can also look at your own criminal record when deciding whether to pay compensation.
In some situations, unspent convictions can reduce your award or mean CICA refuses the claim altogether. The key thing is to be honest and upfront. Trying to hide information can cause delays or problems later.
We can talk you through how this might affect your case and what information CICA is likely to request.
How Express Solicitors can help
CICA claims can feel daunting, especially when there’s been no conviction, no charges, or a not guilty verdict. But you don’t have to handle it alone. We can help by:
- Checking eligibility and explaining your options clearly
- Gathering and organising evidence like police and medical records
- Handling tricky situations like NFA, limited evidence, or historic reporting
- Requesting a review if CICA rejects the claim
- Advising on appeals where appropriate
We offer no win, no fee for CICA claims in appropriate cases, which means no upfront payment. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is taken from your compensation. Terms apply.
Most importantly, we understand how sensitive these claims can be and we’ll treat you with care, respect and discretion from the first conversation.
Get in touch
Not having a conviction doesn’t always mean you can’t claim. CICA can make a decision on the balance of probabilities, even where there were no charges, the case was dropped or the outcome was not guilty.
If you’re unsure, try not to rule yourself out. The right advice can help you understand where you stand, what evidence might support you and whether exceptions might apply.
Get in touch with Express Solicitors today for a free, confidential chat about your CICA claim, even if there has been no conviction.
FAQs
Can I claim CICA if my attacker was never identified?
Often, yes. CICA can consider your claim even if the attacker is unknown, as long as the crime was reported and evidence supports what happened.
Can I claim if the CPS dropped the case?
A CPS decision doesn’t automatically stop a CICA claim. CICA can still assess evidence and decide on the balance of probabilities.
Do I need to wait for a criminal trial to finish?
You do not need to wait for a criminal trial to finish before claiming via CICA. In some cases you can apply while an investigation is ongoing but timing can depend on what evidence is available.
Can I claim for historic or childhood abuse?
Different time limit rules might apply and exceptions can be possible.
Can I claim if there were no witnesses?
You might still be able to claim. CICA can rely on police and medical records and other evidence, not just witness statements.
Should I apply myself or use a solicitor?
You can apply yourself, but a solicitor can help gather evidence, explain rules and challenge decisions. We can advise you with no upfront payment. Terms apply.