How long does a person have to file charges against some one for assault?

Answer 1

You (yourself) can NOT "press charges!" The only thing you can do is REPORT the assault to law enforcement and let them investigate the incident. If they find probable cause to arrest someone or apply for a warrant THEN THEY will approach the prosecutor who is the only one capable of filing charges.

Because of the circumstances you should report the offense as soo as possible so that police action can begin. The longer you wait the more doubtful your story will become.

Answer 2

In Canada, if the act is punishable by summary conviction (some assaults are), there is a 6 months statute of limitation. Waiting too long before pressing charges might also affect the credibility of the victim.

Answer 3

In the US, most laws have what is called a 'statute of limitations'. This is a statute (a legal clause) defining under what conditions a person can be prosecuted for breaking a given law. Statutes of limitation typically include a maximum time after which a crime can no longer be prosecuted. You cannot, for example, be prosecuted in most states for shoplifting a piece of bubble gum in 1980. You can be prosecuted for most sexual assault/murder type charges for a long time, even indefinitely. To give an accurate answer to this question, we would need to know what state you're in, the type of assault (sexual, aggravated, assault w/ a deadly weapon, etc.), etc. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the less supporting evidence the prosecution is likely to be able to find. Even if the statute of limitations hasn't expired, the prosecuting attorney may decide at his discretion not to pursue the case because of a lack of viable evidence.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

As long as it takes to conduct an investigation - determine the facts of the case - identify the perpetrator - and (possibly) present the case to the prosecutor (or a judge) for a warrant to be issued. This crime probably has a Statute of Limitations

associated with it but the state is not given.

Answer 5

Generally about 3 years, but rules are different for different places. Check with the local police where it occurred.