suspectes

Suspectes is the feminine plural form of suspect in French. It designates women who are believed to be involved in a crime but have not yet been charged, tried, or convicted. The masculine plural is suspects, and the generic term for a group of people of mixed gender is suspects as well. In everyday use, suspectes appears primarily in news reports or informal discussion when referring to female individuals under investigation.

Legal terminology varies by jurisdiction. In many Francophone and international contexts, suspect status is associated with investigation rather than a formal accusation. Official stages of criminal proceedings may use terms such as mis en examen or mis en cause, or a formal charge of prévenu, depending on the legal system. Regardless of terminology, the label 'suspect' or 'suspectes' signals that a person is under inquiry, not yet a convicted offender.

Rights and safeguards typically accompany the suspect status, including the presumption of innocence, the right to be informed of relevant allegations, and the right to legal counsel and to silence in interrogations. Investigative measures—such as questioning, searches, or surveillance—are ordinarily bound by procedural rules to protect against abuse and ensure due process.