The statute of limitations for most felonies, unless specified otherwise, is 3 years. This means that prosecutors must press charges within 3 years from the date the alleged crime took place. For some felonies, the statute of limitations can be 5, 7, or 10 years, and for the most severe, there is no time limit at all.
Seeking justice often motivates pressing charges. Filing charges ensures perpetrators are held accountable, potentially leading to imprisonment or fines. This formal recognition of harm provides a sense of justice, validating the victim's experience.
If you have been a victim of a criminal offense, you should contact the nearest local law enforcement agency to conduct the investigation and file the appropriate criminal charges through the District Attorney's Office.
If you are attacked, YES you can press charges even if coming out on top. It is probably advisable to press charges, particularly if the evidence is on your side, because your assailant may otherwise claim that you were the aggressor and sue you. Can you sue someone for assaulting you?
For example, a battery conviction in Texas is subject to the following sentencing schedule: Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500. Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, plus a fine of up to $2,000. Class A misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail, plus a fine of up to $4,000.
Pressing charges involves reporting the incident to the relevant authorities and providing any evidence or information that supports the case. Remember that if you are the victim of a crime, technically, the State of Texas is the victim in a criminal case, not you personally.