8. Can I file criminal charges?
You can file criminal charges against the abuser for
acts of domestic violence, because they are all crimes. Criminal charges can
only be filed at your local police department. For very serious crimes, a
prosecutor may take your case to state criminal court. You do not have to file
criminal charges, but the law does allow you to file them if you choose, even
if you also get a restraining order. In most states you have at least a year
after any incident to file criminal charges. The police can also file charges
on their own and must do so when you show signs of injury or if a weapon was
used. If the abuser is found guilty of the criminal charges, the court can
impose fines, probation, or even jail as punishment.
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