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Pressing charges

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Katscause

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

When you file a domestic abuse report with law enforcement, do you have to immediately press charges or can you do it at a later time? How long do you have to press charges after the report is filed?
 


Banned_Princess

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Colorado

When you file a domestic abuse report with law enforcement, do you have to immediately press charges or can you do it at a later time? How long do you have to press charges after the report is filed?
You in fact do not press any charges.

You put in the report, you tell them "report only" or "submit to DA" and the DA then presses charges if they feel like it is important, and then you have no say over where the case goes.

Good day.
 

Banned_Princess

Senior Member
Thank you for responding. Why don't you press charges?
Quite simply Its not up to you as a private citizen to "press charges"

I have heard the police ask if "you want to press charges" which is just a quick way of asking if you want him arrested, and the report / complaint will be sent to the DA to see if they will make the case, and pursue charges. Usually they do. They pick up the case, and its out of your hands, even though you may be required to testify. You have really no standing to bring any criminal charges against anyone.

Mostly if theres enough proof, police wont ask you anything. (black eye, broke jaw, dead) and offender will be arrested, charged, prosecuted, and whatnot, without you at all.


In the end, if your other hit you, you call the cops, you ask the report be report only, you cant go back a week later and ask he be arrested for it.
 

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