Can a Victim Press Charges? How the Process Works
"Press charges" is a phrase everyone knows, but few people understand. Find out who actually files criminal charges, what evidence it takes, and how much say victims really have in the process
Reliable and easy-to-understand legal guidance from experts, plus connections to defense attorneys.
Learn about your rights—and how to protect them—when dealing with the police and facing criminal charges.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
Police can–and often do–lie to people when questioning them. It’s a tactic they use to get incriminating information out of suspects.
No matter where you are in the process, we’ll break down what you can expect.
Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.
Prosecutors don’t file charges in every case that comes across their desks. One study found that prosecutors rejected or dismissed nearly 30% of cases.
From the least serious to the most, we cover the particulars of all kinds of criminal charges.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Criminal convictions rarely result from jury verdicts. Over 90% come from guilty pleas and plea bargaining.
Get answers to key questions like how to find a lawyer and what to expect from one.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
One study found that defendants were 75% less likely to be convicted if they met with a lawyer within 48 hours of their arrest.
Find answers to a variety of questions about the criminal justice system.
"Press charges" is a phrase everyone knows, but few people understand. Find out who actually files criminal charges, what evidence it takes, and how much say victims really have in the process
Maryland allows family members, certain health professionals, law enforcement, and others to request orders that require dangerous gun owners to give up their weapons.
If a teen runs away from home, state law determines what happens next. Learn about status offenses, harboring laws, legal options, and getting help.
Learn about North Carolina’s open and concealed carry gun laws, as well as the places where guns are off limits.
Revenge porn—also called nonconsensual distribution of intimate images (NDII)—is the posting or sharing of sexually explicit images without the subject's consent. Federal law and nearly every state now criminalize it.
Talk to a criminal defense attorney who can explain the law, investigate the facts, and protect your rights. Fill out the form to be connected with attorneys in your area.