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Is it too late for me to press charges?
Anonymous8 views7 answers
I have a family member, a cousin to be exact assaulted me 4 days ago. He was intoxicated, and pored a cup of alcohol into my face and also threw a few blows to my temple, I do have visible scares on my body, and am suffering some injuries. I am still receiving threats from him and other family members as well, What I would like to know is it it to late for me too make a police report? and if so should I make the report where it happened at? Or where I live?
Anthony Joseph MuhlenkampCriminal Defense AttorneySaint Louis, MO ·
You can always file a police report. Rule of thumb is the sooner the better because wounds heal and evidence gets lost. However, the police should always talk to you about the incident and at least take a report. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges or not, but nothing will happen until you contact the police and file a complaint. I suggest you go to the police department where the incident occurred and tell them you want to file a report for being recently assaulted. You probably want to photograph your injuries as well in order to document everything you can. (The police should do this also)
While it is not too late to report the incident you may have some trouble getting a prosecutor to file charges this late in the time frame. You file the report with the police agency in the location of the crime.
You also should talk to a lawyer about the ongoing complaint about harassment.
Not too late to make a police report, but chances of the DA filing actually pursuing charges is reduced with each passing day. Suggest making a trip down to your local police station immediately and explain your situation. They will advise.
The longer you wait the greater the chance your complaint will go nowhere. Based on what you have said, go to the police station in the area where the assault occurred.
Did you receive medical treatment? do you have pictures of any injuries? Take the evidence with you when you go to the police station.
If it is in an incorporated area covered by the St Louis County police department (such as Jennings), you should go to their office in the jurisdiction where this occurred. If it is unincorporated St Louis County you can go to their closest satellite office. If it is a municipality with it's own police department, go there.
