I thought the case was closed

[amandaf]

What is the name of your state? Illinois

Okay, basically this is the story. I committed credit card fraud using my roommates name. He called the cops, I confessed to everything and he agreed not to press charges as long as I payed him the amount I charged on the credit cards. While the cops were still present, I brought up my bank account on my computer to prove I had the funds (I did.) So, the agreement was that I would pay him in full and no charges would be filed.

I have payed him in full.

He asked the cops "what if it happens again?" And they told him that then he would of course be able to press charges.

I thought that meant that the case was closed, end of story.

Now he's claiming he can still press charges if he wants, for any reason, if I don't do what he says. He's making me pay him additional money (that I don't owe him)...."or else he'll call the cops". I'm really scared. I've never done anything like this before in my life, I'm not a bad person, I just made a really stupid mistake because I was angry with my roommate over his constantly being late on his share of rent and utility bills. I've learned my lesson. Now I just want this to be over with.

And I thought it was, after the cops left.

I guess my question is, can he just change his mind and decide to press charges at any time, when the situation hasn't changed?

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: I guess my question is, can he just change his mind and decide to press charges at any time, when the situation hasn't changed?

A: It is up to the prosecuting attorney whether to file charges. You did commit a crime. Restitution doesn't make it go away.

 

[amandaf]

Q: I guess my question is, can he just change his mind and decide to press charges at any time, when the situation hasn't changed?

A: It is up to the prosecuting attorney whether to file charges. You did commit a crime. Restitution doesn't make it go away.

I understand that restitution doesn't make it go away.

There was never an attorney involved with this. The police officers just wanted to handle it as a "domestic dispute" and leave it at that. It never went further than the one confrontation with the police, in which an agreement was made that I would pay up and no charges would be filed.

I payed up. Now my roommate claims he can still file charges if he wants. Can he? And if so, can he just do it whenever or is there a time limit?

 

[thanrah1]

Change of mind?

The police probably made a report on this or at least have their notes. It'll be up to the police and/or prosecutor to decide if it goes any further.....I hope you have proof that you paid.

 

[Some Random Guy]

1. Get it in writing that if you pay your roomie $X in addition to the restitution already paid, then he will not file charges.

and/or

2. Talk to the police about this extortion attempt. Even though you committed the crime, you still have rights.