how do i report a crime against me "lawyer"

Who is required to report child abuse?

Child Abuse. Every state requires certain groups of professionals to report child abuse. Most commonly, people who work in health care, education, and child care are among those required to make a report of suspected child abuse to local authorities. Some states require all citizens to report cases of suspected child abuse.

What is it called when you make a false statement to police?

Making an intentionally false statement in response to a law enforcement question about an investigation is a crime often referred to as “misprision.”. When considering whether to make a report, remember that you do not have to be certain that a crime has been committed or will be committed.

What is mandatory reporting?

Further, depending on your job, you may, as an employee , have an obligation to report certain work-related suspicious activity to a government agency or the police. These duties are commonly called “mandatory reporting requirements.”.

Why is not requiring intervention or reporting important?

The reason for not requiring intervention or reporting is to leave policing to the professionals and to avoid turning all citizens into informants. For example, imagine taking a walk in the park on your day off. You see a masked man running toward you with a purse in his hand. He’s being chased by an elderly woman.

What happens if you tell the police the getaway car is red?

If you tell the police the getaway car was red, but the next day you remember it was white, that’s an honest mistake. While it’s alright to make an honest mistake in describing what you saw, you should not intentionally mislead the authorities. Providing a false report to the police is itself a crime.

Why do governments enact laws?

Governments typically enact such laws to protect persons who may be particularly vulnerable, such as children, the disabled, and the elderly. And some professionals have mandatory reporting requirements even where no vulnerable victims are involved.

What does "if you see something, say something" mean?

Along the same lines, while you have likely seen many posters with the slogan “If you see something, say something,” all the police can do, in most cases, is ask the public to make reports and hope that they do.

What happens if you don't report a crime?

There are several instances where remaining silent and failing to report a crime to authorities can have negative consequences for you. From mandatory reporting laws to becoming an accessory after the fact, crime in any form simply doesn't pay. But if you've been accused of failing to report a criminal offense, you may have options. Speak with a criminal defense attorney in your area today to discuss the specific facts of your case and receive personalized legal advice on how to proceed.

What is the duty of a mandatory reporter?

Once a mandatory reporter witnesses an act of abuse or finds evidence of child abuse, he or she has a duty to report the incident to the appropriate authorities. That usually includes sharing important details about the incident, like the names of the victim and perpetrator.

Is failure to report a crime a crime?

In most states, mere failure to report a crime isn't a crime in itself. However, there are some exceptions. Below, you'll find a number of instances in which failing to report a crime could expose you to criminal liability.

Is it illegal to fail to report a felony in Ohio?

In Ohio, on the other hand, it's illegal to knowingly fail to report a felony. Take a look at your state's penal code or consult with an attorney to determine whether your state has a failure to report law.

Is it illegal to not report a crime?

Failure to Report Laws. In most states failure to report isn't illegal, but a small minority of states have enacted laws punishing individuals who fail to report certain types of crimes to the authorities.

Can you be an accessory after a robbery?

For example, hiding a weapon that was used in a robbery will probably make you an accessory after the fact under the laws of most states, even if you took no part in the actual robbery. These incidents of failure to report a crime can have serious consequences.

Can a lawyer be disciplined for threatening a criminal case?

Whether a lawyer who makes this kind of threat can be disciplined depends on the law in the jurisdiction. In California, for one, the relevant rule says that a lawyer "shall not threaten to present criminal, administrative, or disciplinary charges to obtain an advantage in a civil dispute.".

Can a debt collector threaten a criminal charge?

Debt collectors. It can also be illegal for a debt collector to threaten criminal action against someone who is late on a bill. (See this article on debt-collector threats .) Anyone who's been threatened with criminal charges should normally consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Talk to a Lawyer.