How to File a Private Criminal Complaint
Generally, police initiate the action to file criminal charges, although you may want to file a private criminal complaint on your own. The process for doing so varies by jurisdiction; however, you can follow a similar process regardless of your jurisdiction. This process doesn't guarantee criminal prosecution. Pending further investigation, you may or may not prevail in prompting charges to be filed.
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Instructions
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Contact the district attorney's office for your jurisdiction. Ask them if they accept private criminal complaints. Many jurisdictions don't allow these types of complaints. You'll still be able to file a police report and hope for the best.
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Verify that the allegations fit within the framework of private criminal complaints in your area. Generally, jurisdictions that accept such complaints allow them for minor offenses only. Trespassing is a common private criminal complaint.
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Gather evidence. A mere allegation will prove insufficient in any jurisdiction.
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Visit your local district attorney's office. Obtain a form for a private criminal complaint. Fill this form out to the best of your ability. An investigator will contact you about the report if it meets the legal burden of stating an actionable claim.
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Aid the investigator. Provide any assistance you can to help the investigator meet the burden of proof for this issue.
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